Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Service Learning Projects
Document Type
Working Paper
Date of this Version
5-1-2017
Abstract
Abstract
Bethesda Project (BP), a nonprofit organization located in Philadelphia, PA, provides shelter, housing, and programs to 2,000 chronically homeless men and women. Many of BP’s clients struggle with addiction and mental health issues that prohibit them from living self-sufficient lives. Challenges originating from fighting an under resourced battle with chronic homelessness make employees vulnerable to unrecovered stress and concurrent pessimistic thinking habits. In response to this, we recommend that BP adopt resilience training to support staff well-being. As a first initiative, we propose introducing the optimistic explanatory style and the ABC model of cognitive thinking to allow employees to develop flexible, accurate thinking about their work, the clients they serve, and the environment within which they work. When introduced in a systematic way on a site-by-site basis, BP can build a research-informed program tailored to its needs that enhances employee well-being.
Keywords
Resilience, Well Being, ABC, Flexible Thinking, Chronic Homelessness
Included in
Cognition and Perception Commons, Cognitive Psychology Commons, Industrial and Organizational Psychology Commons, Organization Development Commons, Other Psychology Commons, Other Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons
Date Posted: 01 June 2017