Positive Psychology Influencers

Shawn Achor

Shawn Achor is an American positive psychologist, author, and speaker. He is best known for his work on the connection between happiness and success, and how a positive mindset can improve performance and overall well-being.

Achor received his Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and went on to receive his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Psychology from Harvard. He later worked as a consultant for corporations and organizations, where he applied his research on positive psychology to help improve employee happiness and productivity.

In his best-selling book “The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work,” Achor outlines his ideas about how a positive outlook can lead to success in all areas of life, and how individuals can develop habits and practices to maintain a positive mindset.

In addition to his work as an author and consultant, Achor is also a sought-after speaker, delivering inspiring and entertaining lectures on the power of positive psychology around the world. He is a leading voice in the field of positive psychology, and continues to spread the message that happiness and success are interconnected.

Tal Ben-Shahar

Tal Ben-Shahar is a psychologist, researcher, and writer who is best known for his work on the subjects of happiness and positive psychology. He was born in 1968 in Jerusalem, Israel, and received his Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Psychology from Harvard University.

Ben-Shahar has taught positive psychology at Harvard University, where he was one of the most popular professors, with over 1,400 students enrolled in his course. He has also written several books on happiness and positive psychology, including the best-selling “Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment.”

In addition to his academic work, Ben-Shahar is a sought-after speaker, delivering talks and workshops on the topics of happiness and leadership to organizations and individuals around the world. He is the co-founder and CEO of Potentialife, a company that provides training and coaching services to help individuals and organizations enhance their well-being and performance.

Donald Clifton

Donald O. Clifton was an American psychologist who was best known as the “father of strengths-based psychology.” He was a pioneer in the field of positive psychology and his research focused on the importance of identifying and developing individual strengths and talents, rather than solely addressing weaknesses and limitations.

Clifton was the founder of the Gallup Organization and developed the StrengthsFinder assessment tool, which has been widely used to help individuals identify their unique strengths and talents. He was also a prolific author, writing numerous books and articles on the topic of positive psychology and strengths-based development.

Clifton received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of psychology, and his work continues to influence the way people think about human potential and development.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi,  a Hungarian-American psychologist and researcher who is best known for his work on the concept of “flow”. He was a professor of psychology at Claremont Graduate University and a leading voice in the field of positive psychology for many years.

Csikszentmihalyi’s research focused on the study of optimal experiences and the conditions that allow people to experience flow. He wrote several books on the topic, including “Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience,” which is widely regarded as a classic in the field.

Csikszentmihalyi received numerous awards and honours for his contributions to the field of psychology and was a highly influential figure in the study of happiness and well-being.

Ed Diener

Ed Diener is an American psychologist and researcher who is best known for his work on subjective well-being, or happiness. He is a Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Illinois and a Senior Scientist at the Gallup Organization.

Diener received his PhD from the University of Washington in 1974 and has since made significant contributions to the field of positive psychology through his research on happiness and well-being. He is particularly known for his work on the factors that contribute to life satisfaction and his development of the Satisfaction with Life Scale, a widely used measure of subjective well-being.

In addition to his research, Diener is also an influential author, having written several books on happiness and well-being, including “Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth” (2010). He is a leading voice in the field of positive psychology, and continues to make important contributions to our understanding of what makes life worth living.

Jane E. Dutton

Jane E. Dutton is a professor of business administration and psychology at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. She is a leading expert on the topics of positive organizational behavior and organizational psychology and is known for her research on employee well-being, job crafting, and the role of positive emotions in the workplace.

Dutton has published numerous articles and books on these topics and is considered a pioneer in the field of positive organizational scholarship. Her work has received widespread recognition and has been influential in shaping the way organizations think about employee well-being and the role of positive emotions in the workplace.

In addition to her research and academic achievements, Dutton is also actively involved in consulting and executive education and works with organizations to promote positive organizational change and enhance employee well-being.

Robert Emmons

Robert A. Emmons is a psychologist and researcher who is best known for his work on gratitude and positive psychology. He is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis and has made significant contributions to our understanding of the benefits of gratitude and the role it plays in promoting well-being and happiness.

Emmons is the founding editor-in-chief of The Journal of Positive Psychology and has published numerous articles and books on gratitude and related topics. His work has been widely recognized and influential in the field of positive psychology and has helped to shape the way people think about gratitude and its role in promoting well-being.

In addition to his academic achievements, Emmons is also actively involved in consulting and speaking engagements, where he shares his insights on gratitude and positive psychology with a wider audience.

Barbara Fredrickson

Barbara Fredrickson is a social psychologist and a leading researcher in the field of positive psychology. She is best known for her work on the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, which proposes that positive emotions broaden people’s thought-action repertoires, allowing them to build a variety of physical, intellectual, and social resources.

Fredrickson received her PhD in social psychology from Stanford University and is currently the Kenan Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Over the course of her career, she has published numerous articles and book chapters on the topic of positive emotions and their impact on well-being and personal growth.

In addition to her research, Fredrickson is also an avid teacher and public speaker, and has been recognized with numerous awards for her contributions to the field of psychology.

Daniel Gilbert

Daniel T. Gilbert is a psychologist and researcher who is best known for his work on happiness and the psychology of judgment and decision-making. He is a professor of psychology at Harvard University and has made significant contributions to our understanding of the human mind and behavior.

Gilbert is the author of the best-selling book “Stumbling on Happiness,” which provides a humorous and insightful exploration of the science of happiness and the human mind’s limitations in predicting what will make us happy. He has published numerous articles and books on happiness, judgment and decision-making, and related topics and is considered a leading expert in the field of social psychology.

In addition to his academic achievements, Gilbert is also actively involved in public speaking and media appearances, where he shares his insights on happiness, judgment and decision-making, and the human mind with a wider audience.

Jonathan Haidt

Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist and researcher who is best known for his work on the psychology of morality and political ideology. He is a professor of ethical leadership at New York University’s Stern School of Business and has made significant contributions to our understanding of the psychological and cultural factors that shape our moral and political beliefs.

Haidt is the author of the book “The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion,” which provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the psychological foundations of morality and its role in shaping political ideology. He has published numerous articles and books on morality, political ideology, and related topics and is considered a leading expert in the field of social psychology.

In addition to his academic achievements, Haidt is also actively involved in public speaking and media appearances, where he shares his insights on morality, political ideology, and the psychology of the human mind with a wider audience.

Karen Reivich

Karen Reivich is a psychologist and researcher who is best known for her work on resilience and stress management. She is a co-director of the Penn Resilience Program at the University of Pennsylvania and has made significant contributions to our understanding of how individuals can develop and maintain resilience in the face of stress and adversity.

Reivich has published numerous articles and book chapters on resilience and stress management and is considered an expert in the field of positive psychology. In addition to her academic achievements, Reivich is also actively involved in consulting and speaking engagements, where she shares her insights on resilience and stress management with a wider audience.

She is also the co-author of several popular books, including “The Resilience Factor: 7 Essential Skills for Overcoming Life’s Inevitable Obstacles” and “The Stress Resilience Program.”

Sonja Lyubomirsky

Sonja Lyubomirsky is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside and a leading researcher in the field of positive psychology. She is best known for her work on the study of happiness and well-being, and has made significant contributions to our understanding of the factors that contribute to lasting happiness and satisfaction.

Lyubomirsky received her PhD in social psychology from Stanford University and has since published numerous articles, book chapters, and books on the topic of happiness and well-being. She is also a co-founder of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania and has been recognized with numerous awards for her contributions to the field.

In addition to her research, Lyubomirsky is also an accomplished teacher and has been recognized for her teaching excellence. She is a popular speaker on the topic of happiness and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including television and print media.

Tim Lomas

Tim Lomas is an academic and researcher in the field of positive psychology and well-being. He is a lecturer in positive psychology and psychotherapy at the University of East London (UEL), where he teaches and conducts research on the nature and cultivation of well-being.

Lomas is best known for his work on the psychological and cultural meanings of untranslatable words, which he refers to as “untranslatables.” He has published several articles and a book on this topic, exploring how untranslatables can reveal insights into the diverse ways that people around the world understand and experience emotions, values, and other psychological constructs.

In addition to his research, Lomas is also a therapist and coach, using his expertise in positive psychology to help individuals and organizations to improve their well-being and performance. He is a regular speaker and contributor to media outlets, and his work has been featured in various international media outlets such as BBC World Service, The Guardian, and The New York Times.

Ryan Niemiec

Ryan Niemiec, Ed.D., is a psychologist and researcher who is best known for his work on positive psychology and character strengths. He is the Education Director of the VIA Institute on Character and has made significant contributions to our understanding of the role of character strengths in promoting well-being and happiness.

Niemiec is the author of several books on positive psychology, including “Positive Psychology at the Movies: Using Films to Build Virtues and Character Strengths” and “Mindfulness and Character Strengths: A Practical Guide to Flourishing.” He has published numerous articles and book chapters on positive psychology and character strengths and is considered a leading expert in the field.

In addition to his academic achievements, Niemiec is also actively involved in public speaking and media appearances, where he shares his insights on positive psychology and character strengths with a wider audience.

James Pennebaker

James W. Pennebaker is a social psychologist and a Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. He is known for his research on the psychological and health benefits of expressive writing and has published numerous articles and books on this topic.

Pennebaker’s work has shown that writing about emotionally charged events can improve mental and physical health, reduce symptoms of stress, and enhance well-being. He has also studied the use of language in a variety of contexts, including computer-mediated communication, political speeches, and personal narratives.

In addition to his research, Pennebaker is the co-founder of the Language Analysis software, which uses computational methods to analyze text and extract information about the writer’s psychological state. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the field of psychology with several awards and honours, including the International Society for the Study of Self and Identity’s Career Contributions Award.

Isaac Prilleltensky

Isaac Prilleltensky is a professor and researcher in the field of community psychology and well-being. He is currently a professor of education and psychology at the University of Miami, where he teaches and conducts research on the promotion of well-being and social justice in communities and organizations.

Prilleltensky is known for his work on the psychology of liberation and wellness, which emphasizes the importance of promoting both individual and collective well-being while addressing social and economic inequalities. He has published numerous articles and books on this topic, including “The Psychology of Liberation: Theory and Applications” and “Wellness: The Five Essential Elements.”

In addition to his academic work, Prilleltensky is also an activist and advocate for social justice, and has worked with communities and organizations to promote well-being and address issues such as poverty, violence, and environmental degradation. He has received several awards and honours for his contributions to the field of psychology and social justice, including the International Community Psychology Association’s Distinguished Career Award.

Jordi Quoidbach

Jordi Quoidbach is a psychologist and researcher in the field of positive psychology. He is currently a professor at the Université libre de Bruxelles in Belgium, where he teaches and conducts research on the nature and cultivation of well-being and happiness.

Quoidbach is best known for his work on the psychology of everyday life and the role of emotions in well-being. He has published numerous articles and a book on this topic, exploring how small, everyday events and emotions can have a big impact on our overall well-being and happiness.

 

In addition to his academic work, Quoidbach is also a speaker and consultant and has worked with individuals and organizations to promote well-being and happiness in the workplace and in everyday life. He is a regular contributor to media outlets, and his work has been featured in international media outlets such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes.

Martin Seligman

Martin Seligman is an American psychologist and researcher known for his work on positive psychology and the concept of “learned helplessness”. He is a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and has been a leading voice in the field for many years.

Seligman is the author of numerous books, including “Learned Optimism” and “Flourish”, which explore the science of happiness and well-being. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of psychology, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential psychologists of his generation.

Lea Waters

Lea Waters is a psychologist and researcher in the field of positive psychology and well-being. She is currently a professor of positive psychology at the University of Melbourne in Australia, where she teaches and conducts research on the development and promotion of well-being in individuals and organizations.

Waters is best known for her work on the Positive Psychology of Leadership and the role of positive emotions and character strengths in organizations. She has published numerous articles and a book on this topic and has also developed practical tools and interventions to help individuals and organizations cultivate positive emotions and strengths.

 In addition to her academic work, Waters is also a speaker and consultant and has worked with organizations around the world to promote well-being and positive leadership. She is a regular contributor to media outlets, and her work has been featured in international media outlets such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and Harvard Business Review.

Albert Bandura

Albert Bandura is a psychologist and social learning theorist. He was born on December 4, 1925, in Mundare, Alberta, Canada. He is best known for his social learning theory, which is also known as social cognitive theory, and his concept of self-efficacy.

Bandura has made significant contributions to the field of psychology and has been awarded numerous honors and awards. He is currently a professor emeritus at Stanford University, where he taught for many years. His work has had a profound impact on the field of psychology and has been widely influential in fields such as education, health, and business.

Kim Cameron

Kim S. Cameron is an organizational psychologist and researcher who is best known for his work on positive organizational scholarship and his emphasis on the role of positive practices in promoting organizational effectiveness.

He is a professor of management and §organizations at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and has published numerous articles and books on the topic of positive organizational behavior and change. Cameron has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the field of organizational psychology and is considered one of the leading experts on the subject.

David Cooperrider

David Cooperrider is an American organizational psychologist and researcher who is best known for his work in the field of positive psychology. He is a professor of management at Case Western Reserve University and has been a leading voice in the study of positive organizational scholarship for many years.

Cooperrider’s research focuses on the study of organizations as systems of positive potential, and he has developed a number of tools and techniques for promoting positive change in organizations. He is the co-founder of the Appreciative Inquiry approach, which is a strengths-based method of organizational change and development.

Cooperrider has written several books on the topic, and his work has been widely influential in both academia and business. He continues to be a highly sought-after speaker and consultant on issues related to positive organizational change and development.

Edward L. Deci

Edward L. Deci is a psychologist and researcher who is best known for his work on motivation and self-determination theory. He is a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester and has made significant contributions to our understanding of why people behave the way they do and how to promote motivation and engagement in various settings.

Deci’s self-determination theory posits that motivation and engagement are rooted in people’s basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and that satisfying these needs is crucial for optimal human functioning.

He has published numerous articles and books on motivation, emotions, and psychological well-being, and his work has been widely recognized and influential in the fields of psychology, education, and management.

Angela Duckworth

Angela Duckworth is an American psychologist and educator, best known for her research on grit and self-control as predictors of success. She is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and the founder and CEO of Character Lab, a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of character science.

Duckworth received her Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and went on to teach math in public schools as a member of Teach for America. This experience sparked her interest in the factors that contribute to success, and led her to pursue a PhD in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Her research on grit and self-control has received widespread attention and has been featured in several popular books, including “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” (2016), which she co-wrote. Her findings have implications for education, business, and other areas, and have helped to shed new light on the role that non-cognitive factors play in achievement and success.

In addition to her research and teaching, Duckworth is also a sought-after speaker, delivering inspiring and thought-provoking talks on the power of grit and the importance of character. She has been recognized for her work with numerous awards and honors, and continues to make important contributions to the field of positive psychology.

Carol Dweck

Carol Dweck is an American psychologist and Professor of Psychology at Stanford University. She is best known for her research on growth mindset and the impact of beliefs about intelligence and abilities on learning and achievement.

Dweck received her PhD from Yale University and joined the faculty at Stanford University in 1972. Throughout her career, she has conducted extensive research on motivation and achievement, with a particular focus on how individuals’ beliefs about their abilities influence their behavior and outcomes.

Her theory of growth mindset, which argues that individuals who believe that their abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication are more likely to persist in the face of challenges and achieve their goals, has been widely popularized and has had a major impact on the field of education.

In addition to her research, Dweck is also an influential author, having written several books on growth mindset, including “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” (2006). Her work has been widely cited and has received numerous awards and honors, and she continues to make important contributions to our understanding of motivation and achievement.

Erik Erikson

Erik Erikson was a German-American developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst known for his theory of psychosocial development. He was a student of Sigmund Freud and expanded upon Freud’s theories to create a stage theory of human development that encompasses the entire lifespan.

Erikson’s theory proposes that individuals pass through eight distinct stages, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities for growth. He believed that the way in which individuals resolve these challenges determines their psychological development and influences their personality and identity.

Erikson’s work has had a major impact on the field of developmental psychology and his theories continue to be widely studied and applied in many different areas of research. He was a professor at several universities, including Harvard, and wrote several influential books, including “Childhood and Society” and “Identity: Youth and Crisis”.

Corey Keyes

Corey L. Keyes is a sociologist and researcher who is best known for his work on mental health and well-being. He is a professor of sociology at Emory University and has made significant contributions to our understanding of the relationship between mental health and well-being and its impact on individuals and society.

Keyes is the creator of the biopsychosocial-spiritual model of mental health, which posits that mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness and includes the presence of positive psychological and spiritual well-being. He has published numerous articles and books on mental health, well-being, and related topics and is considered a leading expert in the field.

His work has been widely recognized and influential in shaping the way people think about mental health and well-being and has helped to promote a more holistic and integrated approach to mental health.

John Gottman

John M. Gottman is a psychologist and researcher who is best known for his work on couples therapy and relationship dynamics. He is a professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Washington and has made significant contributions to our understanding of the factors that contribute to successful relationships and how to improve them.

Gottman is the co-founder of the Gottman Institute, which provides research-based training and resources to couples therapists and other professionals who work with couples. He has published numerous articles and books on relationships and couples therapy, and his work has been widely recognized and influential in the field.

Gottman is also known for his “Love Lab” research, where he and his team have conducted extensive studies on couples to identify the factors that contribute to relationship success and stability. His work has helped to shape the way people think about relationships and has provided practical tools and insights to improve them.

Kate Hefferon

Kate Hefferon is a psychologist and researcher who is best known for her work on the psychology of well-being and positive aging. She is a lecturer in the psychology department at the University of York, where she conducts research on the factors that contribute to well-being and positive aging.

Hefferon’s work focuses on the role of positive emotions, resilience, and positive relationships in promoting well-being and positive aging. She has published numerous articles and book chapters on these topics and is considered an expert in the field of positive psychology.

In addition to her academic achievements, Hefferon is also actively involved in consulting and speaking engagements, where she shares her insights on well-being and positive aging with a wider audience.

Ellen Langer

Ellen J. Langer is a psychologist and researcher who is best known for her work on mindfulness and the psychology of control. She is a professor of psychology at Harvard University and has made significant contributions to our understanding of the ways in which the perception of control can affect behavior and well-being.

Langer is the author of several influential books, including “Mindfulness,” which explores the concept of mindfulness and its potential benefits for well-being and personal growth. She has published numerous articles and book chapters on mindfulness, the psychology of control, and related topics and is considered a leading expert in the field of social psychology.

In addition to her academic achievements, Langer is also actively involved in public speaking and media appearances, where she shares her insights on mindfulness and the psychology of control with a wider audience.

Abraham Maslow

Abraham Maslow was an American psychologist and professor who is best known for his theory of human motivation, known as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. According to this theory, human beings have a hierarchy of needs that must be met in a certain order, with lower needs taking precedence over higher needs. The lower needs include physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging needs, and esteem needs, while the highest need is self-actualization, or the desire to fulfill one’s potential.

Maslow was born in 1908 in Brooklyn, New York, and received his PhD in psychology from the University of Wisconsin. He was a professor of psychology at Brandeis University, Brooklyn College, and eventually at the University of California, Berkeley.

Maslow’s work on the hierarchy of needs has had a profound impact on the field of psychology and has been widely influential in a number of other fields, including education, management, and social work. He was a prolific writer and his books and articles on human motivation, self-actualization, and peak experiences have been widely read and continue to be widely cited.

Maslow died in 1970 at the age of 62, but his legacy continues to inspire new generations of psychologists and researchers to further our understanding of human motivation and potential.

Shane Lopez

Shane J. Lopez, Ph.D., was an American psychologist and researcher who was best known for his work on hope, resilience, and well-being. He was a Senior Scientist and the Gallup Chair in Positive Psychology at the Gallup Organization, where he conducted research on the importance of hope and resilience in individuals’ lives.

Lopez was also a fellow at the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania, where he worked with other leading experts in the field to promote the scientific study of well-being. He was the author of several books on positive psychology, including “Making Hope Happen: Create the Future You Want for Yourself and Others” and “The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology.”

Lopez was a highly respected researcher and speaker in the field of positive psychology and was known for his commitment to promoting well-being and positive change in individuals and communities.

James Pawelski

James O. Pawelski, Ph.D., is a psychologist and researcher who is best known for his work on positive psychology and philosophy. He is the Director of Education and Senior Scholar at the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania and has made significant contributions to our understanding of the ways in which positive psychology and philosophy can be integrated to promote well-being and personal growth.

Pawelski is the co-editor of the book “Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths” and has published numerous articles and book chapters on positive psychology and philosophy.

He is considered a leading expert in the field of positive psychology and is also actively involved in public speaking and media appearances, where he shares his insights on positive psychology and philosophy with a wider audience.

Christopher Peterson

Christopher Peterson was an American psychologist and Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan. He was a leading figure in the field of positive psychology and was known for his research on character strengths and virtues.

Peterson received his PhD from the University of Minnesota in 1978 and joined the faculty at the University of Michigan in the same year. Throughout his career, he made important contributions to our understanding of human strengths and virtues, and was particularly interested in how these strengths contribute to individual well-being and positive outcomes.

Peterson co-wrote several books, including “Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification” (2004), which provides a comprehensive framework for the study of character strengths and has become a standard reference in the field of positive psychology.

Peterson was also well-known for his engaging and dynamic teaching style, and was highly regarded by his students and colleagues alike. He passed away in 2012, but his legacy continues to influence the field of positive psychology.

James Prochaska

James O. Prochaska is a clinical psychologist and researcher in the field of health behaviour change. He is best known for his work on the Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM), which he developed with his colleagues Carlo DiClemente and John Norcross.

The TTM proposes that individuals go through a series of stages when changing a behavior, including pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. The model has been widely used in the development of interventions to help individuals change a variety of health behaviours, such as quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, and improving diet.

Prochaska is a professor at the University of Rhode Island, where he continues to teach and conduct research on health behaviour change. He has published numerous articles and books on this topic and has received several awards and honours for his contributions to the field of psychology, including the Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions to Clinical Psychology from the American Psychological Association

Carol Ryff

Carol Ryff is a psychologist and researcher known for her work in the field of psychology of aging and well-being. She is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she has been on the faculty since 1990.

Ryff’s research focuses on how individuals’ experiences across the lifespan shape their well-being and health outcomes in old age. She is particularly known for developing the “Six-Factor Model of Psychological Well-Being,” which includes six dimensions of well-being: self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth.

Ryff’s work has had a significant impact on the study of well-being and has been widely cited in the scientific literature.

George Vaillant

George E. Vaillant is a psychiatrist and researcher in the field of developmental psychology and mental health. He is best known for his long-term study of human development and well-being, known as the “Grant Study of Adult Development,” which followed the lives of a cohort of men over several decades.

Vaillant is a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and a former Director of Mental Health Services Research at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He has published numerous articles and books on topics related to mental health and well-being, including “Adaptation to Life,” “The Wisdom of the Ego,” and “Aging Well.”

His research has focused on the factors that contribute to human flourishing and well-being, including the importance of close relationships, a positive outlook, and meaningful work. Vaillant has received several awards and honours for his contributions to the field of psychology, including the Distinguished Scientist Award from the American Psychopathological Association.

Paul Wong

Dr. Paul T. P. Wong is a Canadian psychologist and researcher who is known for his work on meaning-centered therapy and existential positive psychology. He is the President of the International Network on Personal Meaning, and a Professor Emeritus of Trinity Western University in British Columbia, Canada.

Wong received his PhD in psychology from the University of Toronto and has since made important contributions to the fields of clinical psychology, existential psychology, and positive psychology. He is particularly known for his work on meaning-centered therapy, an approach to therapy that focuses on helping individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives.

In addition to his work in therapy, Wong has also conducted extensive research on the role of meaning and purpose in well-being, and has published numerous articles and books on these topics. He is a sought-after speaker, delivering presentations and workshops on meaning-centered therapy and existential positive psychology around the world.

Wong’s work has received widespread recognition and has been influential in the field of positive psychology, and he continues to make important contributions to our understanding of the role of meaning and purpose in well-being.