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 has always 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 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.

Positive Psychology: Theory and Application is the official newsletter of the Section on Positive Psychology. The peer reviewed newsletter includes updates from section leadership, section events, and original articles by section members. Calls for submissions will be posted on the website and listserv. Below find our archive of past issues. 

Most Recent Issue: Fall 2024 Edition of Positive Psychology: Theory and Application Newsletter

Featured Articles:

  • Integrating “Life Worth Living” Pedagogy into Counseling Psychology Framing of Positive Psychology

  • Embracing Emotions: An Exploration of Emotional Acceptance in Positive Psychology

  • Queering Positive Psychology: What Does Well-Being Look Like for LGBTQ+ Folx?

  • The Influence on University Students’ Optimism and Self-Esteem by Gratitude Journaling

And also…

  • News from the Chair

  • Treasurer Statement

  • Section Awards

  • Board Members

  • How to Become a Section Member

For any questions regarding the newsletter publication or making a submission to this newsletter, please contact

Publication Editor:

Aaron McLaughlin, PhD

University of Central Arkansas

Department of Psychology and Counseling

amclaughlin2@uca.edu

Focus: Currently, we are inviting articles that consider how to support the wellbeing of students and professionals. The theme is: Feedback and Friendship.

Articles can be empirical or conceptual but should include an applied component, such as recommendations for practice, teaching, or social justice within counseling psychology and beyond.

Style and Format:The style of articles should be reader friendly, but balanced with research evidence. Articles should be between 900-1,000 words including the abstract and title but not references. Authors should include a title and abstract (up to 50 words) and a short bio (two to three sentences) with contact information. We also encourage authors to submit a headshot photo with their biography.

Additional Information: All work must be original and not published or are being considered elsewhere. We do not require membership in the Section on Positive Psychology, but it is encouraged. Authors will not be compensated for published articles.

Submission Instructions: Submissions can be turned in year-round, but the deadline for consideration to be included in the next issue is June 1, 2026. Submit complete articles in .docx format to Aaron McLaughlin at amclaughlin2@uca.edu.