Innovative Practice

The Happiness Magnet: Cultivating Positivity in Students and Ourselves

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Abstract

Appreciative Advisors cultivate positivity in themselves and others through an attitude of gratitude (Bloom et al., 2008). Positivity is not only correlated with improved student satisfaction with the college experience, but improved health outcomes also (Cameron et al., 2015; Schreiner, 2010). Students experience high rates of stress, which can stem from a wide variety of socio-cultural, environmental, psychological, and academic factors (Bedewy & Gabriel, 2015; Paralkar & Knutson, 2023). Appreciative advisors can teach students healthy behaviors like cultivating positivity, to help them cope with stressors, build resilience, and ultimately foster students’ dream achievement and success. Cultivating Positivity is a dynamic process where an individual chooses to intentionally develop a positive mindset and outlook on life for themselves and encourages others to do the same, through sustaining practices including gratitude, reframing, and consciously choosing to focus on the good. This article will explore the concept of positivity and strategies for cultivating a healthy positive mindset in students and advisors.

Keywords: Appreciative Education Conference, positive student development, strengths-based practice, advisor well-being