MS Residence: Character Strengths
In recent years, psychology has been moving beyond its focus on mental illness and shifting towards identifying and researching what makes humans thrive and flourish. Thus, the study of Positive Psychology was termed.
Positive Psychology is the scientific study of human flourishing and an applied approach to optimal functioning. It has also been defined as the study of the strengths and virtues that enable individuals, communities and organisations to thrive (Gable & Haidt, 2005, Sheldon & King, 2001)
To push this brief description a bit further, Positive Psychology is a scientific approach to studying human thoughts, feelings, and behavior, with a focus on strengths instead of weaknesses, building the good in life instead of repairing the bad, and taking the lives of average people up to “great” instead of focusing solely on moving those who are struggling up to “normal” (Peterson, 2008)
This is not to say our focus on mental illness and wellbeing will dimish in any way, however, there is an opportunity for the 7/8House to also focus on the Positive Psychology in a more explicit manner developing the boy’s character and wellbeing through activities.
The 24 Values In Action Character Strengths were created under the direction of Dr. Martin Seligman as a tool for developing our strengths, not by eliminating our weaknesses. In doing so individual growth and success are achieved.
The 24 character strengths fall under 6 broad virtue categories. The six virtue categories are;
- wisdom,
- courage,
- humanity,
- justice,
- temperance, and
- transcendence
Commencing Week 9 this term, the boys will be provided with one (1) character strength card in which they must learn, focus and action, one (1) of the activities on offer. They will then have one week to focus their efforts into achieving this activity before a discussion and reflection takes place. Upon reflection, the boys will then, at random, be given another character strength to focus on, with the view to all 24 being achieved by years end.
For further information on character strengths please view the above clip created by the VIA Institute of Character.