The present thesis “Personal Resources: Explorative Studies analyzing the Concept, the Development and the Promotion in Children and Adults” focuses on the field of Positive Psychology. This comparatively new field of research aims to examine personal strengths and virtues to ascertain the role of positive experiences, to delineate the function of positive relationships, and to understand how these factors contribute to well-being (Gable & Haidt, 2005). In addition, another goal of Positive Psychology is to develop effective interventions, aiming to increase and sustain processes that strengthen these resources. Thus, my thesis will contribute to a broader understanding of the concepts of personal resources and well-being, as well as their development and promotion. Therefore, I will present findings from four cross-sectional and longitudinal studies with children and adults as participants. In Chapter 1, I introduce the most central concepts of Positive Psychology research and constitute the central questions guiding my thesis. Chapters 2 to 5 present the findings of my empirical research: In Chapter 2, I investigate the concepts of resources and human well-being. Therefore, I will analyze the most important human resources and their complex interplay and impact on human well-being. My aim is to contribute to a more comprehensive framework in this comparatively new field of research. As Positive Psychology further strives to establish effective interventions, I additionally investigate the development and promotion of resources and well-being in children and adults (see Chapters 3-5). In Chapter 3, I concentrate in particular on preschool children and their socio-emotional competencies, and the promotion of these within our mentoring-based prevention program “HUCKEPACK”. A further aim of my thesis is to contribute to a better understanding of the processes fostering positive intervention outcomes. Hence, in Chapter 4 I focus on the causal mechanisms that bring about change within mentoring relationships. More specifically, I examine whether mentors’ socio-emotional competencies influence the mentees’ socio-emotional development within these mentorships. In Chapter 5, I address the question whether personal resources develop in adulthood while focusing on volunteers in our mentoring program in comparison to non-volunteers. Finally, Chapter 6 summarizes the findings presented in my thesis and provides prospects for future research. In Chapter 7 I submit a German version of this summary.

The present thesis “Personal Resources: Explorative Studies analyzing the Concept, the Development and the Promotion in Children and Adults” focuses on the field of Positive Psychology. This comparatively new field of research aims to examine personal strengths and virtues to ascertain the role of positive experiences, to delineate the function of positive relationships, and to understand how these factors contribute to well-being (Gable & Haidt, 2005). In addition, another goal of Positive Psychology is to develop effective interventions, aiming to increase and sustain processes that strengthen these resources. Thus, my thesis will contribute to a broader understanding of the concepts of personal resources and well-being, as well as their development and promotion. Therefore, I will present findings from four cross-sectional and longitudinal studies with children and adults as participants. In Chapter 1, I introduce the most central concepts of Positive Psychology research and constitute the central questions guiding my thesis. Chapters 2 to 5 present the findings of my empirical research: In Chapter 2, I investigate the concepts of resources and human well-being. Therefore, I will analyze the most important human resources and their complex interplay and impact on human well-being. My aim is to contribute to a more comprehensive framework in this comparatively new field of research. As Positive Psychology further strives to establish effective interventions, I additionally investigate the development and promotion of resources and well-being in children and adults (see Chapters 3-5). In Chapter 3, I concentrate in particular on preschool children and their socio-emotional competencies, and the promotion of these within our mentoring-based prevention program “HUCKEPACK”. A further aim of my thesis is to contribute to a better understanding of the processes fostering positive intervention outcomes. Hence, in Chapter 4 I focus on the causal mechanisms that bring about change within mentoring relationships. More specifically, I examine whether mentors’ socio-emotional competencies influence the mentees’ socio-emotional development within these mentorships. In Chapter 5, I address the question whether personal resources develop in adulthood while focusing on volunteers in our mentoring program in comparison to non-volunteers. Finally, Chapter 6 summarizes the findings presented in my thesis and provides prospects for future research. In Chapter 7 I submit a German version of this summary.