Links

VIA's work on character strengths and virtues occurs within the field of positive psychology.  Here are important links to the larger field:

Appreciative Inquiry Commons - a worldwide portal devoted to the fullest sharing of academic resources and practical tools on Appreciative Inquiry and the rapidly growing discipline of positive organizational change. This site is a resource for leaders of change, scholars, students, and business managers. It is hosteb by Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management. Appreciative Inquiry was first articulated by professors, David Cooperrider and Suresh Srivastva in 1987.


Authentic Happiness -- With 700,000 visitors, this is an excellent site to find surveys measuring happiness.  In addition to the three VIA Surveys: full version, brief version and children's version, the site offers 14 other surveys.  They are: Authentic Happiness Inventory, the Fordyce Emotions, PANAS, the Depression Scale, the Gratitude Survey, the Grit Survey, the Close Relationships Survey, and others.  Authentic Happiness is the work of Dr.Martin Seligman, the founder of Positive Psychology, the branch of psychology which focuses on the empirical study of such things as positive emotions, strengths-based character, and healthy institutions. His research has demonstrated that it is possible to be happier — to feel more satisfied, to be more engaged with life, find more meaning, have higher hopes, and probably even laugh and smile more, regardless of one’s circumstances. Positive psychology interventions can also lastingly decrease depression symptoms.

U.Penn Positive Psychology -- This is the official site from University of Pennsylvania's Department of Positive Psychology.  Here, you'll learn about the Masters In Applied Positive Psychology Program.

Center for Positive Psychology (CAPP) -- CAPP, from researcher, author, and positive psychologist, Alex Linley, is organized in the U.K.  It's purpose is to advance the research and application of positive psychology. CAPP focuses its efforts on the workplace and schools.  The site offers information on Positive Psychology events in Europe.

Mentor Coach -- From Ben Dean, Mentor Coach offers distance-learning courses for mental health professionals who desire training in coaching.  Mentor Coach is approved by the American Psychological Association, the National Association of Social Workers, the National Board of Certified Counselors, and the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

Positive Psychology Listserve -- The PP List Serve is frequented by practitioners worldwide who maintain a robust, thought-provoking dialogue, online.

Positive Psychology News Daily -- This online newspaper and subscription-feed is published and edited by Senia Maymin and is authored by graduates of the University of Pennsylvania's MAPP graduates.  Positive Psychology News Daily provides the latest news about happiness, the “science of happiness,” and Positive Psychology. Their goal is to be your fun, collaborative place for a research-based daily boost of happiness.