Positive Psychology

Chris Baccash racing on a bike in a cycling race.

How a brain tumor helped a cyclist change his life

In 2019, Chris Baccash was diagnosed with a a slow-growing malignant brain tumor. In 2021, after completing a grueling 100-mile cycling race up the Rockies, he started graduate school at Penn for a master’s degree in positive psychology.

From Penn Medicine News ・

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


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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