Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Capstone Projects
Document Type
Working Paper
Date of this Version
8-1-2020
Abstract
Happiness has been the Holy Grail sought by most of humanity for millennia. What it is and how to find it has been discussed and debated since the earliest records of humankind, and has been the object of countless studies by scholars the world over, including those in the field of positive psychology. Several empirically-based theories of happiness and well-being have emerged, and there is much commonality between them. It is proposed here that religion and spirituality are primary sources of happiness and well-being, and that there is much overlap between these sources and the research and practices emerging within the field of positive psychology. One religion in particular, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), shows many broad intersections with positive psychology research and the interventions which contribute to well-being. Examining these intersections may deepen the appreciation LDS adherents feel toward their membership and more fully inform their level of participation. In addition, there are many interventions found within positive psychology which, if learned and applied, may increase the happiness and well-being of members of the LDS Church, and the public at large.
Keywords
atheism, belief, character strengths, church, Christianity, cognitive bias, community, eudaimonia, explanatory style, faith, Gospel of Christ, happiness, happy, health, hedonia, Latter Day Saints, LDS, meaning, meditation, Mormonism, Mormons, positive psychology, relationships, religion, religiosity, resilience, service, spirituality, spiritual practices, thinking traps, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, well-being
Topic
Well-Being/Flourishing, Character Strengths and Virtues, Relationships, Health/Wellness, Positive Emotions, Humanities
Included in
Biblical Studies Commons, Buddhist Studies Commons, Christian Denominations and Sects Commons, Christianity Commons, Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Community Psychology Commons, Ethics in Religion Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Growth and Development Commons, History of Christianity Commons, History of Religion Commons, Liturgy and Worship Commons, Missions and World Christianity Commons, Mormon Studies Commons, New Religious Movements Commons, Other Psychology Commons, Other Religion Commons, Political History Commons, Practical Theology Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons, Social Psychology Commons
Date Posted: 08 September 2020