Broaden, build and bridge? Positive emotions in expressive writing

PhD student Megan Hayes recently presented her work exploring the benefits of creative writing at the fourth World Congress of the International Positive Psychology Association held in Orlando in June.

The IPPAWC conference presents the latest scientific advancements and research-based applications of positive psychology.

Positive psychology began as a 'movement' around 2000, with the aim to shift the focus of psychological study beyond just the deficit-focused model of the previous century to also include the empirical study of human strengths, creativity, resilience and what makes individuals and communities thrive.

The conference showcased how positive psychology has been successfully applied in a range of professional realms, along with global perspectives on positive psychology. Megan’s current doctoral research builds on work undertaken as part of her MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and combines positive psychological theory with creative writing, in a qualitative analysis of practicing creative writers.

She is currently exploring how creative writing relates to well-being or psychological flourishing for these writers. She will also explore selected literary texts and life-writing by revered writers through the framework of this theory.

Attendance at the conference enabled Megan to engage with a broad range of the latest developments in the positive humanities and establish contacts in this emerging field.

Megan, who is based in the English department in the School of Arts and Media, holds a PhD studentship award and is supervised by Dr Chris Thurgar-Dawson, Dr Sophie Nicholls and Professor Matthew Feldman. Her visit was supported by the Institute for Design, Culture and the Arts.

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