Dr. Peggy Kern is an associate professor at the Centre for Wellbeing Science within the University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education. Originally trained in social personality and developmental psychology, Peggy’s research focuses on understanding, measuring, and supporting wellbeing across the lifespan. She works with schools and workplaces to examine strategies for supporting wellbeing and bridging gaps between research and practice and has published three books, over 100 peer-reviewed articles and chapters, and most recently the wonderful and freely available Palgrave Handbook of Positive Education.

In this week’s podcast – our very last one ever – we explore what we’ve learned from 250 episodes of Making Positive Psychology Work and how the best of these insights can be used to support wellbeing strategies in workplaces, schools, and communities.

Connect with Dr. Peggy Kern:

• https://www.peggykern.org/

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You’ll Learn:

• [03:55] – Peggy reflects on the evolution of the field of positive psychology and what it means practically for workplaces, for schools, for communities, when it comes to caring for our wellbeing.
• [09:04] – Michelle shares her reflections on how the application of positive psychology has evolved in workplaces, schools, and communities in recent years.
• [13:33] – Peggy explains why workplaces, schools, and communities are prioritizing the need for wellbeing strategies.
• [15:26] – Peggy recommends some of the key factors workplaces, schools, and communities might want to include in their wellbeing strategies.
• [19:47] – Michelle shares a case study of how large organizations pivot their wellbeing strategy to embrace thriving and struggle and what this has meant practically in terms of the changes they have made.
• [26:02] – Peggy reflects on the importance of building wellbeing literacy and having a shared – non pathologized – language to talk about how we are feeling.
• [29:47] – Michelle and Peggy reflect on how we can use the science of positive psychology wisely to help – rather than unintentionally harm – others.
• [34:17] – Michelle explains how she positions the science of positive psychology to clients in an effort to acknowledge its limitations and do no harm.
• [36:21] – Michelle shares new research on the benefits of combining wellbeing and mental health approaches in workplaces.
• [38:42] – Peggy and Michelle reflect on what’s next for the field of positive psychology.
• [45:27] – Peggy begins the lightning round!

Thanks for listening!

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Until next time, take care!  Thank you, Peggy!