Positive Psychology

A view of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a long building of orange brick and blue angled roofs. The Schuylkill River flows in the foreground.

Art museums plant seeds of human flourishing

Researchers from the Humanities and Human Flourishing Project in the Positive Psychology Center at Penn have found that art museums are associated with wide-ranging benefits to human health.

Luis Melecio-Zambrano ・

A piece of pumpkin pie on a serving spatula, a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Navigating holidays in a pandemic, again

Experts from Penn’s Center for Public Health Initiatives and Positive Psychology Center offer six tips for making the holiday season joyful, fun, and safe.

Michele W. Berger, Erica K. Brockmeier ・

angela duckworth in huntsman hall

A lesson in grit from Angela Duckworth

Her new Grit Lab course, part of the Paideia Program, teaches Penn undergrads how to develop more passion and perseverance for long-term goals.

Michele W. Berger ・

Close-up images of three people. On the left is journalist Larry King, wearing a black shirt, a red tie and red suspenders. In the center is James Pawelski, a Penn researcher, wearing a blue blazer and blue shirt. On the right is actor Kevin Bacon, weather a blue and black button down shirt.

Talking positive psychology and COVID-19 with Larry King

In a free video series co-hosted by James Pawelski, King interviews researchers about coping during the pandemic. In a June 11 event, they’ll speak with actor Kevin Bacon about philanthropy, arts and culture’s role in well-being, and the importance of open dialogue.

Michele W. Berger ・



In the News


Psychology Today

Why hasn’t the new me shown up yet?

In his book “What You Can Change and What You Can’t,” Martin Seligman of the School of Arts & Sciences says that some personal qualities and habits can’t be changed without extreme difficulty.

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Fortune

You can’t force holiday cheer—but three habits can help you feel happier this season

In his co-written book “Character Strengths and Virtues.” Martin Seligman of the School of Arts & Sciences defines gratitude as being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen and taking time to express thanks.

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Fast Company

Four myths that hold workers back from having fulfilling careers—and how to make your work more meaningful

In an Op-Ed, Tamara Myles of the School of Arts & Sciences uses her research at the Positive Psychology Center to explain why meaningful work is fundamental to happiness.

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CBS Philadelphia

New class from Barnes Foundation and UPenn shows a new twist in art therapy

Penn professors, including James Pawelski and Katherine Cotter of the School of Arts & Sciences, are teaching an online class about art therapy with support from the Barnes Foundation.

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Indo-Asian News Service

ChatGPT shows promise for effective psychotherapy

A study by Martin Seligman of the School of Arts & Sciences and colleagues at the Positive Psychology Center found that ChatGPT could generate highly detailed and accurate personal narratives for use in a therapeutic context.

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First for Women

What to do when you feel like giving up: Experts share secrets to restoring hope

Karen Reivich of the School of Arts & Sciences recommends identifying which core positive emotion is quintessentially “you” and finding small ways to feel that every day.

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