Positive Psychology Center

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Positive Psychology Center

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Positive. Resilient. Gritty. Creative. Our center is dedicated to helping people lead meaningful and fulfilled lives through research and practice.

The Positive Psychology Center's core goal is to foster the scientific investigation of positive subjective experience, of positive individual traits, and of positive institutions. We're about helping people to realize what's best within them and to build thriving individuals, families, and communities. Our center carries out empirical research and interventions in the fields of Positive Psychology, resilience, and grit. We established the world’s first Master of Applied Positive Psychology program (MAPP) and we offer state-of-the-art training programs in Positive Psychology and resilience for educational institutions, the U.S. Army, and other organizations around the world.

10/30/2026

New research suggests practicing gratitude may strengthen social connectedness. A 10-day gratitude intervention increased connection among U.S. adults, while greater connectedness was linked to lower psychological distress.

This study examined the effect of gratitude on social connectedness (SC) and whether perfectionism moderated effects. A total of 194 U.S. adults were randomly assigned to either a 10-day gratitude ...

10/28/2026

Are we getting happiness all wrong? At Dartmouth, psychologist Laurie Santos explores why money, productivity, and comparison may undermine well-being, and why relationships, time, and mental health matter more.

More news Articles How We’re Getting the Pursuit of Happiness WrongNews subtitleLaurie Santos says prioritizing money and status is often counterproductive.ImageImage Yale psychology professor Laurie Santos speaks at Dartmouth about happiness as part of the Law and Democracy series. (Photo by Eli...

10/26/2026

https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/resilience-programs/resilience-client-testimonials

10/23/2026

New research suggests that building positive emotional experiences may complement traditional approaches to depression and anxiety. It’s a reminder that mental health is not only about reducing distress, but also about strengthening well-being.

Targeting impaired reward processing reduces key risk factors in depression and anxiety and produces superior clinical outcomes than negative affect treatment.

10/21/2026

Trauma can show up quietly in the body, relationships, and everyday reactions. This podcast explores how EMDR is used in practice and what trauma treatment can look like in session.

Podcast Episode · The Carlat Psychiatry Podcast · June 8 · 31m

10/19/2026

https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/resilience-programs/resilience-research

10/16/2026

New research suggests awe can come from witnessing exceptional human ability, not just nature. Seeing athletic or intellectual excellence was linked to greater motivation to grow, improve, and help others. What we watch may shape more than entertainment.

Awe is a self-transcendent emotion gaining attention in media psychology, yet most research focuses on nature-based awe; ability-based awe – elicited by witnessing extraordinary human abilities – r...

10/14/2026

Perfectionism can fuel avoidance, burnout, and self-criticism. This podcast explores practical ways to loosen perfectionistic thinking and a simple habit linked to greater happiness and a more sustainable approach to life.

583. We talk about a specific, easy way to reduce the unworn clothes in your closet, and we also share a listener’s clothes-related hack for keeping track of lost items. We explore an interesting distinction: are you a nostalgic person or an expectant person?

10/12/2026

https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/resilience-programs/resilience-clients

10/09/2026

New research from UMass Amherst suggests stress-related drinking in early adulthood may alter brain circuits well into midlife, even after years of sobriety. A thoughtful look at how stress and alcohol may shape long-term brain health.

Using alcohol to cope with stress when young may permanently alter the brain, making it harder to adapt to challenges and increasing the risk of returning to drinking later in life. Researchers also found signs of brain damage associated with early dementia, suggesting the effects can linger long af...

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3701 Market Street, Ste 200
Philadelphia, PA
19104

Website

http://www.ppc.sas.upenn.edu/

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