Positive Psychology

Where political views and fundamental beliefs intersect

Research from The Penn Primals Project debunks the idea that conservatives think the world is more dangerous than liberals, findings with implications for future research and productive political debate.

Michele W. Berger

What beliefs shape our minds?

Jer Clifton of the Positive Psychology Center developed a framework to study primal world beliefs, our most fundamental sentiments about the world as a whole. Now, he’s ready for everyone to discover what their primal world beliefs are.

Marilyn Perkins

Do art museums prioritize visitor well-being enough?

Research from the Humanities and Human Flourishing Project in Penn’s Positive Psychology Center reveals that the people working in these institutions want to see greater emphasis on human flourishing, but they feel ill-equipped to make it happen.

Michele W. Berger



In the News


The New York Times

Are we happy yet?

Martin Seligman of the School of Arts & Sciences says that thinking about life through the lens of moment-to-moment moods is a recipe for depression and anxiety.

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Fast Company

Burnout is leading more employees to turn down promotions

Tamara Myles of the School of Arts & Sciences says that meaningful work lives at the intersection of contribution, community, and challenge.

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National Catholic Reporter

Tech leaders discuss AI and well-being at Vatican conference

At a Vatican City conference on human flourishing and technology, James Pawelski of the School of Arts & Sciences spoke about connecting culture with physical and mental health.

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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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