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UEL's Ilona appointed Vice-President of International Positive Psychology Association

Tuesday 25 March 2008

Dr Ilona Boniwell, Programme Leader for the University of East London’s (UEL) unique MSc degree in Applied Positive Psychology, has been appointed Vice-President of the newly established International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA).

Dr Boniwell is recognised as one of Europe’s foremost positive psychologists. A former Chair of the European Network of Positive Psychology, she is also the author of a best-selling book, Positive Psychology in a Nutshell.

The IPPA has been established to promote the practice of positive psychology, the scientific study of human happiness and wellbeing. The Association is run by a Board of Directors comprised of leading positive psychologists from around the world, including such founding figures as Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and UEL honorary doctor Professor Martin Seligman.

Dr Boniwell said: “I am honoured to have been appointed Vice-President of the IPPA, which will facilitate communication and collaboration among researchers and practitioners all over the world.

“Psychology, as a science, has generally focussed on addressing mental illness, as opposed to increasing mental wellbeing. The rapidly developing field of positive psychology aims to redress this imbalance by encouraging research in areas including happiness, creativity, personal strengths and psychological health.

“In short, positive psychology is concerned not with how to alleviate misery, but with how to build up happiness. I’m very confident that the IPPA can play a leading role in developing the field.”

Sue Browne (42), of Dagenham, is a student on UEL’s MSc Applied Positive Psychology. Sue said: “Ilona’s an amazing tutor, full of life and always positive and supportive; she definitely practices what she preaches!

“Studying Positive Psychology has been a life-changing experience. It’s changed the way I think and played a massive role in me finding employment with a wonderful charity organisation. I’m now looking forward to developing a career that allows me to do what I love best - helping people to live their lives well." 

UEL's MSc Applied Positive Psychology enables students to develop understanding and practice of the scientific study of human happiness and wellbeing. The unique programme has proved very popular since its launch in February 2007. For further details, visit www.uel.ac.uk/psychology or contact Marika Hooke on m.hooke@uel.ac.uk or 020 8223 4609.

For details and pictures contact Daniel Cherry: 020 8223 2194

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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