View
7
Download
0
Category
Preview:
Citation preview
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?
Recommended