That optimistic psychology analysis has typically been primarily based on Western, educated, industrialized, wealthy, and democratic (WEIRD) populations is a standard criticism of the sphere, as defined by van Zyl and Rothmann. As time has progressed, so has the sphere, and regardless that there may be far more cross-cultural analysis and consideration wanted, we’re starting to see the distinctive perception supplied by such analysis and the way numerous views should be central to the sphere. To actually perceive what helps individuals lead joyful, significant, and fulfilling lives, we should acknowledge that the associations and which means behind these very phrases change with language and cultural context.
“Our science shouldn’t merely be an export enterprise,” stated Chris Peterson, one of many founders of optimistic psychology, in an article for Psychology In the present day. He went on to say, “There are classes to be discovered in all cultures about what makes life price residing, and no language has a monopoly on the vocabulary for describing the nice life.” His sentiments completely describe the main target of the most recent difficulty of MAPP Journal, the alumni publication of the Grasp of Utilized Optimistic Psychology (MAPP) program on the College of Pennsylvania. On this difficulty, authors and specialists from all over the world have contributed articles about world well-being ideas, from the Japanese notion of ikigai to what we are able to study from the well-being paradox in Latin America.
We’re happy to share our new difficulty with you and hope you get pleasure from taking a visit all over the world with MAPP Journal. We invite you to affix us in contemplating numerous cultures and views when enthusiastic about the nice life.
To have the most recent MAPP Journal articles despatched to you by electronic mail, subscribe right here.
The life nicely lived is a life price experiencing
Ikigai (i-key-ga-ee), typically outlined as “one’s cause for residing,” is often depicted as 4 overlapping circles: what you’re keen on, what you could be paid for, what the world wants, and what you’re good at. However this mannequin not solely misses essential cultural nuances, it lacks a foundation in empirical proof.
In this text, Eugene (Yu Jin) Tee (MAPP ’23) corrects assumptions about ikigai and provides practices to market it.
The well-being paradox in Latin America
Regardless of well-documented societal, financial, and political challenges, measures of subjective well-being in Latin People are constantly greater than anticipated.
In this text, Mariangela Rodriguez (MAPP ’23) explores this well-being paradox, plus three findings that additionally emerge: the significance of interpersonal relationships, excessive optimistic have an effect on, and an inclination towards optimism.
Learn on for extra about cultural components she believes needs to be protected and what different cultures can study.
Sisu: Unlocking the traditional Finnish key
Based on the Gallup Happiness Index, Finland has been the happiest nation on this planet for the previous seven years.
On this article, Elisabet Lahti, PhD (MAPP ’13), explores a singular Finnish idea that may contribute to that end result: sisu.
Sisu encapsulates that final little bit of energy while you really feel like you don’t have anything left to provide. Lahti provides sensible suggestions primarily based on her analysis and life expertise on how one can harness sisu to enhance your work, relationships, and well-being.
African views on well-being from Angelina Wilson Fadiji
Learn excerpts from our current dialog with Angelina Wilson Fadiji, PhD, senior lecturer at De Montfort College. Leicester, UK.
On this article, Wilson Fadiji displays on her analysis that explores predictors of well-being and optimistic psychological well being in an African context. Learn on to learn the way she thinks cross-cultural analysis can add to the optimistic psychology literature.
For extra on discovering well-being,
go to and bookmark MAPP Journal.
To get new editions in your electronic mail, subscribe right here
References
Peterson, Christopher (2008). Ikigai and mortality. Psychology In the present day.
van Zyl, L. E. & Rothmann, S. (2022). Grand challenges for optimistic psychology: Future views and alternatives. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 833057. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.833057
Photograph credit
AI picture from FreePik
Generations Photograph by Janosch Lino on Unsplash
Blue Flame Photograph by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash
Angelina Wilson Fadiji picture used with permission from Angelina Wilson Fadiji, PhD.