Well-Being

Abstract construals make the emotional rewards of prosocial behavior more salient

Although previous research has shown that helping others leads to higher happiness than helping oneself, people frequently predict that self-serving behavior will make them happier than prosocial behavior....

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An evaluation of positive psychology intervention effectiveness trials using the re-aim framework: A practice-friendly review

Meta-analyses indicate the efficacy of positive psychology interventions in promoting well-being. But, despite accumulating empirical and anecdotal evidence of these interventions’ implementation in real-world settings, no review of effectiveness research exists....

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It’s good to do good and receive good: The impact of a ‘pay it forward’ style kindness intervention on giver and receiver well-being

Despite the popularity of the ‘pay it forward’ (PIF) concept in textbooks and popular culture, to date, no study has tested the effectiveness of a brief, one-time PIF activity on the well-being of those who do good and those who receive good. To test this, 83 undergraduates (‘givers’) performed random kind acts for 1.5 h....

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Cross-lagged associations between study and work engagement dimensions during young adulthood

The present four-wave longitudinal study investigated the cross-lagged associations between three study and work engagement dimensions (e.g. energy, absorption, and dedication) over the transition from post-comprehensive studies to higher education or work. Various antecedents (e.g. gender, GPA) and consequences (e.g....

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‘It’s up to you’: Experimentally manipulated autonomy support for prosocial behavior improves well-being in two cultures over six weeks

Previous research has demonstrated a strong link between prosocial behavior – particularly autonomous prosocial behavior – and well-being. Little is known, however, about whether and how autonomy might be boosted in the context of everyday kindnesses....

The effect of contact with natural environments on positive and negative affect: A meta-analysis

A growing body of empirical research suggests that brief contact with natural environments improves emotional wellbeing. The current study synthesizes this body of research using meta-analytic techniques and assesses the mean effect size of exposure to natural environments on both positive and negative affect....

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Strength balance and implicit strength measurement: New considerations for research on strengths of character

Jack of all trades, master of none seems apropos to character strengths. Research indicates that readily endorsed and intrinsically motivating strengths (i.e. signature strengths) are most useful in promoting well-being; improving less-developed strengths receives less emphasis....

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2012 Conference Video: The Road to Health: From Less Travelled, to Lesser Resistance

Dr. David Katz presents "The Road to Health: From Less Travelled, to Lesser Resistance" at the 2012 Coaching in Leadership and Healthcare Conference.

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Strengths deployment as a mood-repair mechanism: Evidence from a diary study with a relationship exercise group

Character strengths represent positive durable attributes of individuals and their deployment is hypothesized to positively affect mood and well-being. Furthermore strengths deployment may serve as a mood-repair strategy which promotes growth....

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When do people benefit from gratitude practice?

Accumulating research shows that gratitude exercises are effective for improving well-being but the pattern of results also suggests that moderators are likely at play. Researchers have begun investigating moderators of gratitude exercise impact but it remains unclear which are most important....

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