Abstract
Historically, the psychology field has operated from a deficit-based lens wherein psychologists have prioritized the study of psychopathology. Positive psychology arose in response to neglecting the study of positive emotions and traits that make life worth living and enable individuals and communities to thrive. Similarly, educating young people has primarily emphasized academic success, college preparation and career readiness with minimal regard to their social-emotional functioning. Recently, societal interest in well-being has increased and educators are reimagining the ways in which they want to educate students. Likewise, when parents are asked what they most want for their children, they express things such as “happiness” and “health.” Martin Seligman, the founder of the positive psychology movement, argues that schools can teach the skills of well-being and the skills of achievement which he coined as positive education. School psychologists, in their efforts to foster student strengths and promote the collective health of the school population, are becoming interested in utilizing positive psychology principles in their work with students, families, and teachers. There is an abundance of research demonstrating that when families and schools collaborate to support children, there are major benefits for everyone involved. School psychologists are encouraged to take an active role in building and sustaining these partnerships and strengthening family-school collaboration. The primary purpose of the present project is to develop a parent and teacher education workshop that disseminates knowledge about key positive psychological strengths, the benefits of positive psychology interventions, and strategies for implementing practices at home and at school.