Positive Psychology
Dr. Paul Wong
Self-Transcendence: A Paradoxical Way to Become Your Best
Introduction I propose that the way to become your best self is, paradoxically, to become more selfless. I want to make the case that, in a world of cut-throat competition, the best strategy to survive and prosper for individuals and societies is to give our best in...
Meaning-Centered Approach to Research and Therapy, Second Wave Positive Psychology, and the Future of Humanistic Psychology
Abstract This paper describes six research principles for revitalizing humanistic psychology and impacting mainstream psychology based on Gergen (2016) and DeRobertis (2016). It demonstrates how Wong’s meaning-centered research and therapy is an extension of...
PP 2.0 Summit Explores the New Vistas of Second Wave Positive Psychology: How to Embrace the Dark Side to Make Life Better
President's Report for the Positive Living Newsletter (July 2016). Read the rest of the newsletter here. The much anticipated first Second Wave Positive Psychology (PP2.0) Summit is fast approaching; leaders in PP2.0 from around the world will...
Chinese Positive Psychology Revisited
Abstract This paper argues that since Chinese culture is complex and profound, an uncritical transplant of American positive psychology to Chinese soil may not be fruitful. It proposes that a more promising approach to Chinese Positive Psychology (CPP) calls for...
10 Key Steps for a Meaningful Life According to Scientific Research
Here are 10 key steps on how to live a meaningful life according to scientific research. Know and accept yourself — Be true to who you are (i.e., authentic). Know what really matters — Be engaged in creative work and what endows your life with...
What is Second Wave Positive Psychology and Why is it Necessary?
The positive psychology (PP) movement, launched by Martin Seligman (1998), is the most significant phenomenon in contemporary psychology. Perhaps it is inevitable that its exponential growth has led to some excesses by its over-enthusiastic supporters and criticisms...
Integrative Meaning Therapy: From Logotherapy to Existential Positive Interventions
Abstract This chapter first argues the need for second wave positive psychology (PP2.0), which is informed by Frankl’s logotherapy as well as existential psychology. The main thesis of PP2.0 is that in order to attain healing and authentic happiness, one needs to...
The Meaning Hypothesis of Living a Good Life: Virtue, Happiness, and Meaning
Abstract My long-term research interest has revolved around the central theme of the vital role of meaning in living the good life individually and collectively. The meaning hypothesis (MH) introduced here represents an overarching framework for my...
Questionable Measures are Pretty Meaningless: Comment on Heintzelman and King (2014)
Keywords Meaning in life, purpose in life, psychometrics, positive psychology Heintzelman and King (2014) argued that meaning in life (MIL) is widely experienced and exists at high levels. In this brief commentary, we examine what we believe are several flaws in their...
A Decade of Meaning: Past, Present, and Future
Since the International Network on Personal Meaning's (INPM) first International Meaning Conference in 2000, INPM has continued to pursue the same path of seeking an integrative and comprehensive understanding of meaning, given the profound complexity of this...
The Positive Psychology of Aging: Character Strengths or Meaning Making?
Lighter as We Go: Virtues, Character Strengths, and Aging By Mindy Greenstein and Jimmie Holland New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2015. 285 pp. ISBN 978-0-19-936095-6 $27.95 Reviewed by Paul T. P. Wong I approach this book from a unique vantage point – both as a...
The Positive Psychology of Grit: The Defiant Power of the Human Spirit
Unbroken (2014) By Angelina Jolie (Director) Reviewed by Paul T. P. Wong The film Unbroken is a faithful adaptation of Laura Hillenbrand’s (2010) bestselling book Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. It is a biopic of Louis (Lourie)...