CGU to host a weekend of events exploring positive psychology Sept. 5-7

Claremont Graduate University (CGU’s) Division of Behavioral and Organizational Sciences is hosting a weekend of events September 5-7 exploring the thriving field of positive psychology.

On Friday, September 5, the division will host the world premiere screening of the film North of Normal. The film chronicles CGU doctoral students Angela Mouton and Monica Montijo as they travel the world to ask diverse people about love, passion, and peak experiences. The screening will take place in Garrison Theater, 231 E. 10th Street in Claremont, at 8 p.m. It is free.

The following day the department is celebrating the 80th birthday of Professor Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi by hosting a symposium on the latest development and the future of positive psychology. Csikszentmihalyi co-director of CGU’s Quality of Life Research Center is a pioneer in the field of positive psychology and is renowned for his work in the study of happiness and creativity. The symposium will feature talks by leading experts in the field including Csikszentmihalyi Martin Seligman Antonella Delle Fave Howard Gardner Hans Henrik Knoop Jeanne Nakamura and Stewart Donaldson. The symposium runs from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Sunday Sept. 7 the Western Positive Psychology Association will hold its 2014 conference in CGU’s Burkle Building 1021 N. Dartmouth Ave. The conference will feature presentations discussions and debates about the current science of positive psychology. It is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Advanced registration is required for the Saturday symposium and Sunday conference. Discounts are available for students and CGU alumni.

Positive psychology emerged at the beginning of the new millennium as a movement within psychology aimed at enhancing human strengths and optimal human functioning. This scholarship scientific research and application has inspired leading scholars and practitioners from across the globe to rethink the fundamental nature of how we live work and educate; of our health and well-being; of how to design and lead positive institutions; and how to develop positive public policies.

The ideas contained in the initial work in positive psychology have spread far and wide across the disciplines to form a broader movement sometimes referred to as the positive social and human sciences.

For more information visit www.cgu.edu/positivepsychology“