Relationships and health

Relationships and health

A large body of research has shown that close relationships and social support have a profound effect on health and well-being. Adults in close and secure romantic relationships have more positive emotions, hope, optimism, social competencies, and emotional...
Gratitude and health

Gratitude and health

Gratitude is an important component of a happy and fulfilling life. It is a thankful appreciation for what you have and receive, whether tangible or intangible. Gratitude is consistently linked with feeling more positive emotions, savoring positive experiences, having...

Positive emotions and health

In hundreds of well-controlled studies, positive emotions have been shown to contribute to success at work, improve immune function, and lead to a longer life and overall well-being. The “nun study” is a perfect example. Twenty-year-old nuns began keeping journals of...
Overcoming adversity

Overcoming adversity

It is well known that trauma has many negative effects on children and adults, including PTSD, depression, medical conditions and substance abuse. An alternative perspective, however, is that trauma can result in positive outcomes. Individuals can experience positive...
Gratitude and health

Hope critical to positive change

Regardless of the therapeutic approach, hope has been found to be a critical component of positive change. Hope is linked to better physical and psychological health, academic performance, and recovery from trauma. Hope develops within the context of early attachment...