To function optimally in their role, positive psychology practitioners ideally strive for high ethical integrity as they operate within the guard rails of wellbeing science. In an increasingly uncertain, complex and ambiguous world, where swift decisions and choices predominate, intentionally making time and space to hold ourselves accountable for ethically informed practice can be challenging. Julie Weste and Debra Peck present their framework for appreciative dialogue in small, collegiate professional practice groups. Designed to keep ethics at the forefront of positive psychology practice, the framework was implemented and progressively honed during 2020.
The framework offers a foundation for professional conversation that nurtures shared perspectives and supports deep connection and autonomy. Appreciative dialogue provides the vehicle for emergent discussion of ethical considerations, with topics instigating rich reflection on the complexities of practice. Members of the inaugural collegiate group most value the trust and safety that has deepened understanding and fostered an incisive focus on ethical practice across contexts. We hope that presentation of this replicable framework will potentially inspire other practitioners to adopt an appreciative dialogic approach to ethically informed practice.