There are many paths to enlightenment.-Lao Tzu, Chinese Taoist philosopher (600-531 BC) Long-studied in social psychology, the dangers of prejudice (Allport, 1954) and the importance of developing tolerance and respect for others have received attention with an increased sense of urgency over the past decade. Globally, although distances are ever-shrinking and differing cultures must cooperate for survival, terrorist threats and genocidal wars are part of the daily news. Within the United States, although population projections suggest that racial and ethnic minorities will comprise one third of all Americans by 2015 (Wang et al., 2003) and almost half the population by the year 2030 (Cortes, 1991), conflicts among racial and ethnic groups are responsible for many hate crimes (Wang et al., 2003). Numerous institutions, from governmental agencies to educational systems, have noted the need for increasing tolerance. Institutions of higher learning have, in particular, declared the importance of facilitating openness to diversity among students in preparing young adults to become responsible and successful citizens in today's multicultural and global society (Association of American Colleges and
We developed and tested a brief three‐session program to build resilience (protection from depressive symptoms) and thriving (positive growth) in undergraduates by teaching adaptive explanatory styles. In Study 1, a pretest–posttest waiting list control experiment with 28 undergraduates found that our Program for Accelerated Thriving and Health (PATH) significantly increased optimistic and personal control explanatory styles (Attributional Style Questionnaire), resilience (Beck Depression Inventory‐II), and thriving (Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale 10). In Study 2, a placebo control experiment with 63 undergraduates found a modified version of the program to significantly increase resilience. All effects were at least moderate in size. As predicted, a personal control explanatory style significantly predicted thriving in both studies. Predictors of resilience and thriving were discussed in terms of differentiating the constructs.
This study addressed the possible differential impact of various types of spirituality, perceived social support, and positive emotions on resilience and life satisfaction in emerging adulthood. , 2006) to assess various positive emotions. As hypothesized, intrapersonal spirituality, perceived social support, and positive emotions predicted both resilience and life satisfaction, but differed in their relative contributions to each type of well-being. Intrapersonal spirituality and pride predicted resilience, but perceived social support predicted resilience primarily as mediated through positive emotions. Intrapersonal spirituality, perceived social support, and contentment predicted life satisfaction. Resilience and pride predicted life satisfaction only as mediated through contentment. Although transpersonal spirituality and social support may generate resilience in some populations, needs specific to emerging adulthood may favor factors that promote a focus on meaning and purpose in life, independence, and strength.
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