Understanding the experiences of positive life changes during postgraduate study on a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology programme: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Article

Van Nieuwerburgh, C. and Lech, Agnieszka 2015. Understanding the experiences of positive life changes during postgraduate study on a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology programme: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. International Journal of Wellbeing. 5 (3), pp. 72-84.
AuthorsVan Nieuwerburgh, C. and Lech, Agnieszka
Abstract

There is a global increase in the teaching of positive psychology at postgraduate level. Anecdotally, it has been suggested that university-based positive psychology programmes can be “life changing”. This exploratory qualitative study aimed to enhance our understanding of the
positive life experiences of students registered on a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) programme. The researcher interviewed five postgraduate students undertaking a MAPP
at the University of East London. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to identify emerging themes before these were analysed and clustered into a number of overarching themes.
Participants reported experiencing a number of positive life changes as a result of the MAPP
programme. Key themes that emerged were the sense that there were “myriad different thoughts and potential opportunities”; that studying positive psychology was “like coming home”; that participants enjoyed having time for reflection; and the sense that “it’s all about the people”. This study raised the question of whether the MAPP programme could, in itself, be considered a positive psychological intervention.

JournalInternational Journal of Wellbeing
Journal citation5 (3), pp. 72-84
ISSN1179-8602
Year2015
PublisherInternational Journal of Wellbeing
Publisher's version
License
CC BY-NC-ND
Publication dates
Print30 Jul 2015
Publication process dates
Deposited04 Aug 2015
Accepted04 Mar 2015
Copyright information© 2015 The authors
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