The Civic Engagement Concern – Optimistic Psychology Information

The mission of the MAPP Journal is first to maintain College of Pennsylvania Grasp of Utilized Optimistic Psychology Program (MAPP) alumni related, and second to share the wide selection of our purposes of optimistic psychology with a broader viewers to encourage collaboration and development within the area.  

This concern of MAPP Journal offers with the theme of Civic Engagement. Please learn on to seek out hyperlinks to articles about how volunteering to assist run elections can enhance well-being, and the optimistic psychology abilities helpful in a local weather the place ballot staff are threatened; how optimistic psychology will be utilized to strategy discussions with adherents of extremist teams in order that interventions usually are not perceived as private assaults; and the way members of a group can use strengths to make connections and facilitate curious conversations amongst these with opposing political opinions.  

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Supporting Democracy as a Volunteer Election Judge

What’s it wish to function an elections volunteer in these risky instances? Learn what Karen Deppa, C’15 has to say about her function as a chief election choose and the optimistic psychology tenets that fortify her by way of lengthy days of affected person work.

Karen additionally shares strengths wanted to cope with the darkish facet of our participatory type of authorities amidst harassment and threats directed on the individuals like her who give their time to maintain our democracy. Regardless of these circumstances, Karen feels extra dedicated to this work than ever earlier than, and says of her function: “It’s not essentially enjoyable, and at instances will be downright irritating, however general, I discover it immensely fulfilling.”

Positive Psychology and White Christian Nationalism

Arthur Fullerton, C’08 examines the rise of white Christian nationalism within the U.S. and the rise in extremism across the globe. He explores the function of shortage and glued mindsets that give rise to radical habits.

Then Arthur slips on his optimistic psychology hat to disclose how the science we love affords helpful methods of connecting with extremists. He explains, “. . .optimistic psychology will be so useful in reframing the phrases of debate so interventions aren’t perceived as private assaults.” 

Learn Arthur’s methods for constructing bridges utilizing the virtues of optimistic psychology.

Using Positive Psychology to Connect in Polarized Times

Kathy Snyder, C’10 is the Midland Space Wellbeing Coalition Coordinator and in 2020 she labored instantly with MAPP college students whose service studying challenge aimed to foster civil dialog and improved connections in her group. Their challenge offered coaching applications to assist group leaders promote civility and stay curious when discussing opposing viewpoints.

On this article, Kathy candidly shares how her personal political attitudes undermined an essential relationship in her life—and what occurred when she let her character strengths of curiosity, kindness, love, and humor break by way of.

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Picture credit

Group meeting by Antenna on Unsplash

I voted by Components Digital on Unsplash

Writing on the wall by Sarah Ardin on Unsplash