Northern Kentucky University
The Effect of Positive Psychology Interventions on Happiness of High School Students
Institution
Northern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Belle Zembrodt
Abstract
High school students participated in a Positive Psychology workshop involving Seligmans' signature strengths, flow and authentic happiness. Happiness was assessed with the Satisfaction with Life Scale, Subjective Happiness Index and the CES-D. Students in the treatment condition also completed a Work Shop Questionnaire assessing their enjoyment, acceptability, perceived increase in happiness, knowledge of concepts discussed and items learned during the workshop. Statistical analysis indicated that practicing positive psychology interventions marginally increased the high school students' satisfaction with life and marginally decreased symptoms of depression. Further analyses indicated that most students enjoyed the workshop, felt that it increased their happiness and planned on using positive psychology in the future.
The Effect of Positive Psychology Interventions on Happiness of High School Students
High school students participated in a Positive Psychology workshop involving Seligmans' signature strengths, flow and authentic happiness. Happiness was assessed with the Satisfaction with Life Scale, Subjective Happiness Index and the CES-D. Students in the treatment condition also completed a Work Shop Questionnaire assessing their enjoyment, acceptability, perceived increase in happiness, knowledge of concepts discussed and items learned during the workshop. Statistical analysis indicated that practicing positive psychology interventions marginally increased the high school students' satisfaction with life and marginally decreased symptoms of depression. Further analyses indicated that most students enjoyed the workshop, felt that it increased their happiness and planned on using positive psychology in the future.