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Positive psychology for business conference a big success at UEL

Tuesday 20 November 2007

More than 200 business leaders, coaches and psychologists from all over the UK gathered at the University of East London (UEL) to attend a conference on the growing area of Positive Psychology and its applications for business, organised by UEL’s School of Psychology on 8 November.

The fast-growing field of Positive Psychology is the scientific study of well-being and is increasingly recognised as having major benefits for business.

The one-day conference entitled ‘Positive psychology, well-being and business: cutting-edge science for organisational success’ opened with a keynote from Professor Martin Seligman, past president of the American Psychological Association and world-renowned as the founder of Positive Psychology. Professor Seligman is Fox Leadership Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and author of hundreds of influential books and papers.

Professor Seligman said: “Positive psychology is not just about personal happiness, it is understanding how people and organisations thrive, how we set goals and find meaning in our work and in our lives.”

Evidence shows that employees with higher levels of well-being are more focused and engaged with their work, better team-players, more highly motivated and with less illness and absenteeism. Recognising these advantages, many major organisations around the world are now implementing the findings of positive psychology in the workplace.

Presentations, panel discussions and case studies were led by some of the leading figures in positive psychology, including Dr Susan David of Yale University, Dr Alex Linley, Dr Gurnek Bains, Emma Judge and Dr Ilona Boniwell, leader of positive psychology at the University of East London, the first such programme in the UK.

The conference was widely praised by delegates, and one senior executive said: “I found it to be one of the best conferences I have attended.”

For details of Positive Psychology programmes at UEL, contact Marika Hooke on 020 8223 4609.

Ends/.

For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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