Collective resilience refers to a “community’s capacity, hope and faith to withstand and overcome adversity, and to prevail usually with increased resources, competence and connectedness (Landunt & Saul, 2004)”. This presentation will reflect upon diverse positive psychology interventions implemented by the team from The School of Positive Psychology (TSPP) in Singapore to cultivate collective resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
TSPP is the first school in Asia to deliver courses in Positive Psychology and Psychotherapy since 2007. The key objectives during 2020 were to provide support and connection for our student body, our team and the wider community, while still delivering the academic programs of the school. This presentation will share real examples of how TSPP took collective actions at four levels: establishing a common purpose; fostering compassionate connection in our own team and our wider community; enhancing the student-centered approach to teaching online; and honoring our “live it to learn it” approach. You will learn how we kept the magic of positive psychology alive across these four levels, how we ensured that each of the interventions specifically addressed the needs and cultural appropriateness of a diverse demographic and what we learnt along the way.
The development of collective resilience cultivated a sense of shared purpose and enabled TSPP to move from struggling with uncertainty towards collectively thriving.