By Josey Murray -
Traditionally, positive psychology has focused on the individual, the meaning, purpose, and happiness of singular lives often detached from the context in which they exist. The third wave of positive psychology asks us to consider the collective: not just our individual lives, but what it means to exist in groups, in communities, as a species, and as part of this world. In times like these, when political discourse attempts to untie the threads that connect us, when disconnection between one other and the natural world perpetuates systems of exploitation of other humans, non-human beings, and the Earth, we need this conversation. We need to think about what is beyond each of us and wholeheartedly consider the collective.
Change starts small. First we need to imagine what we need to do in order to move toward considering the collective. Then we need to take steps to set ideas into motion. In this latest issue of MAPP Magazine, the alumni publication of the Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program at the University of Pennsylvania, we engage in this exciting conversation. This issue explores the range of what it means to consider the collective with practitioners and experts doing the work. It includes invitations to host more dinner parties and thank your local government worker as well as discussions of the newest research on the ideas of the third wave and beyond.
We are pleased to share with you the October 2024 issue of MAPP Magazine, which features three articles written by MAPP alumni and an expert interview with positive psychology researcher and thought leader, Tim Lomas, Ph.D. Thank you for joining us to consider the collective.
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Well-being through collective joy
What do music festivals, potlucks, the Olympics, Burning Man, and church worship services have in common? In this article, Louise Wo (MAPP ’22) explores a common thread: collective effervescence, the elevated energy experienced in group gatherings.
Read on for more about the potential of collective effervescence to foster community well-being. Plus, get practical tips to leverage it to promote awe, belonging, and well-being in individuals, organizations, and society.
Cultivating community connection
What is community? How does it show up in our lives? What can we borrow from positive psychology to strengthen our personal sense of community and the communities we are a part of? In this article, Anna Lucas (MAPP ’19) discusses the basics of community and community well-being.
Read on for tips on how to embrace your communities and the importance of tending to your village.
Politics and positive public service
While public servants play vital roles in communities, their efforts are frequently overshadowed by mainstream narratives. In this article, B.J. Jones (MAPP ’17) explores the link between positive psychology and public administration, emphasizing the need to recognize the contributions of government workers.
Read on to see how a shift in focus to appreciate the essential work of public servants could improve both their well-being and the well-being of the collective.
The third wave and beyond: A conversation with Tim Lomas
In this article, positive psychology researcher and thought leader, Dr. Tim Lomas, explores the complexities and nuances of collective well-being and distinguishes it from the related topic of flourishing.
Read on for some of his newest insights and personal musing about the importance and urgency to not only to consider the culture and context characteristic of positive psychology’s third wave, but also to move beyond it.
For more on finding well-being,
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References
Photo Credits
Crowd in front of stage courtesy of Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash
Cultivating Connection courtesy of Ben Duchac on Unsplash
Yard Sign courtesy of Maria Thalassinou on Unsplash
Big wave courtesy of Silas Baisch on Unsplash
This article first appeared on Positive Psychology News. To see the original article, click here. To comment on this article, click here.
Josey Murray, MAPP'23,is a health, wellness, and lifestyle writer and editor based in New York City. Her writing focuses on how to live the good life and what sustainable wellness means for mind, body, and planet. She has written for Women's Health, mindbodygreen, Well+Good, and more. She is the associate editor of MAPP Magazine. She holds a degree in English and Creative Writing from Wellesley College. Josey's articles are here.
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