A Positive Psychology Approach to Recovery-Oriented Care for People with Schizophrenia-View Presentation Slides

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This document outlines a webinar hosted by the American Psychiatric Association on March 26, 2021, focusing on using positive psychology for recovery-oriented care in individuals with schizophrenia. It emphasizes the role of positive psychology, which studies positive emotions, character traits, and institutions that help individuals and communities thrive. Traditional mental health treatments are often focused on minimizing symptoms and impairments, but the webinar proposes integrating recovery and well-being with positive psychology by building strengths alongside managing symptoms.<br /><br />The document describes Positive Psychotherapy (PPT), which seeks to treat depression by reducing symptoms while bolstering positive emotions, character strengths, and meaning in life. PPT is based on Seligman's model of happiness that includes having a pleasant, engaged, and meaningful life. The Broad-and-Build Theory is illustrated, suggesting positive emotions broaden thought-action repertoires and enhance long-term well-being.<br /><br />A pilot study, "Positive Living," adapted positive psychotherapy for people with schizophrenia, utilizing exercises such as mindfulness, savoring, and gratitude to help improve participants' quality of life. Results indicated improvements in well-being, self-esteem, hope, symptoms, and social functioning among participants, despite a drop-out rate of 19%.<br /><br />Cultural considerations are also discussed, emphasizing the necessity to adapt positive psychology techniques to different cultural contexts, particularly ensuring that positive emotions are cultivated consistent with cultural norms. The session notes emphasize practical positive psychology exercises like identifying “good things” daily and expressing gratitude through activities such as a gratitude visit. <br /><br />The document concludes with recommendations for integrating positive psychology with early psychosis interventions and suggests further research and implementation in various cultural contexts. It also promotes upcoming activities and resources for clinicians, emphasizing the continued exploration and application of positive psychology within psychiatric care.

Keywords

Positive Psychology

Recovery-Oriented Care

Schizophrenia

Positive Psychotherapy

Broad-and-Build Theory

Cultural Adaptation

Mindfulness

Gratitude Exercises

Early Psychosis Interventions

American Psychiatric Association