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Abstract
Responding to Max Weber’s dour predictions, we enlist Antonio Gramsci’s optimism to suggest how culture can spike development. Weber’s sociological focus took culture to mean shared beliefs and practices. As a culture that derives from the Protestant Ethic, capitalism waged a “war on pleasure.” Weber warned that this unfeeling rationality would generate an “iron cage” to trap our humanity, but his book has been read, paradoxically, as a manual for the lock down. Gramsci, on the contrary, understood culture in its humanistic sense, as a field of aesthetic pleasure, innovation, and debate. For him, a precondition for transformational social change was the broad engagement of masses as empowered collectives (Weber favored charismatic leaders); and pleasure in idiosyncratic forms of artistic as well as rooted expression was the fuel for participating in personal and shared advances. This pleasure in art and collective interpretation contrasts with the exclusionary rituals of commodified pleasure typical of capitalist consumerism. Gramsci’s confidence in the transformational role of creative culture provides a framework for understanding a new wave of inclusive artistic practices that originate in the Global South and that revive the arts as vehicles for active citizenship. Participatory art can re-enchant today’s sorely disenchanted socio-cultural world of mature capitalism.
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Pérez-Benito FJ, Villacampa-Fernández P, Conejero JA, García-Gómez JM, Navarro-Pardo E. A happiness degree predictor using the conceptual data structure for deep learning architectures. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2019; 168:59-68. [PMID: 29183649 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Happiness is a universal fundamental human goal. Since the emergence of Positive Psychology, a major focus in psychological research has been to study the role of certain factors in the prediction of happiness. The conventional methodologies are based on linear relationships, such as the commonly used Multivariate Linear Regression (MLR), which may suffer from the lack of representative capacity to the varied psychological features. Using Deep Neural Networks (DNN), we define a Happiness Degree Predictor (H-DP) based on the answers to five psychometric standardized questionnaires. METHODS A Data-Structure driven architecture for DNNs (D-SDNN) is proposed for defining a HDP in which the network architecture enables the conceptual interpretation of psychological factors associated to happiness. Four different neural network configurations have been tested, varying the number of neurons and the presence or absence of bias in the hidden layers. Two metrics for evaluating the influence of conceptual dimensions have been defined and computed: one quantifies the influence weight of the conceptual dimension in absolute terms and the other one pinpoints the direction (positive or negative) of the influence. MATERIALS A cross-sectional survey targeting non-institutionalized adult population residing in Spain was completed by 823 cases. The total of 111 elements of the survey are grouped by socio-demographic data and by five psychometric scales (Brief COPE Inventory, EPQR-A, GHQ-28, MOS-SSS and SDHS) measuring several psychological factors acting one as the outcome (SDHS) and the four others as predictors. RESULTS Our D-SDNN approach provided a better outcome (MSE: 1.46·10-2) than MLR (MSE: 2.30·10-2), hence improving by 37% the predictive accuracy, and allowing to simulate the conceptual structure. CONCLUSIONS We observe a better performance of Deep Neural Networks (DNN) with respect to traditional methodologies. This demonstrates its capability to capture the conceptual structure for predicting happiness degree through psychological variables assessed by standardized questionnaires. It also permits to estimate the influence of each factor on the outcome without assuming a linear relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Pérez-Benito
- Biomedical Data Science Lab. Instituto de Aplicaciones de las Tecnologías de la Información y de las Comunicaciones Avanzadas (ITACA), Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia, Camino de Vera s/n, Valencia 46022, Spain.
| | - Patricia Villacampa-Fernández
- Instituto Universitario de Matemática Pura y Aplicada, Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia, Camino de Vera s/n, Valencia 46022, Spain; Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Universitat de Valéncia, Avenida Blasco Ibáñez, 21, Valencia 46010, Spain.
| | - J Alberto Conejero
- Instituto Universitario de Matemática Pura y Aplicada, Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia, Camino de Vera s/n, Valencia 46022, Spain.
| | - Juan M García-Gómez
- Biomedical Data Science Lab. Instituto de Aplicaciones de las Tecnologías de la Información y de las Comunicaciones Avanzadas (ITACA), Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia, Camino de Vera s/n, Valencia 46022, Spain.
| | - Esperanza Navarro-Pardo
- Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Universitat de Valéncia, Avenida Blasco Ibáñez, 21, Valencia 46010, Spain.
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Roumpou S. Aristotle’s entelechy and eudaimonia in sports. PSYCHOLOGICAL THOUGHT 2018. [DOI: 10.5964/psyct.v11i2.252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Athletics, a microcosm of real life, is and constantly has been a polymorphous phenomenon, encompassing contemporary ideas of life, mind, spirit and emotion. Among Aristotle's several contributions to modern thought, one of the most intriguing, was the idea of what eudaimonia, the highest good is and the means for its fulfillment. Whilst shifting the guiding concerns from the rather moral athletic affairs on the means towards self-fulfillment, the impetus of the current article was to delve, under the teleological Aristotelian lens, on modern philosophical concerns related to successful accomplishment that expands beyond athletic effectiveness, envisioning an alternate path of approaching not only athletic psychosynthesis, but in addition, mental states that are experienced spiritually, delivering the Athlete’s ideological as well as ethical finishing touch.
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Łysiak M, Puchalska-Wasyl M. Functions of internal temporal dialogues. BRITISH JOURNAL OF GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/03069885.2018.1540141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Łysiak
- Institute of Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Riley-Powell AR, Lee GO, Naik NS, Jensen KE, O'Neal C, Salmón-Mulanovich G, Hartinger SM, Bausch DG, Paz-Soldan VA. The Impact of Road Construction on Subjective Well-Being in Communities in Madre de Dios, Peru. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E1271. [PMID: 29914119 PMCID: PMC6024980 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15061271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The interoceanic highway (IOH) in Madre de Dios, Peru has driven dramatic change in the Peruvian Amazon basin. We conducted a mixed methods study to examine the impact of these changes on the subjective well-being (SWB) of four communities on the IOH. Themes that emerged qualitatively included changing health threats, environmental degradation, and the impact of increased migration. To achieve a higher level of SWB, respondents emphasized the need for higher incomes, opportunities to learn new skills, and a better education for their children. Potential threats to SWB included marital problems and poorer health. Quantitative analyses suggested that social support and a sense of security impacted reported SWB scores based on life satisfaction, and the impact of income on life satisfaction was mediated by food security. Although long-term residents felt that specific determinants of SWB had both increased (food variety, transport and access to work) and decreased (access to natural resources and hunting), the majority reported that their lives had improved overall. Health had been affected by the IOH in both negative ways (increased dengue and road accidents) and positive ways (improved access to health services). Our results suggest that the rapidly-changing communities near the IOH link well-being to health, income, community, and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R Riley-Powell
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| | - Gwenyth O Lee
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Nehal S Naik
- School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1201 E Marshall St, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
| | - Kelly E Jensen
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
- Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| | - Christina O'Neal
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
- Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| | - Gabriela Salmón-Mulanovich
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Callao, Callao 2, Peru.
- School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Ave Honorio Delgado 430, San Martín de Porres, Lima 31, Peru.
- Biomedical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Av. Universitaria 1801, San Miguel, Lima 32, Peru.
| | - Stella M Hartinger
- School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Ave Honorio Delgado 430, San Martín de Porres, Lima 31, Peru.
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Daniel G Bausch
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6, Callao, Callao 2, Peru.
| | - Valerie A Paz-Soldan
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
- School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Ave Honorio Delgado 430, San Martín de Porres, Lima 31, Peru.
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Atler KE, Eakman AM, Orsi R. College students’ experiences of hedonia and eudaimonia in their everyday activities. The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy 2018; 85:66-78. [DOI: 10.1177/0008417417727297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Fuochi G, Veneziani CA, Voci A. Differences in the Way to Conceive Happiness Relate to Different Reactions to Negative Events. JOURNAL OF INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1027/1614-0001/a000246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. This paper aimed to assess whether differences in the way to conceive happiness, measured by the Orientations to Happiness measure, were associated with specific reactions to negative events. We hypothesized that among orientations to pleasure (portraying hedonism), to meaning (representing a eudaimonic approach to life), and to engagement (derived from the experience of flow), orientation to meaning would have displayed a stronger protective role against recent negative and potentially stressful events. After providing a validation of the Italian version of the Orientations to Happiness measure (Study 1), we performed regression analyses of the three orientations on positive and negative emotions linked to a self-relevant negative event (Study 2), and moderation analyses assessing the interactive effects of orientations to happiness and stressful events on well-being indicators (Study 3). Our findings supported the hypotheses. In Study 2, meaning was associated with positive emotions characterized by a lower activation (contentment and interest) compared to the positive emotions associated with pleasure (amusement, eagerness, and happiness). In Study 3, only meaning buffered the effect of recent potentially stressful events on satisfaction with life and positive affect. Results suggest that orientation to meaning might help individuals to better react to negative events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fuochi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara A. Veneziani
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Voci
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
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Kuo CC, Ye YC, Chen MY, Chen LH. Psychological Flexibility at Work and Employees' Proactive Work Behaviour: Cross-Level Moderating Role of Leader Need for Structure. APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL REVIEW-PSYCHOLOGIE APPLIQUEE-REVUE INTERNATIONALE 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/apps.12111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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59
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Diagnosing Well-Being in Work Context – Eudemonic Well-Being in the Workplace Questionnaire. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-017-9614-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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60
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Rusk RD, Vella-Brodrick DA, Waters L. A complex dynamic systems approach to lasting positive change: The Synergistic Change Model. JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2017.1291853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reuben D. Rusk
- Centre for Positive Psychology, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Mindquip Limited, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Dianne A. Vella-Brodrick
- Centre for Positive Psychology, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lea Waters
- Centre for Positive Psychology, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Oleś P, Jankowski T. Positive Orientation-a Common Base for Hedonistic and Eudemonistic Happiness? APPLIED RESEARCH IN QUALITY OF LIFE 2017; 13:105-117. [PMID: 29492164 PMCID: PMC5813070 DOI: 10.1007/s11482-017-9508-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Positive orientation (PO) is proposed as a common base for hedonistic and eudemonistic senses of happiness. PO involves a tendency to formulate positive judgments concerning the self, one's personal life, and the future. Previously, PO had been investigated in the context of the hedonistic approach to well-being. In this article, we tested a broader understanding of PO, which is conceptualized, here, as a latent factor underlying variables that exemplify hedonistic and eudemonistic view on happiness. Using two samples (N = 159 and N = 200), we tested three models of PO extended to include various measures of meaning of life. The extended models fitted the data well. Results suggest that PO can be a general factor that is the basis for integrating two aspects of well-being: searching for positivity and pleasure, as well as striving for meaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Oleś
- Department of Personality Psychology, Institute of Psychology, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Raclawickie 14, 20-850 Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Jankowski
- Department of Personality Psychology, Institute of Psychology, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Raclawickie 14, 20-850 Lublin, Poland
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Choi J, Catapano R, Choi I. Taking Stock of Happiness and Meaning in Everyday Life. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERSONALITY SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/1948550616678455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The present study examines momentary experiences of happiness and meaning, two components of well-being, by using an experience sampling method. Participants included 603 Korean adults, who generated 24,430 responses over the course of 2–4 weeks. Results revealed that reported levels of happiness and meaning fluctuated substantially over the course of a day and that contextual factors, such as daily activities, social interaction partners, day of week, and time of day, along with demographic variables, were significant predictors of momentary happiness and meaning. In addition, we observe that people often experienced happiness and meaning independently of each other during a single daily event. In sum, momentary experiences of happiness and meaning were dynamic, related but distinct, and varied by individuals across daily events and over time.
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63
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Kong F, Xue S, Wang X. Amplitude of low frequency fluctuations during resting state predicts social well-being. Biol Psychol 2016; 118:161-168. [PMID: 27263835 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Kong
- School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Song Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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Gander F, Proyer RT, Ruch W. Positive Psychology Interventions Addressing Pleasure, Engagement, Meaning, Positive Relationships, and Accomplishment Increase Well-Being and Ameliorate Depressive Symptoms: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Online Study. Front Psychol 2016; 7:686. [PMID: 27242600 PMCID: PMC4873493 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Seligman (2002) suggested three paths to well-being, the pursuit of pleasure, the pursuit of meaning, and the pursuit of engagement, later adding two more, positive relationships and accomplishment, in his 2011 version. The contribution of these new components to well-being has yet to be addressed. In an online positive psychology intervention study, we randomly assigned 1624 adults aged 18-78 (M = 46.13; 79.2% women) to seven conditions. Participants wrote down three things they related to either one of the five components of Seligman's Well-Being theory (Conditions 1-5), all of the five components (Condition 6) or early childhood memories (placebo control condition). We assessed happiness (AHI) and depression (CES-D) before and after the intervention, and 1-, 3-, and 6 months afterwards. Additionally, we considered moderation effects of well-being levels at baseline. Results confirmed that all interventions were effective in increasing happiness and most ameliorated depressive symptoms. The interventions worked best for those in the middle-range of the well-being continuum. We conclude that interventions based on pleasure, engagement, meaning, positive relationships, and accomplishment are effective strategies for increasing well-being and ameliorating depressive symptoms and that positive psychology interventions are most effective for those people in the middle range of the well-being continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Gander
- Department of Psychology, University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland
| | - René T. Proyer
- Department of Psychology, Martin-Luther University of Halle-WittenbergHalle, Germany
| | - Willibald Ruch
- Department of Psychology, University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland
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Peral S, Geldenhuys M. The effects of job crafting on subjective well-being amongst South African high school teachers. SA JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.4102/sajip.v42i1.1378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Orientation: Job crafting can result in a number of positive outcomes for teachers, such as increased meaningfulness and engagement at work. Increased work engagement and psychological meaningfulness may yield positive benefits for the practice of teaching, thus highlighting the pivotal role of job crafting.Research purpose: The study’s aim was to investigate the relationship between job crafting and subjective well-being amongst South African high school teachers. Subjective well-being comprises psychological meaningfulness and work engagement. The potential mediating effect that psychological meaningfulness had on this relationship was further explored.Motivation for the study: Being in a highly stressful occupation, teachers need to continuously find ways to craft their working practices in order to deal effectively with their job demands and to capitalise on their available job resources. Furthermore, South Africa’s current education system calls for serious proactive measures to be taken to improve and rectify the current status, such as job crafting.Research approach, design and method: A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was used and administered to a sample of South African high school teachers situated in Gauteng, South Africa (N = 251).Main findings: A positive relationship was found between job crafting (increasing structural resources and challenging job demands) and work engagement. Furthermore, psychological meaningfulness mediated the relationship between job crafting and work engagement amongst the sampled high school teachers.Practical/managerial implications: Teachers who craft their work to better suit their preferences and needs will obtain greater meaning in their work and experience increased levels of work engagement. Training programmes and/or group-based interventions targeted around job crafting techniques may be particularly useful in the South African teaching context.Contribution/value-add: This study highlights the importance of job crafting to the well-being of teachers. It further contributes to the literature pertaining to job crafting and teaching specifically, as well as to the limited job crafting research that has been conducted in the South African context.
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Proyer RT, Gander F, Wellenzohn S, Ruch W. Addressing the role of personality, ability, and positive and negative affect in positive psychology interventions: Findings from a randomized intervention based on the authentic happiness theory and extensions. JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2015.1137622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Proyer RT, Gander F, Wellenzohn S, Ruch W. Positive psychology interventions in people aged 50-79 years: long-term effects of placebo-controlled online interventions on well-being and depression. Aging Ment Health 2015; 18:997-1005. [PMID: 24712501 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2014.899978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Various positive psychology interventions have been experimentally tested, but only few studies addressed the effects of such activities in participants aged 50 and above. METHOD We tested the impact of four self-administered positive psychology interventions in an online setting (i.e., gratitude visit, three good things, three funny things, and using signature strengths in a new way) on happiness and depressive symptoms in comparison with a placebo control exercise (i.e., early memories). A total of 163 females aged 50-79 tried the assigned interventions or the placebo control exercise for one week and completed measures on happiness and depressive symptoms at five times (pre- and post-test, 1, 3, and 6 months). RESULTS Three out of the four interventions (i.e., gratitude visit, three good things, and using signature strengths in a new way) increased happiness, whereas two interventions (three funny things and using signature strengths in a new way) led to a reduction of depressive symptoms on at one post-measure. CONCLUSION Positive psychology interventions yield similar results for people aged 50 and above as for younger people. The dissemination of such interventions via the Internet offers a valuable opportunity for older age groups as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- René T Proyer
- a Department of Psychology , University of Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
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Abstract
The pursuit of personal goals has been linked to general psychological well-being; however, less is known about the association with depression in later adulthood when individuals are contending with age-related changes in health and social relationships. We explored the connection between both health- and social related goals (as measured by possible selves) and depressive symptoms in a sample of 85 community-dwelling older adults who ranged in age from 60 to 92 (M = 74, standard deviation = 7.5). Participants took part in face-to-face, semistructured interviews in which they responded to measures of possible selves (future images of oneself), health, and depressive symptoms. We found that the presence of health-related, but not social-related, possible selves was significantly associated with fewer reported depressive symptoms. Additionally, the presence of health-related fears was specifically linked to fewer reported depressive symptoms. These findings suggested that the promotion of and investment in health-related personal goals may be useful in off-setting depressive symptoms in older adults, as well as indicated a potential benefit of a disease prevention focus regarding health in later life. Finally, the results may have implications for potential clinical interventions in addressing late-life depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory Bolkan
- Washington State University Vancouver, Vancouver, WA, USA
| | | | - Deborah Coehlo
- Oregon State University, Cascades Campus, Bend, OR, US Juniper Ridge Clinic, Bend, OR, USA
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Hammond T, Weinberg MK, Cummins RA. The dyadic interaction of relationships and disability type on informal carer subjective well-being. Qual Life Res 2014; 23:1535-42. [PMID: 24235087 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-013-0577-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Care-related factors have frequently been associated with elevated levels of distress and diminished subjective well-being. However, these variables have traditionally been considered independently. The objectives of this study were to explore the subjective well-being of informal carers in Australia and to specifically examine the effect of the dyadic interaction between the caring relationship and type of disability on the subjective well-being of informal carers. METHODS Informal carers (n = 4,096) completed the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) and Depression and Stress Scales. Analysis of covariance was used to compare the subjective well-being of carers to the general population while controlling for socio-demographic factors. To examine the dyadic relationship, a multivariate analysis of covariance was employed. RESULTS After socio-demographic variables were controlled, informal carers reported significantly lower PWI scores compared to the general population. The results of the multivariate analysis of covariance revealed a significant interaction between the caring relationship and the type of disability being managed on subjective well-being. No differences were found for symptoms of depression and stress. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study imply that the detrimental effect of caring on subjective well-being is magnified for carers who support a child with a mental illness or multiple types of disabilities. These carers displayed the lowest levels of subjective well-being, highlighting the dyadic effects of care-related variables. Consideration of these factors is essential to target effective intervention programs for those most at risk of diminished well-being.
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Williamson JC, Geldenhuys M. Positive work experiences and life satisfaction: the moderating role of gender. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY IN AFRICA 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2014.980619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Kaplan U, Epstein GN, Smith AS. Microdevelopment of Daily Well-Being through Mental Imagery Practice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.2190/ic.34.1.f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we present a qualitative approach to changes in daily well-being as a function of mental imagery practice. Each morning for a period of 1 week, participants practiced a brief (approximately 1- to 2-minute long) mental imagery practice designed to facilitate well-being. Upon completing each exercise, they provided brief written reflections on their well-being. Qualitative analysis of these subjective reports revealed significant patterns that correspond to three of the four major components of well-being (positive affect, vitality, negative affect) examined by researchers from a Self-Determination Theory perspective. All participants reported immediate well-being benefits of mental imagery practice, and these benefits reflected several patterns that we identified. As these changes take place in seconds and minutes, this study reflects a microdevelopmental approach to well-being from a Dynamic Systems perspective. The value of exploring short-term imagery-related improvements in well-being in combination with long-term influences is discussed.
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Tončić M, Anić P. Everyday Activities: Beneficial Effects of Eudaimonic and Hedonic Motivation on Subjective Well-Being. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-014-9277-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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73
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Grimm C, Kemp S, Jose PE. Orientations to happiness and the experience of everyday activities. JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2014.941382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Von Culin KR, Tsukayama E, Duckworth AL. Unpacking grit: Motivational correlates of perseverance and passion for long-term goals. JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2014; 9:306-312. [PMID: 31404261 DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2014.898320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In two cross-sectional studies, we explored the motivational orientations correlates of the character strength of grit and its two component facets: perseverance of effort and consistency of interests over time. Specifically, we examined how individual differences in grit are explained by distinct approaches to pursuing happiness in life: pleasure in immediately hedonically positive activities, meaning in activities that serve a higher, altruistic purpose, and engagement in attention-absorbing activities. In both samples, grit demonstrated medium-sized associations with an orientation toward engagement, small-to-medium associations with an orientation toward meaning, and small-to-medium (inverse) associations with an orientation toward pleasure. These motivational orientations differentially related to the two facets of grit: pursuing engagement was more strongly associated with perseverance of effort, whereas pursuing pleasure was more strongly (inversely) associated with consistency of interests over time. Collectively, findings suggest that individual differences in grit may derive in part from differences in what makes people happy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eli Tsukayama
- Department of Psychology, Positive Psychology Center, The University of Pennsylvania, 3701 Market Street, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Angela L Duckworth
- Department of Psychology, Positive Psychology Center, The University of Pennsylvania, 3701 Market Street, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Andrewes HE, Walker V, O'Neill B. Exploring the use of positive psychology interventions in brain injury survivors with challenging behaviour. Brain Inj 2014; 28:965-71. [PMID: 24826958 DOI: 10.3109/02699052.2014.888764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of conducting two positive psychology interventions to improve mood and self-concept with survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI), within a neuro-rehabilitation hospital. METHOD AND PROCEDURES Ten patients with brain injury were randomly allocated to an intervention and control group. The efficacy of the first intervention, 'three positive things in life' was measured via Seligman's Authentic Happiness Index (AHI), at base-line, directly following the intervention and at the end of the 12-week group programme. The second intervention, the 'Value in Action (VIA) signature strengths intervention' was measured by the Head Injury Semantic Differential Scale (HISDS) at baseline and at the end of the group. RESULTS Compared to baseline and control group scores, the AHI index showed an increase in the intervention group's happiness following the intervention and at the end of the 12-week programme, albeit the latter increase was non-significant. The HISDS showed non-significant improvement in self-concept and reduction in polarization of the self in the present, future and past in the second intervention. Anecdotal evidence revealed a clear improved mood following the interventions. CONCLUSION This study shows promising results for the effectiveness of Positive Psychology interventions and methods to improve feasibility when applying this treatment within a hospital setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- H E Andrewes
- Graham Anderson House, Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust , Glasgow, Scotland , UK and
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Ruch W, Martínez-Martí ML, Heintz S, Brouwers SA. Short Form of the Orientations to Happiness Questionnaire for the German-Speaking Countries. SWISS JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1024/1421-0185/a000141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This paper addresses the development of a 9-item Short Form of the Orientations to Happiness (OTH) Questionnaire ( Peterson, Park, & Seligman, 2005 ) for German-speaking countries. This questionnaire measures three ways to happiness: life of pleasure, life of engagement, and life of meaning. In Experiment 1 (replication sample, N = 1,336), we replicated the three-factor structure found in the 18-item Parent Form. In Experiment 2 (validation sample, N = 222), we again replicated the three-factor structure, which showed a good fit to the data. The coefficients of congruence between the three factors in Experiments 1 and 2 were very high (.94–.98). The correlations between the corresponding scales of the Short and Parent Form were high (.49 – .91). The three scales of the Short Form had acceptable internal consistency. The pattern of relationships of both the OTH Short Form and Parent Form with sociodemographic variables, with the endorsement of prototypical behaviors related to the three orientations to happiness, and with meaning in life were very similar for both OTH forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willibald Ruch
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Sonja Heintz
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
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Ko HJ, Mejía S, Hooker K. Social possible selves, self-regulation, and social goal progress in older adulthood. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL DEVELOPMENT 2013. [DOI: 10.1177/0165025413512063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lifespan development involves setting and pursuing self-guided goals. This study examines how in the social domain, possible selves, a future-oriented self-concept, and self-regulation, including self-regulatory beliefs and intraindividual variability in self-regulatory behavior, relate to differences in overall daily social goal progress. An online older-adult sample worked towards a self-defined meaningful social goal over 100 days. Multilevel analysis showed that participants with social possible selves made higher overall daily goal progress, especially those with both hoped-for and feared possible selves, than those with possible selves in nonsocial domains. Self-regulatory beliefs were positively whereas variability was negatively associated with overall daily goal progress. The findings suggest that possible selves, in combination with two distinct self-regulatory constructs, significantly guide social goal progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Jung Ko
- School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, Oregon State University, USA
| | - Shannon Mejía
- School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, Oregon State University, USA
| | - Karen Hooker
- School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, Oregon State University, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging Research, Oregon State University, USA
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Henderson LW, Knight T, Richardson B. An exploration of the well-being benefits of hedonic and eudaimonic behaviour. JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2013.803596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Buschor C, Proyer RT, Ruch W. Self- and peer-rated character strengths: How do they relate to satisfaction with life and orientations to happiness? JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2012.758305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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80
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A LivingLab Approach to Involve Elderly in the Design of Smart TV Applications Offering Communication Services. ONLINE COMMUNITIES AND SOCIAL COMPUTING 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-39371-6_37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Swart J, Rothmann S. Authentic Happiness of Managers, and Individual and Organisational Outcomes. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.1177/008124631204200404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Swart
- Optentia Research Programme, North-West University, South Africa
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Mehrotra S, Tripathi R, Elias JK. Lay Meanings of Mental Health in Urban Indian College Youth: Insights For Mental Health Promotion. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/casp.2119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Seema Mehrotra
- Additional Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology; NIMHANS; Bangalore-29; Bangalore; Karnataka; 560029; India
| | - Ravikesh Tripathi
- Research Scholar, Department of Clinical Psychology; NIMHANS; Bangalore-29; Bangalore; Karnataka; 560029; India
| | - Jereesh K. Elias
- Research Scholar, Department of Clinical Psychology; NIMHANS; Bangalore-29; Bangalore; Karnataka; 560029; India
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Schueller SM, Parks AC. Disseminating self-help: positive psychology exercises in an online trial. J Med Internet Res 2012; 14:e63. [PMID: 22732765 PMCID: PMC3414858 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.1850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Revised: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent growth of positive psychology has led to a proliferation in exercises to increase positive thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Preliminary evidence suggests that these exercises hold promise as an approach for reducing depressive symptoms. These exercises are typically researched in isolation as single exercises. The current study examined the acceptability of several multi-exercise packages using online dissemination. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate methods of dissemination that could increase the acceptability and effectiveness of positive psychology exercises. To achieve this goal, we compared the use of positive psychology exercises when delivered in packages of 2, 4, or 6 exercises. METHODS Self-help-seeking participants enrolled in this study by visiting an online research portal. Consenting participants were randomly assigned to receive 2, 4, or 6 positive psychology exercises (or assessments only) over a 6-week period. These exercises drew from the content of group positive psychotherapy. Participants visited an automated website that distributed exercise instructions, provided email reminders, and contained the baseline and follow-up assessments. Following each exercise, participants rated their enjoyment of the exercise, answered how often they had used each technique, and completed outcome measures. RESULTS In total, 1364 individuals consented to participate. Attrition rates across the 2-, 4-, and 6-exercise conditions were similar at 55.5% (181/326), 55.8% (203/364), and 52.7% (168/319) respectively but were significantly greater than the attrition rate of 42.5% (151/355) for the control condition (χ(2)(3) = 16.40, P < .001). Participants in the 6-exercise condition were significant more likely than participants in the 4-exercise condition to use both the third (F(1,312) = 5.61, P = .02) and fourth (F(1,313 )= 6.03, P = .02) exercises. For 5 of the 6 exercises, enjoyment was related to continued use of the exercise at 6-week follow-up (r's = .12 to .39). All conditions produced significant reductions in depressive symptoms (F(1,656) = 94.71, P < .001); however, a significant condition by time interaction (F(3,656) = 4.77, P = .003) indicated that this reduction was larger in the groups that received 2 or 4 exercises compared with the 6-exercise or control condition. CONCLUSION Increasing the number of exercises presented to participants increased the use of the techniques and did not increase dropout. Participants may be more likely to use these skills when presented with a variety of options. Increasing the number of exercises delivered to participants produced a curvilinear relationship with those in the 2- and 4-exercise conditions reporting larger decreases in depressive symptoms than participants in the 6-exercise or control conditions. Although research generally offers a single exercise to test isolate effects, this study supports that studying variability in dissemination can produce important findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Schueller
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Positive Psychology Center, Philadelphia, PA 94110, United States.
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