Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Capstones
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Publication Between the Tides of East and West: Using Character Strengths to Navigate the Iranian-American ‘Hyphenated’ Identity and Address Intercultural Conflict(2024) Ava ShahiA hyphen is used to bridge two words that do not normally belong: well-being, problem-solving, long-term. Much like the way a hyphen occupies a unique space between two words, hyphenated Americans navigate a unique space between two cultures, caught in the metaphorical tides of clashing 'Eastern' and 'Western' values. This paper seeks to broaden the understanding of well-being and the application of positive psychology interventions in these diverse and often invisible communities, focusing on the second-generation Iranian-American community. Drawing on interdisciplinary research from anthropology, sociology, and peace and conflict studies, it identifies and examines identity negotiation, discrimination, and intergenerational conflict as unique challenges to this group. The paper explores how the use of character strengths can enhance well-being and positive youth development by bridging Iranian collectivist and American individualist cultural differences. Practical applications of character strengths for Iranian-American youth in educational and familial settings are also discussed. Additionally, a novel approach integrating character strengths with intercultural conflict styles is introduced to address communication challenges. This strengths-based approach aims to reduce conflict and promote understanding between differing cultural orientations. The paper calls for further empirical research on character strengths among Iranian-Americans and other Middle Eastern American populations to advance toward a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of well-being in positive psychology.Publication The Well-Being Revolution: An Integrative, Scientific, and Practical Guide for a Happier Life(2024-07-15) Diego Burger Araujo SantosThis thesis introduces the HRG Model, a novel approach to understanding and enhancing happiness through a comprehensive framework. The HRG Model bridges the fields of well-being, offering a digestible way for well-educated laypeople to understand and apply this knowledge. It is structured around three pillars—Health (physiological), Relationships (social), and Growth (psychological)—each comprising five facets, providing a detailed prescription for enhancing well-being. The facets include exercise, meditation, time in nature, sleep, and nutrition (Health); family, romantic life, friends, work colleagues, and strangers (Relationships); and meaning, work & money, self-actualization, savoring joy, and spirituality (Growth). The model synthesizes existing literature and connects diverse theories, addressing the gap in current research which often emphasizes new theories over improving existing ones. This work critiques the deficit-based approach prevalent in academia and proposes a strength-based framework. By conducting a thorough literature review, this thesis aims to empower individuals to take actionable steps toward improving their well-being.Publication Empowering Excellence: Unleashing Agency in Black Youth(2024-08-01) Leneice RIceThis paper examines the literature on positive psychology interventions aimed at enhancing agency—specifically optimism, creativity, and efficacy—among Black youth aged 16-20, with the ultimate goal of fostering Black excellence. The review synthesizes existing research to identify three actionable interventions tailored to address the unique socio-cultural contexts and challenges Black youth face in achieving personal and collective empowerment through strong agentic thinking and actions. Drawing on studies emphasizing culturally sensitive approaches, the paper proposes a 3-intervention handbook that can be in youth centers, educational settings, homes, and community settings. These interventions can mitigate systemic barriers and promote resilience. The findings underscore the critical role of culturally competent practitioners in delivering interventions that support the holistic development of Black youth, thereby contributing to their positive psychological outcomes and collective advancement. Ultimately, the project endeavors to empower Black youth with the tools and resources needed to thrive amidst their challenges, fostering resilience and well-being for generations to come.Publication Predicting with Positivity: Investigating the Impact of Positive Psychology on Forecasting Accuracy and Human-AI Collaboration(2024-07-15) Antonio, ChristopherThis capstone explores the intersection of positive psychology and geopolitical forecasting, focusing on personality traits that support mastery among a select group known as "Superforecasters." By reviewing existing forecasting and positive psychology literature, this study reveals these fields' synergistic potential. The goal is to demonstrate that incorporating positive psychology principles can enhance predictive accuracy and decision-making, leading to more favorable outcomes across these domains. We present a comprehensive literature survey of studies on forecasting, positive psychology, and data from the Good Judgment Project, a research initiative led by Drs. Barbara Mellers and Philip Tetlock at the University of Pennsylvania. This review identifies key personality attributes that correlate with forecasting excellence, many of which align with the principles of positive psychology. Additionally, the study explores the potential optimization of forecasting by integrating human attributes and artificial intelligence (AI). We discuss how positive psychology fortifies dialectical complexity, a decisive human contribution to forecasting. This research underscores the practical significance of merging these spheres to achieve superior forecasting outcomes.Publication Enhancing Mission Critical Team Training: The Potential of Instructional Coaching Informed by Positive Psychology(2024) Diamond, SheaMission critical teams (MCTs) are high-performing groups who train to solve complex problems under extreme pressure. Often, the most effective team members are subsequently selected to become instructors for future MCTs. However, these instructors often need more formal training in teaching and learning science. This paper explores the potential benefits of implementing instructional coaching in MCT training institutions. In doing so, it weaves together literature from education and psychology, incorporates firsthand experiences and observations from MCT instructors, and presents a job proposal for an instructional coach position. The paper argues that instructional coaching, informed by positive psychology principles, can enhance instructor effectiveness, improve trainer and trainee well-being, and optimize overall training outcomes. It also discusses the limitations of existing research and suggests avenues for future investigation. Keywords: positive psychology, instructional coaching, training cadre, special operations, mission critical teamsPublication The Integrated Positive Development Model of Aging-In: A Researched Based Approach on Integrating Foster Youth into Society After Emancipation(2024) Dill-Word, AntonioEmerging adulthood is a period of intense flux as young adults (ages seventeen through late twenties) navigate the challenges of becoming adults. This period of self-identity and development is distinctive by its feelings of instability, feeling in between adulthood and adolescence, identity exploration, self-focus, and optimism. However, for foster youth “aging-out” of the foster care system, this period is completely different. It is a period of lack of support, limited opportunities, low civil engagement, and low educational attainment. This paper offers a theoretical pathway toward a sufficient and secondary system following emancipation- aging-in. It looks at the psychological needs to reach self-actualization and how to experience wellness outcomes to create a system equitable to emerging adulthood while considering the challenges foster youth face. It suggests a model centered around 5 key areas: basic needs support, personal development and skills training, mentorship and internal community engagement, external community integration and matriculation, and returning as mentors and training in natural mentorship. The Integrated Positive Development Model of Aging-in is a research based, testable model that has the transformative potential to reshape the experience of emancipation.Publication Beyond Just a Model Teammate: A New Framework to Leverage Character Strengths in Talent Identification and Athlete Development(2024-08) Rindos, JustinThis paper recommends the integration of character strengths into talent identification and athlete development processes. A pivotal element of positive psychology, character strengths offer a valuable lens to view talent identification and athlete development at all ages and stages of an athlete’s career. Incorporating character strengths into talent identification processes can provide a more comprehensive understanding of an athlete’s potential beyond physical abilities. Similarly, by integrating character strengths into athlete development programs, sports organizations can foster a more holistic growth of key psychological skills in athletes. This paper explores the relationship between character strengths, related psychological frameworks, and sports performance and offers suggestions for assessing and developing character strengths in athletes. Overall, effectively leveraging character strengths in talent identification and athlete development programs may help sports organizations improve athletic outcomes.Publication Nordic Positive Ritual: What’s Hygge Got to Do with It?(2024-08) Niels GottThis paper explores the intersection of Nordic positive rituals and subjective well-being (SWB), examining how cultural practices from the Nordic countries can enhance individual and collective well-being. The Nordic countries tend to rank at the top of the list in the annual World Happiness Report. Drawing from personal experiences with Sámi reindeer rituals and the principles of positive psychology, the paper highlights the significance of concepts like hygge, fika, friluftsliv, lagom, njuta, sisu, and þetta reddast in promoting happiness, social cohesion, and resilience. Practical applications are proposed for developing positive rituals at both individual and collective levels, including morning mindfulness routines, workplace breaks, community gatherings, and cultural festivals. The integration of these practices can lead to improved mental health, stronger social bonds, and a more balanced and fulfilling life.Publication Transitar: Building Resilient Transitions through Self Narratives and Character Strengths for Latin American Immigrants(2024-08) Cepeda, DanielaThis capstone explores the possibility of increasing resilience among Latin American immigrants in the United States by integrating narrative reframing and character strengths framed within a culturally attuned lens. The Transitar program aims to foster resilience by enhancing self-efficacy and community support, drawing from positive psychology. Further, this paper contextualizes the challenges and cultural values inherent to Latin American immigrants. The proposed program involves the creation of a guided conversation program, Transitando Juntos Conversation Group. The program includes a facilitator's guide with psychoeducational concepts and prompts for reflection based on a game. During the conversations, participants will use the Transitando Juntos Card Game for cohort discussions to recognize and spot character strengths within their narratives and their peers, building self-efficacy. The program's methodology aims to reframe immigrants' self-narratives, leverage character strengths, and make meaningful social connections conducive to community support, ultimately fostering a resilient adaptation process during migratory transitions. Most importantly, this capstone highlights the importance of cultural competence in designing and applying effective psychological interventions and offers future directions for expanding and adapting the proposed program to diverse immigrant populations.Publication Connection Mindset: A Proposed Study(2024) William H. GronerConnection occurs from interactions between people and other people, places, and things. The results include enhanced subjective well-being, positive emotions, meaning, and belonging. Mindset relates to cognitions and implicit beliefs that inform motivation and behavior. This paper proposes the study of a new construct—a connection mindset. This mindset would explain why some people consider and act on connection opportunities more than others and enjoy greater well-being. Further research is proposed regarding the validation of connection mindset and the characteristics of interventions that may be developed to prime, enhance, or create a connection mindset, the success of which could profoundly impact individual and interpersonal well-being in a polarized, fragmented society.