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New Association

U of G Prof Helps Launch Canadian Positive Psychology Association

Guelph - The “good life” comes to Canada with the July launch of the Canadian Positive Psychology Association (CPPA), co-founded by Jamie Gruman, a professor in the University of Guelph’s Department of Business.

By sharing knowledge and fostering collaborative studies of how humans flourish, the new group aims to improve the psychological health of Canadians.

“The CPPA is an exciting new agency for the cultivation of linkages between research and practice related to understanding and promoting happiness,” said Gruman, who studies well-being in the workplace.

This network of researchers and practitioners will provide reliable, evidence-based information about the nature of well-being and about applying positive psychology in various fields through the Internet, seminars and publications.

The “good life” has been studied since the time of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Positive psychology is the scientific study of personal characteristics, behaviours and relationships that enable individuals and communities to thrive. It is based upon the idea that people wish to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to improve themselves, and to enhance happiness at work and play, said Gruman.

The CPPA will hold an inaugural conference in Toronto July 20-21.

“This will be the first time in Canada that members of the public and students can join researchers and practitioners to learn about developments in the field of positive psychology and share their findings and best practices,” Gruman said. “We begin with a screening of Happy, the 2011 feature documentary about what really makes people happy, by director Roko Belic.”

Keynote speakers will include Adam Anderson, Canada Research Chair in Affective Neuroscience and recipient of a Templeton positive neuroscience award; and Gary Latham, Secretary of State Professor of Organizational Behaviour, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto.

Robert Vallerand, president of the International Positive Psychology Association, will present the opening keynote address about passion in positive psychology.

“We will be offering over 50 lectures, workshops and symposia sessions, featuring leading-edge research as well as applications of positive psychology in a variety of fields, from business to education to counselling,” said Louisa Jewell, president of the CPPA board.