Social anxiety disorder has several impairments (including attention bias in ratings of facial expressions). Character strengths has been seen to increase well-being and functioning among healthy individuals. With this in mind, three aims were stated; Is there a relation between SAD and VIA, can this relation be explained by confounding’s and does ratings of faces tell anything about the relation? Data were collected through a survey from 41 participants (13 men) with a mean age of 30 years. Correlation and regression models were performed to see if these constructs were related. The findings showed that character strengths and social anxiety were correlated, and that the regression model did not predict SAD. The regression model for Via were significant with all confounding variables. Ratings of facial expression were not related to any variables. Further studies need to look more into this correlation to see the underpinnings of these constructs.

No description available.

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived outcomes of participation in a summer camp that included physical work and service as a major component. A qualitative data analysis approach was used. A convenience sample of 10 male adolescents and 10 parents were selected. The data was analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. Data analysis was used to ascertain perceived outcomes from the program from both boys and their parents. Analysis of the data showed the emergence of a core theme of boys learning to work and enjoying work. Enjoying work was the term chosen to represent this core theme, and a theory of enjoying work was developed with seven salient attributes. These attributes were that the work was productive and taught skills, provided challenge, was intrinsically rewarding, made a difference for someone else, was done with others, was physical and done outdoors, and took place over an extended period of time.

No description available.

<p>The study of character strengths is a promising new approach available to positive psychology in its campaign to focus on the positive aspects of people, work and society, and encourage individuals to thrive in all aspects of their lives. Character strengths have been linked to satisfaction with life, but no previous work has investigated <em>how</em> these positive aspects of individuals lead to greater life satisfaction. The current work investigates how different combinations of character strengths, termed strength profiles, predict the use of two emotion regulation strategies, cognitive reappraisal and emotional suppression. Also investigated was the ability of these strength profiles to predict associative creativity, positive and negative affect, and life satisfaction.</p> <p>A sample of 205 students was used. Participants completed the Virtues in Action survey of character strengths, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Satisfaction with Life Scale and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. An experimental design was employed to investigate the effects of positive and negative emotions on performance on a task requiring associative creativity, the Remote Associates Test. Furthermore, the relationship between character strengths and emotion regulation strategy was investigated.</p> <p>Character strengths predicted cognitive reappraisal as a preferred method of emotion regulation. Character strengths also positively predicted positive affect, negatively predicted negative affect, and were positively associated with satisfaction with life. Additionally, cognitive reappraisal mediated the relationship between a profile designed to up-regulate positive emotions and self-reports of positive emotions.</p> <p>Results were compared for the proposed strength profiles and Peterson and Seligman's (2004) original six virtues. Differences in predictive ability between the strength profiles and virtues are highlighted. Finally, theoretical and practical implications and future research directions are suggested.</p> / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The student experience is a unique journey of challenge and opportunity, for which their success, subjective well-being (SWB) and psychological health are key elements. In three related investigations, this mixed-methods research programme examined the effects of Time-Perspective (TP: An individual’s psychological relationship with time) and Character-Strengths (CS: 24-positive traits associated with good character) on these outcomes. Investigation 1 involved developing a Likert-type scale to measure students’ success in areas they felt were important to the construct. Qualitative content analysis identified that HE students and staff collectively defined success as a multifaceted construct, consisting of numerous academic, non-academic and social aspects. These informed the development of a reliable and valid questionnaire for measuring success perceptions in seven of these areas. This was used in the following investigation to assess a range of outcome variables pertaining to student success. Investigation 2 was a longitudinal study assessing the effects of TP and CS on the success, good/poor psychological health and SWB of Year-1 HE students. In line with previous research, excessive or insufficient use of certain TP orientations was associated with, and could predict multiple positive and negative outcomes. For example, Future and Past-Positive orientations were predictive of academic success, perceived student success and SWB. Student psychological problems were associated with a bias towards Past-Negative and Present-Fatalist orientations. Additionally, a new formula for calculating a continuous Balanced Time Perspective (BTP) variable was devised and tested. High levels of BTP were associated with many positive aspects of the HE experience. Strengths were mainly associated with SWB and perceptions of success. However, Hope and Self-Regulation were inversely related with depression, anxiety, stress and negative-affect. Investigation 3 was a follow-up interview study with six student participants, who presented interesting profiles in Investigation 2. They talked about their experiences of psychological ill-health/well-being and student success in relation to TP and CS. Five super-ordinate themes were identified, including ‘Living with negative past experiences’, ‘A balancing act’ and ‘Using my strengths’. Psychological difficulties represent an escalating problem in HE, and student success and SWB are important outcomes. Both TP and CS offer additional understandings of these areas, adding value in academic, practical and theoretical contexts. This research has indicated that interventions focused on TP modification (i.e. developing a BTP) and strength development, may potentially offer preventative mental-illness strategies for susceptible students and enhance their success and SWB.

Essa dissertação objetiva desenvolver, aplicar e avaliar um modelo de intervenção psicológica em grupo baseado nas abordagens cognitivo-comportamental e positiva para pacientes com miastenia gravis. Participaram cinco mulheres entre 20 e 53 anos diagnosticadas com a doença. A psicoterapia foi composta por oito encontros semanais, com duração aproximada de uma hora e trinta minutos. Foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas nos períodos pré e pós-intervenção e após seis meses, além de instrumentos psicológicos para as variáveis estresse, qualidade de vida e forças pessoais. Os dados foram analisados qualitativamente, a partir da análise de biografia e narrativas de Gibbs. Pôde-se observar redução de estresse em participantes que haviam apresentado algum nível antes dos encontros. Além disso, os resultados sugeriram modificações pertinentes ao modelo de intervenção proposto, tendo em vista o caráter exploratório e inicial do estudo. A pesquisa levantou considerações sobre a necessidade de um acompanhamento psicológico sistemático para pacientes com miastenia gravis. / This research aims to develop, implement and evaluate a model of group psychotherapy based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and positive psychology for patients with myasthenia gravis. Participants were five women aged between 20 and 53 years old and diagnosed with the disease. Psychotherapy consisted of eight weekly meetings, which lasted approximately one hour and thirty minutes. Semi-structured interviews pre and post intervention and after six months were applied, as well as psychological instruments for the variables stress, quality of life and character strengths. Data were analyzed qualitatively, from the Gibbs’ analysis of narrative biography. It was observed reduction of stress in participants who had experienced earlier. Furthermore, results suggested important modifications to the model proposed intervention, considering it was an exploratory study. The research raised considerations about the need for a systematic psychological counseling for patients with myasthenia gravis.

Essa dissertação objetiva desenvolver, aplicar e avaliar um modelo de intervenção psicológica em grupo baseado nas abordagens cognitivo-comportamental e positiva para pacientes com miastenia gravis. Participaram cinco mulheres entre 20 e 53 anos diagnosticadas com a doença. A psicoterapia foi composta por oito encontros semanais, com duração aproximada de uma hora e trinta minutos. Foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas nos períodos pré e pós-intervenção e após seis meses, além de instrumentos psicológicos para as variáveis estresse, qualidade de vida e forças pessoais. Os dados foram analisados qualitativamente, a partir da análise de biografia e narrativas de Gibbs. Pôde-se observar redução de estresse em participantes que haviam apresentado algum nível antes dos encontros. Além disso, os resultados sugeriram modificações pertinentes ao modelo de intervenção proposto, tendo em vista o caráter exploratório e inicial do estudo. A pesquisa levantou considerações sobre a necessidade de um acompanhamento psicológico sistemático para pacientes com miastenia gravis. / This research aims to develop, implement and evaluate a model of group psychotherapy based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and positive psychology for patients with myasthenia gravis. Participants were five women aged between 20 and 53 years old and diagnosed with the disease. Psychotherapy consisted of eight weekly meetings, which lasted approximately one hour and thirty minutes. Semi-structured interviews pre and post intervention and after six months were applied, as well as psychological instruments for the variables stress, quality of life and character strengths. Data were analyzed qualitatively, from the Gibbs’ analysis of narrative biography. It was observed reduction of stress in participants who had experienced earlier. Furthermore, results suggested important modifications to the model proposed intervention, considering it was an exploratory study. The research raised considerations about the need for a systematic psychological counseling for patients with myasthenia gravis.

Essa dissertação objetiva desenvolver, aplicar e avaliar um modelo de intervenção psicológica em grupo baseado nas abordagens cognitivo-comportamental e positiva para pacientes com miastenia gravis. Participaram cinco mulheres entre 20 e 53 anos diagnosticadas com a doença. A psicoterapia foi composta por oito encontros semanais, com duração aproximada de uma hora e trinta minutos. Foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas nos períodos pré e pós-intervenção e após seis meses, além de instrumentos psicológicos para as variáveis estresse, qualidade de vida e forças pessoais. Os dados foram analisados qualitativamente, a partir da análise de biografia e narrativas de Gibbs. Pôde-se observar redução de estresse em participantes que haviam apresentado algum nível antes dos encontros. Além disso, os resultados sugeriram modificações pertinentes ao modelo de intervenção proposto, tendo em vista o caráter exploratório e inicial do estudo. A pesquisa levantou considerações sobre a necessidade de um acompanhamento psicológico sistemático para pacientes com miastenia gravis. / This research aims to develop, implement and evaluate a model of group psychotherapy based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and positive psychology for patients with myasthenia gravis. Participants were five women aged between 20 and 53 years old and diagnosed with the disease. Psychotherapy consisted of eight weekly meetings, which lasted approximately one hour and thirty minutes. Semi-structured interviews pre and post intervention and after six months were applied, as well as psychological instruments for the variables stress, quality of life and character strengths. Data were analyzed qualitatively, from the Gibbs’ analysis of narrative biography. It was observed reduction of stress in participants who had experienced earlier. Furthermore, results suggested important modifications to the model proposed intervention, considering it was an exploratory study. The research raised considerations about the need for a systematic psychological counseling for patients with myasthenia gravis.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2016-02-23T19:27:20Z No. of bitstreams: 1 joseaugustorentocardoso.pdf: 889641 bytes, checksum: ebe0383632afaa60cde72f6bea8b0229 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2016-03-03T13:23:30Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 joseaugustorentocardoso.pdf: 889641 bytes, checksum: ebe0383632afaa60cde72f6bea8b0229 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-03T13:23:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 joseaugustorentocardoso.pdf: 889641 bytes, checksum: ebe0383632afaa60cde72f6bea8b0229 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-02-26 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / O presente trabalho de psicologia teórica trata-se de um estudo crítico do conceito de virtude na Psicologia Positiva. Definida como movimento por alguns e como um novo campo por outros, a Psicologia Positiva reúne sob um mesmo “guarda-chuva” diversos estudos, passados e presentes, de várias áreas da Psicologia, como a Psicologia da Personalidade, a Psicologia Social, a Psicologia do Desenvolvimento e a Psicologia Moral. No presente trabalho, a mesma é compreendida como uma perspectiva e um movimento dentro da Psicologia, institucionalizada a partir do fim do século XX, tendo como principal promotor o ex-presidente da APA (American Psychological Association), Martin Seligman. A Psicologia Positiva declarou como interesse três pilares: o estudo das experiências subjetivas positivas, o estudo dos traços positivos e o estudo das instituições positivas. No que diz respeito ao estudo dos traços individuais positivos são encontradas duas grandes classificações: a das virtudes, forças do caráter e temas situacionais e, os talentos e pontos fortes. Nesse contexto, a preocupação da Psicologia Positiva volta-se para um tema antes restrito principalmente a Ética: o estudo do bom caráter. Esse trabalho voltar-se-á principalmente para o estudo crítico das virtudes e forças do caráter na teoria da Psicologia Positiva. Primeiramente foi realizada uma investigação do tratamento filosófico ao conceito de virtude, buscando delimitar as principais concepções sobre este. Identificaram-se quatro principais teses que não se excluem, mas encontram representantes particulares: a virtude como excelência, a virtude como hábito, a virtude como força e a virtude no sentimentalismo moral. Também foi apresentada uma proposta a luz do Personalismo de Dietrich Von Hildebrand, apresentando uma relação entre virtude e atitude. Em seguida realizou-se uma descrição do estudo das virtudes e forças do caráter na Psicologia Positiva. A análise crítica conclui quatro coisas: A primeira diz respeito a uma dificuldade na definição de virtude pela Psicologia Positiva. Tal fato pode ter sua origem na delimitação da pesquisa realizada pela mesma, preocupando-se com listas de virtudes ao invés de aprofundar mais criticamente nas diferentes concepções de virtudes. A segunda é que a definição de forças do caráter aproxima-se muito mais das definições filosóficas de virtude, principalmente da definição Aristotélica - tal fato fica claro quando são apresentados os critérios para definir se um traço positivo é uma força do caráter - enquanto a definição de virtude aproxima-se muito mais da concepção de valor. A terceira diz respeito a uma maior clarificação na relação das forças do caráter com as referidas virtudes no seio da teoria. Os estudos não deixam claro como determinadas forças se correlacionam com determinada virtude. A quarta seria a relação entre virtude, traço de personalidade e atitude, embora a Psicologia Positiva afirme que as forças do caráter são traços positivos, acredita-se que uma melhor concepção seria a dos mesmos como atitudes desde a perspectiva da Psicologia Social. Por fim, conclui-se também pontuando os méritos da Psicologia Positiva ao relembrar à Psicologia da importância do estudo do caráter e seu desenvolvimento desde uma perspectiva da Ética Clássica, estreitando a relação Psicologia e Filosofia. / This present work of theoretical psychology is a critical study of the concept of virtue in Positive Psychology. Defined as a movement by some and as a new field by other, Positive Psychology brings together under " umbrella " several studies, past and present, from various areas of psychology, such as Personality Psychology, Social Psychology, Psychology Development and Moral Psychology. In the present work, it is understood as a perspective and movement within psychology, institutionalized from the late twentieth century, the main promoter former president of the APA (American Psychological Association ), Martin Seligman. Positive Psychology declared interest three pillars: the study of positive subjective experiences, the study of positive traits and the study of positive institutions. With regard to the study of positive individual traits are found two major classifications: the virtues, strength of character and situational themes and talents and strengths . In this context, the concern of Positive Psychology turns into a theme previously restricted mainly Ethics : the study of good character . This work shall turn mainly to the critical study of the virtues and strength of character in the theory of Positive Psychology. First an investigation of the philosophical treatment of the concept of virtue was performed, searching to delimit the main conceptions about this. We identified four main theses which are not mutually exclusive , but individuals are represented: virtue as excellence, virtue as a habit, virtue as strength and virtue in moral sentimentalism. A proposal was also presented the light of Personalism of Dietrich von Hildebrand, showing a relationship between virtue and attitude. Then took place a description of the study of the virtues and strengths of character in Positive Psychology. The review concludes four things: The first relates to a difficulty in defining virtue by Positive Psychology. This may have its origin in the delimitation of the research conducted by the same , worrying with lists of virtues rather than delve more critically the different conceptions of virtue. The second is that the definition of strength of character is much closer to the philosophical definitions of virtue, especially the Aristotelian definition - this fact becomes clear when we present the criteria for defining a positive trait is a strength of character - while the definition virtue is much closer to the design value. The third concerns a clarification in respect of the strengths of nature with these virtues within the theory. The studies do not make clear how certain strengths correlate with particular virtue. The fourth is the relationship between virtue, personality traits and attitude, although the Positive Psychology states that forces are positive character traits, it is believed that a better design would be the same as attitudes from the perspective of social psychology. Finally, we conclude also pointing out the merits of Positive Psychology to remind the importance of studying psychology and character development from a perspective of Classical Ethics , Philosophy and Psychology deepening relationship.