Abstract

Much research has been done with adults in the field of positive psychology, reminiscence, and journal writing. Previous findings reveal that reminiscing about positive memories enhances one's happiness, well-being, life satisfaction, and self-continuity. The current study sought to expand this to adolescence. A group of 19 male and female ninth graders from a northeastern, suburban high school were assigned to a positive reminiscence or a daily hassles journal writing group. Analyses revealed significant effects on participants' positive affect; journal writing in general and specifically writing only about positive memories both significantly increased participants' ratings of perceived positive affect. However, no other significant effects were found on happiness or life satisfaction when writing about positive memories or daily hassles were compared. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Reminiscing--Therapeutic use--Case studies; Diaries--Authorship--Therapeutic use--Case studies; Happiness in adolescence; Affect (Psychology); Positive psychology

Publication Date

1-1-2008

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

School Psychology (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Department of Psychology (CLA)

Advisor

Jennifer Lukomski

Advisor/Committee Member

Scott P. Merydith

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at BF378.R44 S46 2008

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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