Happy thoughts: Enhancing well-being in the classroom with a positive events diary
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) are effective in increasing well-being across the population. Whilst educators are recognising the importance of well-being in the classroom and of its long-term impact on life trajectory, the transformative potential of PPIs in educational settings is yet to be fully realised. This study investigates, for the first time, the effects of a PPI in school children by means of a daily dairy. Self-report questionnaires were used to measure well-being in school children aged 8–11 years. Across two studies, children kept a positive events diary, recording three experiences every day for a week. The intervention led to an increase in happiness and a decrease in depressive symptoms immediately following the intervention and at a three-month follow-up. Children who had unhappier baseline scores benefitted more from the intervention. This study demonstrates significant scope, in school settings, for targeted light-touch interventions to promote well-being in those with the greatest need.
Keywords
- Positive Psychology, Positive Thinking, Resilience, Well-being, Positive Psychology Intervention, PPI, Children, Education, Attribution
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 110-121 |
Journal | Journal of Positive Psychology |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 2 |
Early online date | 18 Oct 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2018 |
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