Livewire is a moderated online community designed to connect, support, and empower young people and their siblings affected by a serious or chronic health condition. This program was established by the Starlight Children’s Foundation in response to the unique and unmet psychosocial needs of this cohort and is based on principles of positive psychology. The site uses digital tools such as live chat, private messaging, information links, community content, blogs, moderated chat, and live news feeds to engage, provide a forum for learning new skills, and to promote positive relationships.
Over the last three years there have been multiple research projects (involving researchers from UNSW, UTS, Telethon Kids Institute and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute) investigating the benefits and efficacy of Livewire online, with one project specifically reviewing and documenting correlations between the Livewire Online community and concepts in positive psychology theory.
Amongst the findings of this research are the positive impact on identity, the importance of self-compassion, building positive peer relationships, an added sense of meaning and increasing resilience in these adolescent’s lives. The research delineates how aspects of Livewire closely align to each PERMA element. The evidence demonstrates how Livewire members experience positive emotions, increased levels of engagement, and significant feelings of accomplishment from their involvement in the online community. With their condition often resulting in multiple and complex needs, including physical and/or social isolation, the program is providing a safe space, support, and the tools for this cohort to live their best life.
This presentation will outline the Livewire online program, share the findings from the research projects, and provide illustrative examples. It will also include suggestions for how the organisation can continue to strengthen the links with positive psychology principles in order to obtain improved outcomes for the adolescents in the online community.