Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Capstone Projects
Document Type
Thesis or dissertation
Date of this Version
8-7-2012
Abstract
Media has become an increasingly large part of our lives, and therefore plays a crucial role in our well-being. Positive psychology, the science of well-being, can be complemented through the new potentialities of media, which in many ways also seeks to improve the human experience. I create the context for a new dialogue about what "positive media" might be. By adopting a positive lens and discussing exemplars in different formats, this paper explores the ways media effectively incorporates elements of well-being. Through this positive approach, we gain an appreciation for what media does well. The paper also recommends ways that people can consume media in support of their well-being, and ways media creators can design content that optimizes human flourishing. Lastly, the paper encourages a dialogue between the important fields of positive psychology and media. With a partnership between these fields, it posits the opportunity for dramatically increasing global well-being.
Keywords
positive psychology, media, positive media, television, film, well-being, creativity, eudaimonic turn, humanities, narrative
Included in
American Film Studies Commons, American Popular Culture Commons, Broadcast and Video Studies Commons, Cognition and Perception Commons, Cognitive Psychology Commons, Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Film and Media Studies Commons, Game Design Commons, Instructional Media Design Commons, Interdisciplinary Arts and Media Commons, Journalism Studies Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Other Psychology Commons, Recreation Business Commons, Social Psychology Commons, Television Commons
Date Posted: 08 August 2012
This document has been peer reviewed.
Comments
Keener, M. B. (2012). Positive media: An introductory exploration. Master's thesis. University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Advisor: M. E. P. Seligman, Ph. D.