Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Capstone Projects
Document Type
Thesis or dissertation
Date of this Version
2019
Abstract
Research has shown the benefits of religion and spirituality to an individual’s well-being. And yet, over the last several decades, the Catholic Church has seen a decline in affiliated members, especially amongst adolescents. Furthermore, this same population of adolescents has experienced exponential increases in anxiety, depression, and suicide rates, which begs the question: how must the Church respond? This paper examines this decline in religious affiliation and decrease in adolescent well-being, looking specifically towards character strengths and virtue for remedies. Finally, using the new science of positive psychology, this paper will propose that holiness is found through living the virtuous life, which ultimately leads to a life of fulfillment.
Keywords
virtue, character, Catholicism, positive psychology, ethics, virtue ethics, morality, happiness, eudaimonia, adolescence, religion, spirituality, well-being, character strengths
Topic
Well-Being/Flourishing, Religion, Spirituality, Catholicism, Virtue, Ethics
Format
Thesis
Included in
Catholic Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, Ethics in Religion Commons, Other Psychology Commons, Practical Theology Commons
Date Posted: 04 October 2019