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Jurist E, Greenberg D, Pizziferro M, Alaluf R, Perez Sosa M. Virtue, well-being, and mentalized affectivity. RESEARCH IN PSYCHOTHERAPY (MILANO) 2023; 26:710. [PMID: 38189466 PMCID: PMC10849072 DOI: 10.4081/ripppo.2023.710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Virtue ethics, featuring the claim that virtue leads to wellbeing, has been imported by psychologists from philosophy. In the first part of the paper, we re-examine the source of virtue ethics in Aristotle's philosophy and question whether virtues can be the path to eudaimonistic well-being for us, given that contemporary society differs from ancient society in terms of a lack of consensus about virtues. We focus on the modulation of emotions as a good starting place for reconstruing virtue ethics, and we affirm a connection to well-being through the construct of "mentalized affectivity", which is a specific kind of emotion regulation. In the second half of this hybrid paper, we provide evidence for the link between mentalized affectivity and well-being, based upon an empirical study with an adult sample (N=558). Our study examined how the Mentalized Affectivity Scale (MAS) predicts subjective well-being compared to five commonly used and related measures: Difficulty with Emotion Regulation Scale; Emotion Regulation Questionnaire; Flexibility Regulation of Emotional Expression scale; Reflective Functioning Questionnaire; Toronto Alexithymia Scale. The most important finding is that the MAS and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale are most predictive of satisfaction with life. A second finding, less relevant for the present paper, is that the MAS (namely, its components of Identifying and Processing) strongly predicted psychopathology, including anxiety and mood disorders. This suggests that the MAS is a valuable tool for research on emotion regulation, well-being, and psychopathology, and that mentalized affectivity ought to be regarded as a promising construct for re-describing and specifying the contemporary relevance of virtue ethics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Jurist
- The City College of New York, NY; The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, NY.
| | - David Greenberg
- Iterdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel; Department of Music, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel; Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge.
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2
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Martin S. Using values in cognitive and behavioral therapy: A bridge back to philosophy. J Eval Clin Pract 2023; 29:1189-1195. [PMID: 37226577 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Ancient therapeutic practices have influenced the development of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) theories such as Albert Ellis's rational emotive behavior therapy and Aaron Beck's cognitive therapy. By drawing inspiration from Socratic questioning, the importance of philosophy in evidence-based practices in human mental health can be acknowledged. Stoicism has also informed CBT, notably its emphasis on establishing psychological distance from emotions. Cognition and emotion are two aspects of mental processes, and irrational demands are processed through rational deliberation. Using mental imaging techniques and acceptance strategies (to accept oneself and the world as imperfect), avoiding catastrophic interpretations and acknowledging emotions are also included among such practices. METHODS: We will explore the use of values across CBT, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and radically open dialectical behavioral therapy (RO DBT) to clarify their use of values. RESULTS: In this framework, values are conceptualized as life-orienting principles and are now widely used across CBTs, such as acceptance and commitment therapy and radically open dialectical behavioral therapy. In recent years, the development of CBT has involved a renewed relationship with philosophy through the use of values, interest in dialectics and development of self-questioning practices reminiscent of classical Socratic principles. This movement from applied clinical psychology toward philosophical skills has also encouraged the recent emergence of philosophical health considerations. The opposition between psychological and philosophical health can be questioned, and the fundamental issue of philosophical skills implemented in psychiatric treatment (and not solely as practices of enhancement for the sane) needs to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Martin
- Center for Research and Bioethics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Clinical Psychologist specialized in CBT, Psycho-TCCE Private Practice, Nîmes, France
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3
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Montijn ND, Gerritsen L, van Son D, Engelhard IM. Positive future thinking without task-relevance increases anxiety and frontal stress regulation. Biol Psychol 2023; 182:108620. [PMID: 37399916 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Negative anticipatory biases can affect the way we interpret and subjectively experience events. Through its role in emotion regulation, positive future thinking may provide an accessible way to attenuate these biases. However, it is unclear whether positive future thinking works ubiquitously, independent of contextual relevance. Here, we used a positive future thinking intervention (task-relevant; task-irrelevant and control condition) prior to a social stress task to adapt the way this task was experienced. We assessed subjective and objective stress measures and also recorded resting state electroencephalography (EEG) to assess intervention related differences in the level of frontal delta-beta coupling, which is considered a neurobiological substrate of stress regulation. Results show that the intervention reduced subjective stress and anxiety, and increased social fixation behavior and task performance, but only if future thinking was task-relevant. Paradoxically, task-irrelevant positive future thoughts enhanced negative perceptual biases and stress reactivity. This increase in stress reactivity was corroborated by elevated levels of frontal delta-beta coupling during event anticipation, which suggests an increased demand for stress regulation. Together, these findings show that positive future thinking can mitigate the negative emotional, behavioral and neurobiological consequences of a stressful event, but that it should not be applied indiscriminately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole D Montijn
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lotte Gerritsen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dana van Son
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Iris M Engelhard
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Carreno DF, Eisenbeck N, Greville J, Wong PTP. Cross-Cultural Psychometric Analysis of the Mature Happiness Scale-Revised: Mature Happiness, Psychological Inflexibility, and the PERMA Model. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2023; 24:1075-1099. [PMID: 36820217 PMCID: PMC9932412 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-023-00633-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Mature Happiness Scale, a measure focused on inner harmony. Mature happiness is achieved when a person can live in balance between both positive and negative aspects of their life. A total sample of 2,130 participants from five countries (Canada: n = 390, United States: n = 223, United Kingdom: n = 512, Spain: n = 724, and Hungary: n = 281) responded to an online survey including the original Mature Happiness Scale, the PERMA-Profiler, and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses yielded a one-factor solution with seven positive items (non-reversed). We called this new version of the questionnaire the Mature Happiness Scale-Revised (MHS-R). Measurement invariance was found across countries, age groups, gender, and mental disorder diagnosis. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were high. Older people, males, and people without a mental disorder diagnosis scored higher in mature happiness than younger ones, females, and those with a mental health disorder diagnosis, respectively. Mature happiness showed strong positive associations with various subscales of the PERMA-Profiler, specifically with positive emotions and meaning in life. In addition, mature happiness was strongly correlated with less negative affect and inner conflict and lower psychological inflexibility, whereas it was moderately correlated with lower loneliness. This validity evidence supports the cross-cultural use of the MHS-R in the aforementioned countries to reliably measure happiness among adults. With its holistic approach, the MHS-R may be a unique complement to other well-being measures, particularly to better predict mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F. Carreno
- Department of Psychology, University of Almeria, Carr. Sacramento, s/n, 04120 La Cañada, Almería Spain
| | - Nikolett Eisenbeck
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Paul T. P. Wong
- Meaning-Centered Counselling Institute Inc., North York, ON Canada
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Lomas T, VanderWeele TJ. The Garden and the Orchestra: Generative Metaphors for Conceptualizing the Complexities of Well-Being. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14544. [PMID: 36361423 PMCID: PMC9657769 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of well-being, and related concepts such as health and flourishing, is shaped by the metaphors through which we think about such ideas. Current dominant metaphors-including a pyramid, ladder, and continuum-all have various issues. As such, this paper offers two other metaphors which can better do justice to the nuanced complexities of these notions, namely, a garden and an orchestra. Through these metaphors, this paper articulates a comprehensive framework for conceptualizing and appreciating the nature of well-being (and associated concepts), which it is hoped will generate further insights and research into these valued and sought-after phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Lomas
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Oosthuizen RM, Disemelo K, Mayer CH. Generation Y medical doctors’ experiences of a positive psychology 2.0 intervention for burnout in a South African public hospital. Front Psychol 2022; 13:861872. [PMID: 36312200 PMCID: PMC9600724 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.861872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the research was to explore experiences of a Positive Psychology 2.0 (PP2.0) intervention for burnout among Generation Y medical doctors working in a South African public hospital. The emphasis was on the potential benefits and recommended intervention amendments in a specific cultural context of South Africa. A phenomenological approach was followed in the collective case study. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was administered in phases I and III to quantify the level of burnout. This study offers findings that could be incorporated into a bigger burnout intervention strategy in the South African public hospital, involving all stakeholders to ensure that burnout is combatted on a long-term basis. Furthermore, the findings emphasized certain culture-specific structural issues and the impact that the neglection of burnout has on newly qualified medical doctors working in a South African public hospital and patients in their care. Certain recommendations were made for the South African public hospital for future research in PP2.0 interventions and for facilitators working with burnout among newly qualified medical doctors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf M. Oosthuizen
- Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Rudolf M. Oosthuizen,
| | - Keitumetse Disemelo
- Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Claude-Hélène Mayer
- Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Bellehumeur CR, Bilodeau C, Kam C. Integrating positive psychology and spirituality in the context of climate change. Front Psychol 2022; 13:970362. [PMID: 36160510 PMCID: PMC9505694 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.970362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of climate change and its accompanying impact on stress and mental health, we argue that positive psychology (PP) may benefit from an integration of spirituality to better support people’s wellbeing. Starting with an overview of climate change’s impact on wellbeing and health, we explore the paradoxical and complex relationship between humans and nature. Following which, we will briefly define spirituality and present an evocative metaphor of the wave to portray the evolution of the field of PP. In our conclusive remarks, we argue that the field of PP has gradually become more open to integrate spirituality (since the first wave), as it evolves towards greater complexity (in its third wave). In addition to meaning, some spiritual perspectives potentially relevant to positive psychology facilitate an ecocentric view (i.e., eco-spiritualities) which allow for a better understanding of the paradoxical human-nature relationship, as we struggle to deal with the complex issues related to climate change.
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Kouvaras S, Guiotto M, Schrank B, Slade M, Riches S. Character Strength-Focused Positive Psychotherapy on Acute Psychiatric Wards: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study. Psychiatr Serv 2022; 73:1051-1055. [PMID: 35378993 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A manualized single-session positive psychotherapy intervention was developed and tested on acute psychiatric wards. METHODS Participants were invited in 2018-2019 to identify positive experiences, link them to a personal character strength, and plan a strengths-based activity. The intervention's feasibility was evaluated through fidelity to session components, character strengths identification, and activity completion. Acceptability was evaluated with self-reported pre- and postsession mood ratings, a postsession helpfulness rating, and narrative feedback. RESULTS Participants (N=70) had complex and severe mental health conditions. In 18 group sessions, 89% of components were delivered with fidelity; 80% of the participants identified a character strength, of whom 71% identified a strengths-based activity, and 58% completed the activity. The mean±SD helpfulness rating (N=23) was 8.5±1.5 (on a 10-point Likert scale), and positive mood significantly increased postsession (5.9 presession vs. 7.2 postsession). CONCLUSIONS Positive psychotherapy is feasible in challenging inpatient settings, and service users with severe and complex mental health conditions find it helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stef Kouvaras
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Beckenham, Kent, United Kingdom (Kouvaras, Guiotto, Riches); Salomons Institute of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, United Kingdom (Kouvaras); Department of Psychiatry, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria (Schrank); Institute of Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (Slade); Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre and Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London (Riches)
| | - Martina Guiotto
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Beckenham, Kent, United Kingdom (Kouvaras, Guiotto, Riches); Salomons Institute of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, United Kingdom (Kouvaras); Department of Psychiatry, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria (Schrank); Institute of Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (Slade); Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre and Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London (Riches)
| | - Beate Schrank
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Beckenham, Kent, United Kingdom (Kouvaras, Guiotto, Riches); Salomons Institute of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, United Kingdom (Kouvaras); Department of Psychiatry, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria (Schrank); Institute of Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (Slade); Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre and Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London (Riches)
| | - Mike Slade
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Beckenham, Kent, United Kingdom (Kouvaras, Guiotto, Riches); Salomons Institute of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, United Kingdom (Kouvaras); Department of Psychiatry, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria (Schrank); Institute of Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (Slade); Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre and Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London (Riches)
| | - Simon Riches
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Beckenham, Kent, United Kingdom (Kouvaras, Guiotto, Riches); Salomons Institute of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, United Kingdom (Kouvaras); Department of Psychiatry, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria (Schrank); Institute of Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (Slade); Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre and Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London (Riches)
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9
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Ryff CD. Meaning-Making in the Face of Intersecting Catastrophes: COVID-19 and the Plague of Inequality. JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTIVIST PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 36:185-203. [PMID: 37064051 PMCID: PMC10103812 DOI: 10.1080/10720537.2022.2068707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Beyond the enormous toll in illness and death, the COVID-19 pandemic unleashed multiple additional problems (job loss, evictions, hunger) that are disproportionately borne by those who were already vulnerable. In this essay, I reflect about these intersecting catastrophes, which I see as undermining the capacities of many to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. Symptoms of these problems are growing "deaths of despair" due to suicide, drug and alcohol addictions. Drawing on multidisciplinary science, I suggest that these widespread problems cannot be ministered to by focusing only at the individual level. Structural factors, including unfair distributions of resources and opportunities demand attention as well because they are fueling growing disparities between the privileged and the disadvantaged segments of contemporary societies. I examine what meanings and emotions are relevant responses to these troubled times, giving emphasis to the legitimacy of anger and outrage in the face of suffering and injustice. Further insight is sought in historical accounts of longstanding tensions between self-interest and the social contract. Going forward, I suggest that these turbulent times call for greater engagement with and scientific understanding of the arts and humanities in activating the deepest corners of our humanity. Examples from past and current art dealing with human suffering, inequality, and plagues illustrate their possible role in nurturing human capacities to understand, to care, and to act.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol D Ryff
- Institute on Aging/Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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10
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Lomas T. Making waves in the great ocean: A historical perspective on the emergence and evolution of wellbeing scholarship. THE JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2021.2016900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Lomas
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
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11
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Wissing MP. Beyond the "Third Wave of Positive Psychology": Challenges and Opportunities for Future Research. Front Psychol 2022; 12:795067. [PMID: 35095679 PMCID: PMC8795509 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.795067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The positive psychology (PP) landscape is changing, and its initial identity is being challenged. Moving beyond the “third wave of PP,” two roads for future research and practice in well-being studies are discerned: The first is the state of the art PP trajectory that will (for the near future) continue as a scientific (sub)discipline in/next to psychology (because of its popular brand name). The second trajectory (main focus of this manuscript) links to pointers described as part of the so-called third wave of PP, which will be argued as actually being the beginning of a new domain of inter- or transdisciplinary well-being studies in its own right. It has a broader scope than the state of the art in PP, but is more delineated than in planetary well-being studies. It is in particular suitable to understand the complex nature of bio-psycho-social-ecological well-being, and to promote health and wellness in times of enormous challenges and changes. A unique cohering focus for this post-disciplinary well-being research domain is proposed. In both trajectories, future research will have to increase cognizance of metatheoretical assumptions, develop more encompassing theories to bridge the conceptual fragmentation in the field, and implement methodological reforms, while keeping context and the interwovenness of the various levels of the scientific text in mind. Opportunities are indicated to contribute to the discourse on the identity and development of scientific knowledge in mainstream positive psychology and the evolving post-disciplinary domain of well-being studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marié P Wissing
- Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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12
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Positive Psychology Applied to the Workplace: A Foucauldian Discourse Analysis. JOURNAL OF HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/00221678211029400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
An ever-expanding literature now exists critiquing the theory and philosophy of positive psychology, however, research has yet to provide a critical analysis of its practical application. The current study extends on these critiques by exploring how positive psychology is applied to the workplace by investigating practitioner-based sources including interviews with workplace coaches who use positive psychological interventions and applied published texts. The study draws on Michel Foucault’s concepts of power/knowledge and discourse as a theoretical and methodological framework. Three dominant discourses were identified which illustrate the ways in which positive psychology is applied to the workplace. These include the promotion of its scientific credentials, employing a strength-based approach and using goal-setting and behavioral reinforcement interventions. When applied to the workplace, these discourses psychologize workplace problems, resulting in potentially negative outcomes for employees. However, interviews with some of the workplace coaches indicate they practice a degree of reflexivity, providing a salutary lesson for the science of positive psychology.
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Robbins BD. The Joyful Life: An Existential-Humanistic Approach to Positive Psychology in the Time of a Pandemic. Front Psychol 2021; 12:648600. [PMID: 34366969 PMCID: PMC8339708 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the midst of a global pandemic, psychology has a duty to identify dispositional or character traits that can be cultivated in citizens in order to create resiliency in the face of profound losses, suffering and distress. Dispositional joy holds some promise as such a trait that could be especially important for well-being during the current pandemic and its consequences. The concept of the Joyful Life may operate as bridge between positive psychology and humanistic, existential, and spiritual views of the good life, by integrating hedonic, prudential, eudaimonic and chaironic visions of the good life. Previous phenomenological research on state joy suggests that momentary states of joy may have features that overlap with happiness but go beyond mere hedonic interests, and point to the experience of a life oriented toward virtue and a sense of the transcendent or the sacred. However, qualitative research on the Joyful Life, or dispositional joy, is sorely lacking. This study utilized a dialogical phenomenological analysis to conduct a group-based analysis of 17 volunteer students, who produced 51 autobiographical narrative descriptions of the joyful life. The dialogical analyses were assisted by integration of the Imagery in Movement Method, which incorporated expressive drawing and psychodrama as an aid to explicate implicit themes in the experiences of the participants. The analyses yielded ten invariant themes found across the autobiographical narrative descriptions: Being broken, being grounded, being centered, breaking open, being uplifted, being supertemporal, being open to the mystery, being grateful, opening up and out, and being together. The descriptions of a Joyful Life were consistent with a meaning orientation to happiness, due to their emphasis on the cultivation of virtue in the service of a higher calling, the realization of which was felt to be a gift or blessing. The discussion examines implications for future research, including the current relevance of a joyful disposition during a global pandemic. Due to the joyful disposition's tendency to transform suffering and tragedy into meaning, and its theme of an orientation to prosocial motivations, the Joyful Life may occupy a central place in the study of resiliency and personal growth in response to personal and collective trauma such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent Dean Robbins
- Department of Psychology, Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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14
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Quiroga-Garza A, Cepeda-Lopez AC, Villarreal Zambrano S, Villalobos-Daniel VE, Carreno DF, Eisenbeck N. How Having a Clear Why Can Help Us Cope With Almost Anything: Meaningful Well-Being and the COVID-19 Pandemic in México. Front Psychol 2021; 12:648069. [PMID: 34093332 PMCID: PMC8175781 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in an increase in known risk factors for mental health problems. Mexico adopted lockdown and physical distancing as a containment strategy with potential consequences on day to day life, such as social isolation, loss of income and loneliness that can have important consequences in terms of mental health. Objective: We aimed to examine the effect of the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychological distress, well-being and perceived physical health among Mexican-base respondents and to examine whether coping strategies would play a potential intermediating role in relation to these variables. Under the Existential Positive Psychology perspective, an emphasis was made on meaning-centered coping. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 30 and June 16th 2020 among 604 Mexicans-base respondents of which 471 were women and 132 men. Data was collected by using online questionnaires. Psychological distress was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The Brief COPE Inventory was used to assess problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies. We also used the Meaning-Centered Coping Scale (MCCS). PERMA-Profiler was used to assess well-being, perceived physical health, and loneliness. Profiler and Descriptive analyses and bivariate linear regression were performed to examine the association of variables. Results: 45.9% of the participants reported moderate to extremely severe psychological distress. Our results demonstrate that problem-focused and emotion-focused coping were positively related to psychological distress, whereas meaning-centered coping was negatively associated with distress. Furthermore, psychological distress played a potential negative role in the perceived physical health, while meaning-centered coping and well-being buffered the negative influence of psychological distress on perceived physical health (completely standardized indirect effect = -0.01, SE: 0.012, 95% CI [-0.065; -0.017]. Conclusion: Meaning-centered coping was found to suppress the negative influence of psychological distress on sensation of decreased physical health corroborating the critical role of meaning in life in promoting well-being. Future studies can further examine the value of the critical role of meaning in life in promoting well-being as a protective factor against severe distress during traumatic events. Findings of this study can be used to orient policies and interventions aimed to alleviate suffering in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana C. Cepeda-Lopez
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidad de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
| | | | | | - David F. Carreno
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Almería, Almería, Spain
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15
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Sanchez-Ruiz MJ, Tadros N, Khalaf T, Ego V, Eisenbeck N, Carreno DF, Nassar E. Trait Emotional Intelligence and Wellbeing During the Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Meaning-Centered Coping. Front Psychol 2021; 12:648401. [PMID: 34054650 PMCID: PMC8155707 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies investigating the COVID-19 pandemic from a psychological point of view have mostly focused on psychological distress. This study adopts the framework of existential positive psychology, a second wave of positive psychology that emphasizes the importance of effective coping with the negative aspects of living in order to achieve greater wellbeing. Trait emotional intelligence (trait EI) can be crucial in this context as it refers to emotion-related personality dispositions concerning the understanding and regulation of one's emotions and those of others. The present study investigated the relationship between trait EI and both wellbeing and psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress), while exploring the mediating role of meaning-centered coping (proactive transformative strategies based on meaning in life) and maladaptive coping (i.e., behavioral disengagement and self-blame) during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 326 Lebanese adults completed measures of trait EI, wellbeing, psychological distress, coping, and meaning-centered coping. Results showed a strong positive correlation between trait EI and meaning-centered coping. Trait EI also correlated positively with wellbeing and negatively with psychological distress. Structural equation modeling showed that meaning-centered coping partially mediated the relationship between trait EI and wellbeing. Maladaptive coping fully mediated the relationship between trait EI and psychological distress. Findings indicate that trait EI is positively related to dealing with a stressful situation such as the pandemic in positive ways at both the cognitive level, by reformulating the situation to see something valuable in it, and behavioral level, by being proactive about it. Trait EI was positively linked to seeing the situation as an opportunity for personal growth, finding personal meaning in this situation, maintaining an attitude of hope and courage, and acting more responsibly with one's self and others during the current crisis. In turn, this coping formula was related to lower psychological distress and improved mental health. These results are consistent with the existential positive psychology framework and can inform implementation programs and policies aiming at raising awareness and promoting healthy and successful coping during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalie Tadros
- Department of Psychology, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Tatiana Khalaf
- Department of Psychology, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Veronica Ego
- Department of Psychology, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | | | | | - Elma Nassar
- Graduate Studies and Research Office, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
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Phan HP, Ngu BH, White MO. Introducing 'holistic psychology' for life qualities: A theoretical model for consideration. Heliyon 2021; 7:e05843. [PMID: 33474507 PMCID: PMC7803644 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Positive psychology has attracted extensive interests from educators, researchers, and organizations. Many would recognize the work of Martin Seligman (e.g., Seligman, 2010) and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (e.g.,Csíkszentmihályi, 2014b). In its summarized form, positive psychology is concerned with a person's state of flourishing, his/her perceived sense of resilience and inner virtues, and a desire to have positive outlooks in life. Positive psychology is significant, forming the basis for other research inquiries – for example, the advancement of the theory of optimization (Fraillon, 2004; Phan, Ngu and Yeung, 2019b). Considering this evidence, we develop and offer an alternative theoretical model for discussion, which we termed as ‘holistic psychology’. Holistic psychology, the main focus of this theoretical-conceptual article, is significant for its emphasis on the existence of life experiences, which may exist on a continuous spectrum without distinction between negativity and positivity. This testament, we contend, reflects the importance of inclusiveness and that one could consider maladaptive and negative life experiences (e.g., school disengagement) as sources of vitality, motivating and governing a person to seek for improvement, resulting in a state of flourishing. Our conceptualization in this sense is philosophical, grounded in the main premise of optimization (Fraillon, 2004; Phan et al., 2019b) in which we propose a key tenet for consideration – namely, the ‘transformation’ of negative life experiences into a source of ‘energy’ (i.e., denoted as E) for subsequent enactment. In detail for discussion, our proposed model of holistic psychology consists of four major stages: (i) personal reflection, (ii) the sub-process of transformation, (iii) enactment of energy, and (iv) arousal and sustaining an improved state of functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy P Phan
- School of Education, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Bing H Ngu
- School of Education, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Matthew O White
- School of Education, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
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Positive Education for School Leaders: Exploring the Effects of Emotion-Gratitude and Action-Gratitude. THE EDUCATIONAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGIST 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/edp.2015.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Lomas T, Waters L, Williams P, Oades LG, Kern ML. Third wave positive psychology: broadening towards complexity. THE JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2020.1805501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Lomas
- School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK
| | - Lea Waters
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paige Williams
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lindsay G. Oades
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret L. Kern
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Simonet DV, Castille CM. The search for meaningful work: A network analysis of personality and the job characteristics model. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.109569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Jans-Beken L, Wong PT. Development and preliminary validation of the Existential Gratitude Scale (EGS). COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY QUARTERLY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/09515070.2019.1656054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Jans-Beken
- Institute for Globally Distributed Open Research and Education (IGDORE), Oudorp, The Netherlands
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Kern ML, Williams P, Spong C, Colla R, Sharma K, Downie A, Taylor JA, Sharp S, Siokou C, Oades LG. Systems informed positive psychology. THE JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2019.1639799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret L. Kern
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paige Williams
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cass Spong
- ENTHEOS Consulting , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachel Colla
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Jessica A. Taylor
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Christine Siokou
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lindsay G. Oades
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia
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F. Carreno D, Pérez-Escobar JA. Addiction in existential positive psychology (EPP, PP2.0): from a critique of the brain disease model towards a meaning-centered approach. COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY QUARTERLY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/09515070.2019.1604494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - José Antonio Pérez-Escobar
- Chair of History and Philosophy of Mathematics, Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Lomas
- School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK
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Abstract
Training and practice within child psychiatry has focused predominantly on mental illness rather than mental health. A growing body of evidence, however, is demonstrating the importance for clinicians also to be able to focus directly on enhancing positive traits and emotions and increasing well-being and health promotion in their patients. This complementary aspect of mental health care has been called well-being and positive psychiatry, among other terms. Being able to apply these principles to standard practice requires new knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are not part of traditional psychiatric training.
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Atallah DG, Bacigalupe G, Repetto P. Centering at the Margins: Critical Community Resilience Praxis. JOURNAL OF HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0022167818825305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aims: This article aims to reframe resilience for use in community research and action in conditions of adversity marked by increasing natural disasters and by social inequities rooted in the coloniality of power, such as in Chile. Method: We review international resilience literature that explores responses to complex adversities, evaluating three “waves” of resilience research, including (1) “bouncing back,” which frames resilience as protecting functioning; (2) “bouncing forward,” understanding resilience as adaptation; and (3) what we are calling, the “centering at the margins” wave, which explicitly incorporates liberation psychology and decolonial, critical race theories to the study and promotion of resilience. Results: Building off “third wave” thinking, this article attempts to improve the social justice ethics within which research on resilience is completed by introducing a critical community resilience praxis. Conclusions: Critical community resilience praxis can aid the study of resilience by illuminating ways to avoid the reinforcement of social hierarchies and interlocking systems of oppression relevant to the work of disaster risk reduction investigators, psychologists, and differently positioned stakeholders engaged in resilience research and practice in complex settings internationally marked by histories of colonialism, consequences of climate change, and continual social inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin G. Atallah
- Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- National Research Center for Integrated Natural Disaster Management (CIGIDEN) in Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Bacigalupe
- National Research Center for Integrated Natural Disaster Management (CIGIDEN) in Santiago, Chile
- University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paula Repetto
- National Research Center for Integrated Natural Disaster Management (CIGIDEN) in Santiago, Chile
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Yakushko O, Blodgett E. Negative Reflections About Positive Psychology: On Constraining the Field to a Focus on Happiness and Personal Achievement. JOURNAL OF HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/0022167818794551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
“Positive” psychology has gained a dominant voice within and outside the field of psychology. Although critiques of this perspective have been rendered, including by humanistic psychologists, psychology scholars have offered minimum space for critical reflections of this movement in contrast to its critiques existing inside and outside the academia in other fields. Therefore, this contribution seeks to explicate emerging systematic critiques of positive psychology by scholars and practitioners from within mental health fields as well as from philosophy, medicine, education, business, and cultural studies and to highlight sociocultural discussions of positive movement by the culture critics. Last, we offer reflections on positive psychology as immigrant professionals from non-Western backgrounds with an emphasis on existential and humanities-based perspectives. We also highlight that the tenets and experiments based on “positive” psychological practices may have especially detrimental effect on marginalized individuals and communities. This contribution seeks to invite a critical dialogue in the field regarding positive psychology within and outside humanistic psychology and psychology in general.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Blodgett
- Pacifica Graduate Institute, Carpinteria, CA, USA
- Rose City Center, Pasadena, CA, USA
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Grant AM, O’Connor SA. Broadening and building solution-focused coaching: feeling good is not enough. COACHING: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THEORY, RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/17521882.2018.1489868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony M. Grant
- Coaching Psychology Unit, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sean A. O’Connor
- Coaching Psychology Unit, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Abstract
The positive/negative distinction works well in many fields—for example, in mathematics negative numbers hold their own, and in medical pathology negative results are usually celebrated. But in positive psychology negativity should be replaced with positivity for flourishing/optimal functioning to occur. That the designation of the psychological states and processes deemed positive (good/desirable) and negative (bad/undesirable) is made a priori, independent of circumstantial particularity, both intrapersonal and interpersonal, does not seem to bother positive psychologists. But it should, as it results in conceptual muddles and dead ends that cannot be solved within their conceptual framework of positivity and negativity. Especially problematic is an ambiguity I find in positive psychologists’ a priori and a posteriori understandings of positivity and negativity, an ambiguity about constitutive and causal relations that pervades their science and the conclusions drawn from it. By eliminating their a priori dichotomy of positivity and negativity, positive psychologists might well find themselves in a better position to put back together the psychological reality that they have fractured in their ontologically dubious move of carving up psychological reality a priori into positive and negative phenomena. They then might find themselves better placed to “broaden and build” their own science of flourishing.
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Bozic N, Lawthom R, Murray J. Exploring the context of strengths – a new approach to strength-based assessment. EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY IN PRACTICE 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/02667363.2017.1367917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nick Bozic
- School of Education, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rebecca Lawthom
- Faculty of Health, Psychology & Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Janice Murray
- Faculty of Health, Psychology & Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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Naor L, Mayseless O. How Personal Transformation Occurs Following a Single Peak Experience in Nature: A Phenomenological Account. JOURNAL OF HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/0022167817714692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study focuses on a particular form of positive transformation taking place in the wilderness, defined here as peak transformative experience. A large number of studies have been conducted on the negative transformative effect of a single traumatic event, while very little research has focused on positive transformational events. We addressed this lacuna by studying a unique case of quick positive transformation, taking place in nature. This study goes beyond the common description and outcome of the peak experience by focusing specifically on the process of personal transformation. Applying a phenomenological approach, 15 participants aged 28 to 70 years, who identified as having had such an experience, were interviewed. Analysis of these interviews revealed the “essence” of the peak experience in nature which led to the rapid transformation. This essence involved the recognition of formerly unknown aspects of self, projected onto nature and experienced in an embodied way, evoking an insight into a meaningful personal issue. Choosing to own these newly discovered aspects and integrate them resulted in rapid personal transformation. The findings are discussed, underscoring the centrality of nature in this process, the importance of free choice, and the potential for harnessing positive transformative peak experiences in nature for human development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Naor
- University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Dagenais-Desmarais V, Leclerc JS, Londei-Shortall J. The relationship between employee motivation and psychological health at work: A chicken-and-egg situation? WORK AND STRESS 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/02678373.2017.1317880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean-Simon Leclerc
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Lomas T. A meditation on boredom: re-appraising its value through introspective phenomenology. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/14780887.2016.1205695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Schulenberg SE. Disaster Mental Health and Positive Psychology-Considering the Context of Natural and Technological Disasters: An Introduction to the Special Issue. J Clin Psychol 2016; 72:1223-1233. [PMID: 27764532 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This article serves as an introduction to the Journal of Clinical Psychology's special issue on disaster mental health and positive psychology. The special issue comprises two sections. The first section presents a series of data-driven articles and research-informed reviews examining meaning and resilience in the context of natural and technological disasters. The second section presents key topics in the area of disaster mental health, with particular relevance for positive psychology and related frameworks. The special issue is intended to bridge the gap between these two areas of applied science, with the audience being experienced clinicians or clinicians in training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan E Schulenberg
- University of Mississippi Department of Psychology and University of Mississippi Clinical-Disaster Research Center
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35
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Wolverson EL, Clarke C, Moniz-Cook ED. Living positively with dementia: a systematic review and synthesis of the qualitative literature. Aging Ment Health 2016; 20:676-99. [PMID: 26078084 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2015.1052777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Little is known about how and to what extent people with dementia live positively with their condition. This study aimed to review and carry out a synthesis of qualitative studies where accounts of the subjective experiences of people with dementia contained evidence of positive states, experiences or attributes. METHODS A meta-synthesis was undertaken to generate an integrated and interpretive account of the ability of people with dementia to have positive experiences. A methodological quality assessment was undertaken to maximize the reliability and validity of this synthesis and to contextualize the findings with regard to methodological constraints and epistemological concepts. FINDINGS Twenty-seven papers were included. Three super-ordinate themes relating to positive experiences and attributes were identified, each with varying and complementing sub-themes. The first super-ordinate theme related to the experience of engaging with life in ageing rather than explicitly to living with dementia. The second theme related to engaging with dementia itself and comprised the strengths that people can utilize in facing and fighting the condition. The third theme captured how people with dementia might transcend the condition and seek ways to maintain identity and even achieve personal growth. CONCLUSIONS This review provides a first step towards understanding what conceptual domains might be important in defining positive outcomes for people who live with dementia. Highlighting the potential for people to have positive experiences in spite of or even because of their dementia has important implications for de-stigmatizing dementia and will enhance person-centred approaches to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Wolverson
- a Department of Psychological Health and Wellbeing, Hertford Building , The University of Hull , Hull , UK
| | - C Clarke
- a Department of Psychological Health and Wellbeing, Hertford Building , The University of Hull , Hull , UK
| | - E D Moniz-Cook
- b Centre of Dementia Research & Practice , Faculty of Health and Social Care , University of Hull , Hull , UK
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Lopes MP, da Palma PJ, Garcia BC, Gomes C. Training for happiness: the impacts of different positive exercises on hedonism and eudaemonia. SPRINGERPLUS 2016; 5:744. [PMID: 27376012 PMCID: PMC4909662 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-2407-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Theoretical conceptions on happiness have generally considered two broad perspectives: hedonic enjoyment and eudaemonia. However, most research on how to improve people’s happiness has focused primarily on the enhancement of hedonic happiness. In this longitudinal experimental study we test the differential impact of two positive exercises—Best Possible Selves and the Lottery Question—on hedonic and eudaemonic happiness. The hypothesis that the practice of the Best Possible Selves exercise would increase hedonic happiness was confirmed. This effect was immediate and maintained a week after the exercise. Furthermore, this exercise also increased eudaemonic happiness. However, its effect decreased after a week. Contrary to what was expected the Lottery Question exercise decreased both eudaemonic happiness and hedonic happiness over time. We discuss implications of this study for the literature on positive psychological and behavioral interventions to increase happiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Pereira Lopes
- School of Social and Political Sciences, Lisbon University, Rua Almerindo Lessa, 1300-663 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patricia Jardim da Palma
- School of Social and Political Sciences, Lisbon University, Rua Almerindo Lessa, 1300-663 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Bruno Cardoso Garcia
- School of Social and Political Sciences, Lisbon University, Rua Almerindo Lessa, 1300-663 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina Gomes
- School of Social and Political Sciences, Lisbon University, Rua Almerindo Lessa, 1300-663 Lisbon, Portugal
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Lomas T. Positive Art: Artistic Expression and Appreciation as an Exemplary Vehicle for Flourishing. REVIEW OF GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1037/gpr0000073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Lomas
- School of Psychology, University of East London
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Teixeira da Silva JA. Negative results: negative perceptions limit their potential for increasing reproducibility. J Negat Results Biomed 2015; 14:12. [PMID: 26149259 PMCID: PMC4494691 DOI: 10.1186/s12952-015-0033-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Negative results are an important building block in the development of scientific thought, primarily because most likely the vast majority of data is negative, i.e., there is not a favorable outcome. Only very limited data is positive, and that is what tends to get published, albeit alongside a sub-set of negative results to emphasize the positive nature of the positive results. Yet, not all negative results get published. Part of the problem lies with a traditional mind-set and rigid publishing frame-work that tends to view negative results in a negative light, or that only tends to reward scientists primarily for presenting positive findings. This opinion piece indicates that in addition to a deficient mind-set, there are also severe limitations in the availability of publishing channels where negative results could get published.
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Magyar-Moe JL, Owens RL, Conoley CW. Positive Psychological Interventions in Counseling. COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/0011000015573776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Counseling psychologists are in a prime position to claim preeminence in the field of applied positive psychology. A number of misunderstandings or misconceptions of positive psychology seem to interfere, however, with the focus (or lack thereof) that has been placed upon training counseling psychologists to utilize and contribute to positive psychological scholarship and applications. In this article, the most commonly reported misconceptions are addressed, and foundational information regarding positive psychological constructs, theories, and processes most relevant to the applied work of counseling psychologists is reviewed. Counseling psychologists are encouraged to claim positive psychology as the logical extension of our humanistic roots and to consider how to both utilize and contribute to the growing body of positive psychological scholarship.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rhea L. Owens
- University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI, USA
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Wilding L, Griffey S. The strength-based approach to educational psychology practice: a critique from social constructionist and systemic perspectives. EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY IN PRACTICE 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/02667363.2014.981631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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41
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Guilfoyle M. Listening in narrative therapy: double listening and empathic positioning. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1177/0081246314556711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This article proposes an extension of narrative therapy’s ‘double-listening’ strategy. Based on the principle that people are multi-storied, double listening prompts the therapist to orient to two kinds of stories simultaneously. First, he or she hears the client’s explicit stories about the problem. These stories have an identity-constituting effect, and so the person positioned within them is considered a constituted subject. But the therapist also listens to sub-stories which hint at more agentive ways of being, aiming to facilitate movement from problem-saturated (constituted) positioning to agentive positioning. However, many clients do not spontaneously take this route, and critics have suggested that narrative therapists therefore rely on an unacknowledged directive, leading stance to generate this movement. In response, this article outlines a listening approach which defers attention to agentive stories and focuses in more detail on how the person is constituted in problematic stories. Here, the therapist orients to the question, ‘Who are you in this story?’ The answer is not always self-evident and often comes as something of a surprise. A theoretical examination of the relationship between person and narrative suggests that the clear, empathic articulation of the client’s constituted positioning can facilitate intentional and sometimes spontaneous resistances against it. This, in turn, clears the way for a more client-initiated than therapist-led exploration of agentive personal stories. Double listening does not explicitly attend to this resistance, which is hypothesised here as a vital intervening position between constituted and agentive positioning. A hypothetical case study illustrates these points.
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42
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Fowers BJ, Ainsley JB, Lefevor GT. Reports of the death of aspiration have been indeed much exaggerated. THEORY & PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1177/0959354313515962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Russell L, Moss D. High and happy? Exploring the experience of positive states of mind in people who have been given a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Psychol Psychother 2013; 86:431-46. [PMID: 24217867 DOI: 10.1111/j.2044-8341.2012.02064.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To approach the experience of 'happiness' and 'mania' for people who have been given a diagnosis of 'bipolar disorder' and to explore how they might differentiate or associate between these experiences. DESIGN A qualitative design was used in which four participants who had been given a diagnosis of 'bipolar disorder' were interviewed individually regarding their experiences and ideas about 'mania' and 'happiness'. METHODS Transcriptions from the interviews were analysed using the iterative process of interpretative phenomenological analysis. RESULTS Four superordinate themes were identified. Two highlighted the conceptual fluidity and similarities between their ideas about and experiences of 'happiness' and 'mania'. Two emphasized the differences between these notions for the participants, which reflected the destruction, disruption, and chaos of 'mania' in contrast to the importance of self-acceptance, peacefulness, and social connection for 'happiness'. CONCLUSION There may be benefit in maintaining an active dialogue or 'poly-vocality' about the meanings of 'happiness' in clinical work with people who experience 'positive states' of mind, which are personally problematic. This can be supported by drawing on ideas and narratives about 'happiness' from the field of positive psychology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Russell
- Clinical Psychology Service, Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, UKDepartment of Clinical Psychology, University of Plymouth, Devon, UK
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Enmarker I, Hellzén O, Ekker K, T. Berg AG. Personalities and health in older cat and dog owners: A HUNT-study. Health (London) 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2013.59197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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YOUNG MARKE, HUTCHINSON TRACYS. The Rediscovery of Gratitude: Implications for Counseling Practice. JOURNAL OF HUMANISTIC COUNSELING 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/j.2161-1939.2012.00008.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Abstract
B. F. Skinner's, 1948 novel, Walden Two has some remarkable parallels to the growing Positive Psychology movement which emphasizes the promotion of subjective well being, the development of character strengths, and establishing positive institutions. Despite Skinner's reputation for neglecting emotion and subjective well being, one finds the opposite in the Walden Two community. Misunderstandings of Skinner's views have obscured the common themes between his ideas and Positive Psychology including positive use of leisure, value of positive emotions, and seeking happiness through engagement or gratification rather than through pleasure. Moreover, at Walden Two, the community develops Positive Psychology's character strengths such as creativity, persistence, humility, love, fairness, and communal gratitude. Particularly memorable was the shaping of self-regulation. The consequences of comparing Walden Two and Positive Psychology may be to shed some of the myths about contemporary behaviorism and Skinner's ideas, and to remind workers in Positive Psychology of the power of the empirically documented methods for building the automaticity of behavioral skills which may underlie character strengths advocated by Positive Psychology. Finally, this paper suggests the need for finding common ground in current psychology rather than emphasizing divisions.
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Adriaanse MA, De Ridder DTD, Voorneman I. Improving diabetes self-management by mental contrasting. Psychol Health 2012; 28:1-12. [PMID: 22364109 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2012.660154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes patients often fail to adhere to self-management activities, such as losing weight by exercising and dieting. The present study tested the efficacy of a minimalist intervention consisting of only the self-regulation strategy 'mental contrasting' (Oettingen, G. (2000). Expectancy effects on behavior depend on self-regulatory thought. Social Cognition, 18, 101-129) in promoting these self-management activities among a clinical sample of type 2 diabetes patients (N = 64). Half of the participants were assigned to a positive indulging condition (fantasising about positive outcomes of losing weight) and the other half of the participants were assigned to a mental contrasting condition (fantasising about positive outcomes of losing weight and then contrasting these fantasies with obstacles in the present reality). Results showed that, one month later, participants in the mental contrasting condition had improved their diabetes self-management, and in particular their dieting behaviour, by a larger extent than participants who merely indulged in the positive future. It was concluded that although more elaborate interventions may yield stronger results, adding a mental contrasting exercise to their usual care may be a highly feasible, low-cost alternative to promote diabetes self-management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke A Adriaanse
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Utrecht University, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Cummins RA. Positive Psychology and Subjective Well-Being Homeostasis: A Critical Examination of Congruence. A POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY PERSPECTIVE ON QUALITY OF LIFE 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-4963-4_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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Pereira Lopes M, Pina E. Cunha M, Rego A. Integrating positivity and negativity in management research. MANAGEMENT RESEARCH-THE JOURNAL OF THE IBEROAMERICAN ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT 2011. [DOI: 10.1108/1536-541111155236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Kristjánsson K. Positive Psychology, Happiness, and Virtue: The Troublesome Conceptual Issues. REVIEW OF GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.1037/a0020781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This article subjects the recently prominent theory of positive psychology to critical conceptual scrutiny, with emphasis on its general take on happiness, virtue, and positive emotion. It is argued that positive psychology suffers from internal divisions (such as divergent views of its proponents on what happiness is), ambiguities (e.g., regarding the possibility of nonvirtuous happiness), ambivalence (concerning self-realism vs. anti-self-realism), and at least one serious misconception (the assumption that any view that makes overall evaluative judgments thereby prescribes). Nevertheless, many of the charges commonly urged against positive psychology, in particular by Aristotelian theorists, do not stick, and we may be well advised to give it the benefit of our doubt.
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