Division 17 Section on Positive Psychology

Positive psychology is the scientific study of human strengths and virtues. It involves an attempt to move toward a more balanced perspective on human functioning that considers motives, capacities, and human potentials. Counseling Psychology historically and presently continues to be one of the few disciplines that highlights the values of fostering human capacities, satisfaction, and well-being. In some form Counseling Psychology always has been a vital part of promoting good health and preventing disease, including mental, physical, and social disorders for individuals and communities. It is in the context that this Section was formed. The aim of the this group is to focus on how Counseling Psychology fosters and builds human strength and well-being and in pursuing this endeavor, furthers the development of positive psychological science and practice. This site includes information about positive psychology research, teaching, and practice as well as events, strengths based books, and resources.

Each year the Section on Positive Psychology honors one student and one psychologist for their contributions to the science, practice, and/or teaching of Counseling Psychology.

Previous Award Winners:


2020 Award Winners

Jonah li, STUDENT AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED CONTRIBUTIONS IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

2019 Award Winners

Patrick Heath, STUDENT AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED CONTRIBUTIONS IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

Kamlesh Singh, SHANE J. LOPEZ AWARD FOR PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

2018 award winners

Shu-Yi Wang, STUDENT AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED CONTRIBUTIONS IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

Blake Allan & Ingrid Weigold, SHANE J. LOPEZ AWARD FOR PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

2017 Award Winners

John Wade, PH.D., SHANE J. LOPEZ AWARD FOR PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

Richard Douglass, M.S., STUDENT AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED CONTRIBUTIONS IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

Pauline Venieris, M.S., STUDENT AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED CONTRIBUTIONS IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY


2016 AWARD WINNERS

Joel wong, PH.D., SHANE J. LOPEZ AWARD FOR PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

hannah suh, M.S., STUDENT AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED CONTRIBUTIONS IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY


2015 AWARD WINNERS

Rhea owens, PH.D., SHANE J. LOPEZ AWARD FOR PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

adam fishel, M.S., STUDENT AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED CONTRIBUTIONS IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY


2014 Award Winners

Michael Scheel, Ph.D., Shane J. Lopez Award for Professional Contributions in Positive Psychology

Blake Allan, M.S., Student Award for Distinguished Contributions in Positive Psychology


2013 Award Winner

Jeana Magyar-Moe, Ph.D., Shane J. Lopez Award for Professional Contributions in Positive Psychology


2012 Award Winners

Collie Conoley, Ph.D., Shane J. Lopez Award for Professional Contributions in Positive Psychology

Brian P. Cole, M.S., Student Award for Distinguished Contributions in Positive Psychology


2011 Award Winners

Christine Robitschek, Ph.D., Shane J. Lopez Award for Professional Contributions in Positive Psychology

Megan A. Martinez, M.A., Student Award for Distinguished Contributions in Positive Psychology


2010 Award Winners

Rhea Owens, M.S., Student Award for Distinguished Contributions in Positive Psychology

Christina Khan, M.S., Student Award for Distinguished Contributions in Positive Psychology