Applying Positive Psychology in Early Childhood
Date of Award
7-10-2010
Document Type
Undergraduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Psy.D.
Organizational Unit
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
First Advisor
Shelly Smith-Acuña
Second Advisor
Mary Monrow
Third Advisor
Peter Buirski
Keywords
Child psychology, Mental health
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a framework for applying positive psychology in elementary classrooms. The target age group is children in grades K-3 (ages 5 to 8) because this age group can benefit the most from an early introduction to strategies that promote positive development (Cowne & Hightower, 1989; White, 1996). The following sections will: (a) introduce constructs of positive psychology; (b) present developmental data on how these constructs can be applied to children ages 5 to 8 years; (c) present ideas for incorporating positive psychology practice into K-3 classrooms; (d) present strategies for incorporating positive psychology with multicultural considerations; and (e) present ideas on how to implement strategies based on positive psychology that are compatible with grade level standards and sociopolitical teaching expectations.
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Extent
129 pages
Recommended Citation
Hooks, Elizabeth, "Applying Positive Psychology in Early Childhood" (2010). Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects. 142.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/142