Gallery Presentation International Positive Psychology Association 7th IPPA World Congress 2021

Mighty mindfulness: A tool for self-discovery, resilience, and self-efficacy (#323)

Mina Simhai 1
  1. Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA

     In this “experience it” applied positive psychology presentation, resilience becomes an embodied experience participants can draw upon to bolster their self-efficacious beliefs about their ability to face present and future adversity. 

     Participants will begin with a guided visualization rooted in the body that incorporates the following positive psychology constructs: (1) savoring, using the tools of reminiscing and luxuriating (Bryant & Veroff, 2006), (2) character strengths (Niemiec, 2017), (3) appreciative inquiry (Cooperrider & Whitney, 2005), and (4) gratitude (Bono, Emmons, & McCullough, 2004). After connecting with their breath they will recall a situation in which they were resilient, re-living it using as many sensory details as possible (reminiscing and luxuriating).  Next, they will use appreciative inquiry to reflect on the internal and external resources (resilience protective factors) that helped them rise to the challenge (Reivich & Shatte, 2003). The guided visualization closes with a multi-sensory expression of gratitude for these external and internal resources. 

     By increasing participants’ awareness of the resilience protective factors they already possess, the  guided visualization promotes self-discovery. Through self-discovery, I aim to strengthen participants’ beliefs in their ability to rise to meet current or future challenges, bolstering their self-efficacy.

     Following the guided visualization, participants will identify ways to apply their own resilience resources to a current or anticipated challenge and commit to take one such action.

     This practice has been done in a workshop setting with first generation college students at George Washington University (GW) and with students enrolled in a Stress Management class and a Positive Psychology class at GW. Outcomes of this positive intervention could be measured by giving participants a self-report questionnaire that assesses their perceived ability to be resilient in the face of an upcoming challenge before and after participating in the intervention. 

 

 

  1. Bono, G., Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2004). Gratitude in practice and the practice of gratitude. Positive psychology in practice, 464-481.
  2. Bryant, F. B. & Veroff, J., Savoring: A new model of positive experience. London, UK: Psychology Press (2006).
  3. Cooperrider, D. L., Whitney, D., Appreciative inquiry: A positive revolution in change. San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc. (2005).
  4. Niemiec, R. M., Character strengths interventions: A field guide for practitioners. Boston, MA: Hogrefe Publishing Corporation (2017).
  5. Reivich, K. & Shatte, A., The resilience factor: 7 keys to finding your inner strength and overcoming life’s hurdles. New York, NY: Broadway Books (2003).
  • Keywords: Education, Mindfulness, Resilience and Posttraumatic Growth, Strengths
  • Select your presentation sub-category: Experience it