Psychology Colloquium: Professor Brian Little

Monday, January 24, 2011

Psychology Colloquium: Professor Brian Little, Cambridge University

(Hosted by Philip Tetlock)

Title:  Well-Being Reconsidered: Personal Projects, Free Traits and the Happiness of Pursuit

Abstract:  A social ecological model of well-being is presented that differs in several respects from traditional models.  It postulates that relatively stable and flexible features of both persons and contexts play important roles in enhancing well-being.  However, the most important influences are the personal projects through which individuals achieve meaning, structure and connection in their daily lives.  The results of a series of studies examining the content, appraisal and impact of personal projects support the proposition that well-being comprises the sustainable pursuit of core projects. When intrinsic or extrinsic forces create barriers to project pursuit well-being is compromised and our lives may fall apart.

3:30PM in Stiteler Hall room B6. Refreshments will be served at 3:00PM in Stiteler Hall's Silverstein Forum.