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Happiness, optimism and positive psychology
Gooble-de-gook or the real deal?
What we’re going to talk about
1. Positive psychology – What is it?– Why should we worry about it?– What can we do as teachers?
2. Practical ideas for pastoral care lessons– Gratitude journals– 3 things– Random acts of kindness
Traditional psychology
“OK”
-10
Aiming for OK
Positive psychology
+10
-10
Opportunity to flourish
what is Positive Psychology?
The scientific study of optimal human functioning
• People who reported being ‘happier’ had a number of things in common – the way they look at the world, the things they do.
Happier people practice– Optimistic thinking – Enjoyment of the present– Appreciation of the little things– Good quality relationships– Using strengths– Setting goals– Planning for happiness.
The scientific equation …
H = S +C + V H = Happiness
S = set geneticsC = circumstances
V = voluntary
Thoughts
Feelings Behaviour
V = ????
Are my thoughts…• Realistic? • Taking into account all the facts?• Helpful?
Can I look at things…• From a different angle?• In another way?
That little voice…
Monty python had it right !
Always look on the bright side of life …
3 positive things about:• Yourself• Your world• The other people in your life
Why teach optimism?• Get depressed and
anxious less often• Achieve more at
school, at work, at play
• Have better physical health than pessimists
Ideas for teaching optimism
Check out the following Reach Out resources
• Reach Out fact sheets• Reach Out forums• Reach Out blog• Teachers Network lesson plans• Reach Out Central interactive game
www.reachout.com
Reach Out forums : Zen Den
Reach Out blog: gratitude
http://teachers.reachoutpro.com.au
Lesson plans
Test drive life …http://cdroc.reachout.com.au
ROC lesson plans
Student self-tracker journal
Random acts of kindness
Happiness isn’t just feeling good it’s also doing good
www.actnow.com.au
Are you convinced yet?
How will you incorporate positive psychology into pastoral care programs?
