The Positive Psychology Academy Awards for 2015
February 26, 2016 by Dr. Ryan Niemiec ·
This is one of my favorite posts to write each year because it combines two of my passions- positive psychology AND films! Every year, I try to watch as many movies as possible and study them for their portrayal of the most popular themes in positive psychology. For anyone... Read More
Which Frozen Character Has Better Coping Skills?
November 23, 2015 by Dr. Ryan Niemiec ·
Frozen is one of the most popular animated movies of all time. It is ironic, however, that Anna, a role model of many strengths for children and youth (and adults) sits in the shadow of the far more popular – and far more unhealthy – character of Elsa. A... Read More
Divergent: Use the Movie to Create the Best Version of You
March 26, 2014 by Dr. Ryan Niemiec ·
Compare your “divergent” category with your VIA character strengths. Read More
Three Strengths Strategies To Start Your Day
February 6, 2014 by VIA Institute on Character ·
How often do you walk into a situation— whether it be a party, a work meeting, or just an evening at home with your family— and actively look for the best qualities in your friends/colleagues/family members? Research shows that strengths-spotting is one of the best, initial activities that deepens... Read More
Love And Happiness Go Hand-In-Hand
December 18, 2013 by VIA Contributor ·
Giving love, accepting love and making love last are what makes for a happier life. George E. Vaillant led a study for more 40 years quantifying what makes happiness. The study watched 238 men at Harvard University who were sophomores between 1939 and 1946. In his book, Triumphs of... Read More
AIM For Character Strengths, And Happiness
December 2, 2013 by VIA Contributor ·
Lisa Sansom, chief positive interventionist with LVS Consulting, shares some tips for taking AIM on VIA character strengths in business. In business and in life, focus on strengths to enhance productivity and happiness. Let’s consider a couple of workplace scenarios. What would you do in each situation? Situation... Read More
The Dark Side of Character
March 18, 2013 by Dr. Ryan Niemiec ·
As I read Gillian Flynn’s bestselling book, Gone Girl, I was not expecting to learn much about positive psychology but instead to learn more about what is often discussed in regard... Read More
Positive Relationships “Win.” Achievement Loses.
November 14, 2012 by Dr. Ryan Niemiec ·
Picture this: I’m on the edge of my seat (literally) in a crowded movie theater viewing Ben Affleck’s new film Argo, currently the number one film in the U.S. The audience and I are captivated by the story of Tony Mendez, a CIA agent’s desperate attempt in 1980 to... Read More
Does The Avengers Teach Us Anything About Teamwork?
June 11, 2012 by Dr. Ryan Niemiec ·
“The Avengers” is now the third highest grossing film of all time (domestic and worldwide). The film is about famous superheroes coming together as a team to battle evil. Are the millions of people watching this film learning anything about the film’s main premise – teamwork? Yes and no. Read More
What Are The Signature Strengths of Katniss (from The Hunger Games)?
April 7, 2012 by Dr. Ryan Niemiec ·
VIA signature strengths are at the core of our identity. They are our essence…they are what make us glow. Maybe you shine when you express kindness or hope? Or perhaps when you use humor or creativity? Whenever we express a signature strength we are probably at our best –... Read More