and founder of Positive Psychology, a new branch of psychology which focuses on the empirical study of such things as positive emotions, strengths-based character, and healthy institutions. His research has demonstrated that it is possible to be happier — to feel more satisfied, to be more engaged with life, find more meaning, have higher hopes, and probably even laugh and smile more, regardless of one’s circumstances. Positive psychology interventions can also lastingly decrease depression symptoms. The research underlying these rigorously tested interventions is presented in the July/August edition of the American Psychologist, the journal of the American Psychology Association.
Authentic Happiness has almost 700,000 registered users around the world. You are welcome to use all of the resources on this website for free.
University of Pennsylvania now offers the first Master of Applied Positive Psychology Program in the world.
A new program at the University of Pennsylvania provides an important opportunity for psychologists, educators, life coaches, and health and business professionals interested in the application of the science of Positive Psychology. The Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) offers professionals, many of whom are working full-time, the chance to earn a pioneering graduate degree from an Ivy League university. Click here to learn more.
Landmark Article Reporting the Efficacy of Positive Psychology Interventions
Martin E.P. Seligman, Tracy A. Steen, Nansook Park and Christoper Peterson review recent developments in the field of Positive Psychology in the July-August issue of American Psychologist, the journal of the American Psychology Association. They discuss the classification of character strengths and virtues as well as psychological interventions that increase individual happiness. As quoted in the article, “Positive interventions can supplement traditional interventions that relieve suffering and may someday be the practical legacy of positive psychology.” Click here to read article.
Develop insights into yourself and the world around you through these scientifically tested questionnaires, surveys, and scales.
Featured Questionnaire:
Compassionate Love Scale Measures your tendency to support, help, and understand other people
Emotion Questionnaires:
Authentic Happiness Inventory Questionnaire Measures Overall Happiness
CES-D Questionnaire Measures Depression Symptoms
Fordyce Emotions Questionnaire Measures Current Happiness
General Happiness Questionnaire Assesses Enduring Happiness
PANAS Questionnaire Measures Positive and Negative Affect
Engagement Questionnaires:
Brief Strengths Test Measures 24 Character Strengths
Gratitude Questionnaire Measures Appreciation about the Past
Grit Survey Measures the Character Strength of Perseverence
Optimism Test Measures Optimism About the Future
Transgression Motivations Questionnaire Measures Forgiveness
VIA Signature Strengths Questionnaire Measures 24 Character Strengths
VIA Strength Survey for Children Measures 24 Character Strengths for Children
Work-Life Questionnaire Measures Work-Life Satisfaction
Meaning Questionnaires:
Close Relationships Questionnaire Measures Attachment Style
Meaning in Life Questionnaire Measures Meaningfulness
Life Satisfaction Questionnaires:
Approaches to Happiness Questionnaire Measures Three Routes to Happiness
Satisfaction with Life Scale Measures Life Satisfaction
Meet Dr. Seligman
Dr. Seligman's main mission has been the promotion of the field of Positive Psychology. This discipline includes the study of positive emotion, positive character traits, and positive institutions. Dr. Seligman is now turning his attention to training Positive Psychologists, individuals whose practice will make the world a happier place, parallel to the way clinical psychologists have made the world a less unhappy place. Read full bio ...
Resources & Links
Additional resources can be found at other Positive Psychology websites:
In the News...
Dr. Seligman & Positive Psychology featured in TIME Magazine cover story
Positive Psychology Books
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