Positive Psychology for Families

POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY FOR FAMILIES

"Positive Psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living."

Peterson (2008)

Photo Credit: ING Image: License free, standard usage website Illustration

Positive Psychology focuses on what is right in our lives — the things that have been scientifically shown to contribute to our well-being.

Research shows that there are things we can do to bring more happiness into our lives. This website explores how families can use positive psychology to increase happiness and teach children skills, habits, and ways of living that can improve their happiness for a lifetime.

What

Makes

Us Happy?

How Much

Do You Know?

Take the Quiz

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POSITIVE EMOTIONS

Positive emotions, particularly those we experience as children, can have life-long benefits.

Photo Credit: Robert Collins

Positive Emotions

CONNECTION

Connection matters! Happiness research shows that positive connections to family, friends, and community are the greatest predictors of happiness. Read more about how you can improve social connections for your family.

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Connection

Mindfulness

MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness is the process of bringing our full attention to the present moment without judgement or criticism. Read more about the benefits of mindfulness for your family.

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Focus on Strengths

FOCUS ON STRENGTHS

By helping children to identify and develop their signature strengths, we help them to access another well-documented path to happiness. Read more about signature strengths and their connection to happiness.

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Meaning Making

MEANING-MAKING

There are an infinite number of ways families can define and create meaning, helping us to understand our values and to make sense of the world and our place in it. Read more about how meaning-making can help your family to flourish.

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History of Happiness

HISTORY OF HAPPINESS

Positive Psychology looks at the science behind happiness. Although the scientific study of happiness is relatively recent, the philosophy of happiness dates back thousands of years. Read more about the gradual evolution from philosophy to empirical science.

Photo Credit: Bust of Aristotle, Marble Roman copy after Greek Bronze original by Lysippos from 330 BC