Increasing Middle School Students’ Happiness: Efficacy of a Positive Psychology Group Intervention
Description:
This project is aimed at increasing “subjective well-being” (the scientific term for happiness) in middle school children. Preliminary studies have shown that happiness can be influenced in adults through intervention, but this has not yet been tested for effectiveness with children.
The study’s aim is to identify middle school students with sub-optimal levels of happiness and increase their happiness via a 10-week group wellness promotion program. The program will include exercises intended to increase gratitude, teach children to identify and better use their character strengths, and increase hope and optimistic thoughts. If the outcome proves positive, researchers will assist middle school mental health professionals in delivering similar interventions to future at-risk middle school students
Contact Person: Shannon Suldo
Funding for Academic Year: 2007-08