Strengths Psychology as a Force for Positive Social Change. Alex Linley Centre of Applied Positive Psychology /

Transcription

1 Strengths Psychology as a Force for Positive Social Change Alex Linley Centre of Applied Positive Psychology /

2 The Battle of Ideas In the red corner... Negativity Bias (of evolutionary origin)

3 The Human Face of Negativity Bias

4 Negativity Bias Negativity Bias: Psychological 1. Negative events more potent 2. Negative events more quickly negative 3. Negative stronger than positive 4. Varied negativity 5. Negative contagion Negativity Bias: Social 1. Public policy problem focused 2. Economics the dismal science 3. Psychiatry constant expansion of the DSM 4. Psychology medical model, deficit approach, competency frameworks

5 The Battle of Ideas In the white corner... Positivity Payoff (with increasingly recognisable benefits)

6 Positivity Payoff The Positivity Payoff What We Know So Far... Fredrickson s Broaden-and-build model of positive emotions Individual flourishing 3:1 positive to negative ratios Happiness associated with and predicts a range of positive life outcomes Strengths use associated with and predicts a range of positive life outcomes How to change?

7 Catalysts for Change 1. Attention: What we focus on and how we notice it 2. Language: What we say and how we describe it 3. Mindset: What we think and how we approach it 4. Evidence: What we know and how we share it 5. Involvement: What we do and how we harness it

8 Catalysts for Change: Attention Strengthspotting Top Tips: 1. Childhood Memories 2. Energy 3. Authenticity 4. Ease 5. Attention 6. Rapid Learning 7. Motivation 8. Voice 9. Words and Phrases 10. To Do Lists

9 Catalysts for Change: Language Concepts carry consequences classifying things one way rather than another has important implications for the way we behave toward such things. Lawrie Reznek, Medical Philosopher

10 Creating a Language of Strengths Spotlight Reconfiguration Catalyst

11 Catalysts for Change: Mindset A lot more often now, I catch myself slipping into focusing on the negative... But at least I have caught myself and done something about it it bothers me to think what things would be like if I didn t catch myself, and I guess that is a challenge that all of us will have to overcome. Parminder Basran

12 Catalysts for Change: Evidence Positive psychology is the scientific study of the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. Positive Psychology Center

13 Why Strengths: Happiness People who use their strengths more are happier: Higher subjective wellbeing Higher psychological well-being Increases in well-being over time

14 Why Strengths: Confidence People who use their strengths more are more confident: Higher self-efficacy Higher confidence in own abilities Links to growth mindset

15 Why Strengths: Self-esteem People who use their strengths more have higher self-esteem: Higher self-esteem Increases over time through strengths development interventions

16 Why Strengths: Energy/Vitality People who use their strengths more have more energy and vitality: Higher levels of subjective vitality Strengths re-charge when used Energy as a hallmark of strengths

17 Why Strengths: Lower Stress People who use their strengths more experience less stress: Declining stress over time Multiple potential causal pathways

18 Why Strengths: Resilience People who use their strengths more are more resilient: More resilient (52/60 Realise2 strengths) Adventure and Resilience Implications for organisational downsizing and life s challenges

19 Why Strengths: Goals People who use their strengths more achieve their goals better: Goal progress and attainment Goals/strengths match Need satisfaction, happiness and well-being Multiple potential causal pathways

20 Change in Performance Why Strengths:Work Performance People who use their strengths more are higher performing: Perform better at work Weakness focus leads to declines in performance 0.0 (5.5) (40.0) (26.8)

21 Why Strengths: Engagement People who use their strengths more have higher levels of engagement: More engaged at work Highly engaged strengths use 80% of time Average strengths use 25% of time

22 Why Strengths: Development People who develop their strengths: Faster developmental progress Positive psychological impact on self-esteem and well-being Sustained improvement Links to growth mindset

23 But the Surprise is It s not only about strengths Instead, we need to develop more holistic models of human performance and development...

24 Introducing Realise2

25 Our Integrative Advice 1. Maximise Unrealised Strengths 2. Marshal Realised Strengths 3. Minimise Weaknesses 4. Moderate Learned Behaviours

26 Who Will Win the Battle of Ideas? It s our choice...

27 Catalysts for Change:Involvement Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it s the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead (attr.)

28 We Can All Be Catalysts We can do it... As individuals in our daily lives In our families and communities In our schools In our organisations In setting social policy

29 Together We Can Win the Battle

30 Thank You Acknowledgement: Jonathan Hill & Nicky Garcea Contact: Get involved Weekly Strengths Tips, Positive Psych Bulletin:

31 Exclusive Preview PM Strengths Survey: Gordon Brown - Persistence David Cameron - Optimism Nick Clegg - Strategic Awareness Also assessing Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher, and the ideal PM for next five years Still open - closes Wed 21 April