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How to be happy - Dr Ilona set to star at Simply Happy conference

Friday 4 April 2008

Dr Ilona Boniwell, Vice-President of the International Positive Psychology Association, will share her formula for fulfilment with south-east Asia when a major Science of Happiness and Wellbeing conference takes place at the Singapore Expo and Convention Centre on 16-17 April.

Positive psychology is the new scientific study of human happiness and wellbeing. At a time when doubts are growing that economic success leads to fulfilment, new research in the field clearly indicates that all of us can learn how to be happier.

Dr Boniwell is recognised as one of Europe’s foremost positive psychologists. A former Chair of the European Network of Positive Psychology, she is programme leader for the University of East London’s (UEL) unique MA in Applied Positive Psychology and has written a best-selling book on the subject, Positive Psychology in a Nutshell.

At the Science of Happiness and Wellbeing conference, Dr Boniwell will join other leading figures in the field, including UEL honorary doctor Professor Martin Seligman, to share her understanding of how the findings of positive psychology can be put to work in communities, organizations and daily life.

Dr Boniwell said: “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. This conference will highlight how positive psychology can touch the lives of people and workplaces around the world, transforming attitudes toward health, ageing, education, parenting, families, cultural values and economic development.”

South East Asia is currently one of the most economically vibrant regions in the world, yet recent increases in personal wealth have not been consistently matched by improvements in wellbeing and happiness.

The Science of Happiness and Wellbeing conference will feature the latest research in the field of positive psychology, enabling participants to understand how to develop long-term happiness in their own lives.

The conference will take place at the Singapore Expo and Convention Centre on 16-17 April. For further information about, visit www.simply-happy.com.

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.

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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