Transforming Isolation into Connection: High-Quality Connections for the Cystic Fibrosis Community

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Penn collection
Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Service Learning Projects
Degree type
Discipline
Subject
positive psychology
positive psychology interventions
cystic fibrosis
chronic illness
resilience
facilitation
high-quality connection
character strengths
positive emotion
relationships
Psychology
Funder
Grant number
License
Copyright date
Distributor
Related resources
Author
Emanuel, Dana
Jernigan, Charles Carter
Parthemore, Ann
Pérez, Nicole
Reichel, Bernadette Amélie
Contributor
Abstract

This paper proposes a training toolkit for facilitators from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) on how to build high-quality connections (HQCs) through small group discussions to enhance the well-being of the cystic fibrosis (CF) community at scale. The relevance of initiatives for connection and relationship building is paramount to the CFF because people with CF tend to be isolated as a mechanism to prevent infections. We propose that HQCs, which are short moments characterized by shared mutuality, vitality, and positive regard, are an effective tool for facilitators to rapidly foster a sense of belonging during short, small group discussions. Our training toolkit helps the Connection and Support team at the CFF equip facilitators in three categories: high-level facilitation meta-skills, powerful beginnings and endings for sessions, and interventions that can be used during a session to deepen connections. The Connection and Support team is planning to incorporate the toolkit in their updated facilitator training. Applying HQCs in small group discussions within the CFF may increase the well-being of the facilitators, people with CF, and potentially their caregivers.

Advisor
Date Range for Data Collection (Start Date)
Date Range for Data Collection (End Date)
Digital Object Identifier
Series name and number
Publication date
2023-05-07
Volume number
Issue number
Publisher
Publisher DOI
Journal Issue
Comments
Recommended citation
Collection