College
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
Date of Last Revision
2026-05-06 06:30:11
Major
Psychology
Honors Course
PSYC 498-006
Number of Credits
3
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2026
Abstract
Positive psychology is a relatively new and developing subfield of psychology which examines the machinations and roles of various character strengths and traits such as growth, well-being, meaning, life satisfaction, character strengths, and more. Positive psychology holds various implications for counseling, therapy, individual growth, and self-determination. However, current literature on positive psychology interventions (PPIs) are scattered, nuanced, and lack overall consensus. Thus, encompassing research is necessary to identify common trends, areas for improvement, and a clear direction moving forward. The present review analyzes positive psychology interventions (PPIs) within psychology and counseling. This review examined forty-eight articles, including fifteen meta-analyses, on the foremost PPIs: gratitude, mindfulness, and hope. These PPIs modestly improved life satisfaction, well-being, and character strengths; however, they were typically combined with contemporary therapies and lacked general consensus in definitions and methodologies. Thus, this review recommends counseling and positive psychology could improve from redefining and reconceptualizing PPIs and their methodologies so they can better research the stand-alone effects of these interventions.
Research Sponsor
Ingrid Weigold, Ph. D
First Reader
Joelle Elicker, Ph. D
Second Reader
Margo Gregor, Ph. D
Honors Faculty Advisor
Kevin Kaut, Ph. D
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Community Engaged Scholarship
No
Recommended Citation
Fleming, Spencer M. and Weigold, Ingrid Ph. D, "Moving Positively: A Review of Positive Psychology Interventions in Counseling" (2026). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 2167.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/2167
Included in
Clinical Psychology Commons, Counseling Psychology Commons, Counselor Education Commons, Health Psychology Commons