TLU Resources

The present study aimed to identify which school-based positive psychology interventions are effective for increasing children’s well-being; synthesize existing interventions; and summarize the quality of identified studies. This systematic literature review includes publications up to August 2020, retrieved from the PsycINFO, ERIC and Scopus databases. This review comprises fifteen studies that fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Most of the interventions, programs and curricula that aimed to promote children’s well-being focused on elements of subjective well-being, and their effects remained in the short and long-term. Most of the programs that showed a positive effect on well-being were delivered by teachers, which may have enhanced the success of the programs. To be effective, the content of interventions can include a single component or multiple components of well-being. Further research is needed to verify the impact of the effects on well-being through follow-up assessments. The overall quality of the reports is adequate, but most of them lack a randomized controlled design.

Early life stress (ELS) has been linked to poor mental and physical health outcomes in adolescence and adulthood. Mindfulness reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety and improves cognitive and social outcomes in both youth and adults. However, little is known whether mindfulness can mitigate against the adverse neurobiological and psychological effects of ELS. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of conducting a group mindfulness intervention in adolescents with ELS and provide preliminary indication of potential effects on stress-related biomarkers and mental health symptoms.

"If I didn’t define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive."—Audre Lorde In this critical autoethnography I will explore the theoretical underpinnings of the imposter syndrome, stereotype threat, and intersectionality to give voice to my lived experiences as a young, Black woman in the predominately middle-aged, White, male academy. While retelling the stories of both my childhood and young adulthood, I will speak my truth while connecting theory to praxis. I will also explain how I overcame imposter syndrome and stereotype threat by reconceptualizing the definition of a scholar. In the spirit of the opening quote from Audre Lorde, I had to define myself for myself to both survive and thrive. Finally, I will offer several recommendations for women of color to consider as they navigate their own space and place in the elusive ivory tower.

In this ¾ hour seminar, we learned key strategies to help your coachee or mentee overcome barriers to confidence. We explored factors that lead to a loss of confidence and discussed techniques for promoting self-compassion and strength-based growth.

In this 45-minute seminar, we explored how to address Imposter Syndrome (IS) through coaching and Positive Psychology. Focusing on key concepts like the Dunning-Kruger Effect and the neuroscience behind IS, we discussed how IS manifests through behaviours such as People Pleasing, Perfectionism, Paralysis, and Procrastination (the 4 P’s). Participants also explored how to leverage personal strengths to counteract IS and foster success in coaching and mentoring roles. By the end of this talk, participants have: • Gained an understanding of the Dunning-Kruger Effect and its impact on IS. • Discussed the neuroscience of IS and the influence of the 4 P’s. • Explored how the 4 P’s of IS affect personal and professional life. • Discussed role diversity, inclusion, and their effect on success and leadership. • Developed strategies to apply personal strengths to mitigate feelings of IS.

People who engage in random acts of kindness may not fully recognize the impact of their behavior on others

Kindness toward others can boost our own physical and mental health.

In this ¾hr seminar, we will examine a specific strengths identification tool and present a case study where this was used in a marketing team, together with pitfalls and positives. The learning from this example, could help those working in teams utilise this strengths identification tool, or similar, to maximise individual energy and workload. In this session, the following will be discussed: - The strengths tool used to identify individual strengths - How these individual strengths were then collated and cross-matched for the team - The subsequent workshops held - The positive outcomes - The challenges - What could have been done differently?

We highlight some of the solutions that could be used to alleviate workplace stress, highlight the importance of having open conversations with colleagues and provide other advice and tips.

Scrolling through our social media feeds feels like a harmless part of our daily lives. But is it actually as harmless at seems? According to social media ex...

In this ¾hr seminar, we will revisit the Positive Psychology (PP) movement that was touched on previously with those who participated in the Coaching in Higher Education Foundation Level programme. We will discuss some exciting new ways of bringing PP principles into group settings and the implications for Higher Education Coaching and Mentoring. In this session, the following will be discussed: - Tips to successfully teach PP in group settings - Potential barriers to successfully teaching PP in groups settings - PP in hope therapy - PP Intervention using photographs - Using strengths in different ways - meeting others with similar strengths - Decoding emotions by analysing speech, body, and face - Silent gratitude mapping.

"Welcome to the Authentic Happiness website, a University of Pennsylvania website developed by the Positive Psychology Center. Dr. Martin E. P. Seligman is the Director of the Center, and a Professor of Psychology at Penn. The purpose of this website is to provide free resources where people can learn about Positive Psychology through readings, videos, research, opportunities, conferences, questionnaires with feedback and more. There is no charge for the use of this site. If you would like to take the questionnaires, you first need to register. Positive Psychology is the scientific study of the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. This field is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences of work, love and play. The mission of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania is to promote research, training, education and the dissemination of positive psychology."

You can discover your top 3 realised strengths, 3 unrealised strengths, 2 learned behaviours and 1 weakness in our Free Starter Profile. Use it to start your strengths journey, gain self-awareness of what you love to do and support any job applications. You can choose to upgrade to a more in-depth Profile at any time to learn more of your strengths and gain action advice, tips and a career guide to release further potential.

Modern investigations in the field of neuroscience have revealed that, contrary to long held beliefs, the brain has a remarkable capacity to adapt its structure and function throughout the life span. These adaptations are mediated by experience induced changes in the synaptic strength of neural connections, a process referred to as europlasticity. This review presents evidence of how knowledge of the brain’s plastic property can be applied to ameliorate deficits resulting from acquired brain damage and neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as to counter the neural degeneration associated with normal ageing. A vast number of promoting and constraining factors can modulate the extent and efficiency of neuroplasticity. This review examines the current state of knowledge of three of these variables: the degree of damage, the timing of interventions, and the attentional and motivational states of the individual. These variables are discussed in terms of how they can serve to facilitate or inhibit neuroplasticity. Furthermore, it is described how a detailed understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the influence of these variables can be translated to clinical research and practice, and ultimately optimise functional outcome.

This weeks episode entitled 'World Leading Psychologist: How To Detach From Overthinking & Anxiety: Dr Julie Smith' topics:0:00 Intro00:58 What made you wan...

Abstract: Background: The negative aftermath of acquired disability has been studied rigorously. The research on achievement and success after an acquired disability is still in its infancy, and more research is needed on the positive psychological outcomes that may arise as a result of surviving and dealing with trauma. Objective: This study aimed to provide an in-depth account of the experience of acquired disability, engagement in elite sport and Posttraumatic Growth in Paralympic athletes. Method: Three self-selected athletes (two females, one male) from Great Britain's 2012 Paralympic team were interviewed using semi-structured techniques. The interviews were recorded, and the data was transcribed. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results: The study identified that for these athletes, sport was a fundamental route to experiencing posttraumatic growth (PTG). Sport was perceived to be a platform of recovery, camaraderie, achievements and the basis for a new identity as an athlete.Furthermore, the team was seen as a resource, creating a safe environment in which to learn new skills, share practical ideas and promote a sense of equality. Additionally, the role of the body in facilitating PTG was central to these individuals’ experiences. Considerations of these findings as well as suggestions for future research are discussed.

Experts share their tips for managing stress after the holidays.

"This ¾ hr talk explored self-care coaching and how you can help your coachee and yourself to be more cognisant of self-care. This talk was not just for coaches or mentors, but for anyone who functions within an environment that is constantly caring for other, always available and willing to help i.e., teachers, lecturers, team leaders, team members, support staff, parents etc."

On 8th October 2021, MTU became the first university in Europe and one of the first globally to attain the International Standards for Mentoring and Coaching Programmes (ISMCP) Bronze Award. This prestigious award which was bestowed by the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC Global) following a 4-month evaluation process was in recognition of MTU’s Coaching and Mentoring Culture.

On 8th October 2021, MTU became the first university in Europe and one of the first globally to attain the International Standards for Mentoring and Coaching Programmes (ISMCP) Bronze Award. This prestigious award which was bestowed by the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC Global) following a 4-month evaluation process was in recognition of MTU’s Coaching and Mentoring Culture.

"The Academic Success Coaching team at MTU hosted a workshop on the value and applications of coaching approaches in Higher Education. Equally of interest to Academic and to Professional, Management and Support staff at MTU, the workshop provided an overview of the uniqueness of coaching approaches and how they can enrich teaching, supervision, and mentoring scenarios. We were joined by Dr Jill Andreanoff, a leading coaching scholar and practitioner, who shared her wealth of experience on the value of using a coaching approach in Higher Education settings. Dr Andreanoff facilitated a short interactive session exploring both mentoring and coaching, giving practical examples of how these approaches can be adopted."

"The Academic Success Coaching team at MTU hosted a workshop on the value and applications of coaching approaches in Higher Education. Equally of interest to Academic and to Professional, Management and Support staff at MTU, the workshop provided an overview of the uniqueness of coaching approaches and how they can enrich teaching, supervision, and mentoring scenarios. We were joined by Dr Jill Andreanoff, a leading coaching scholar and practitioner, who shared her wealth of experience on the value of using a coaching approach in Higher Education settings. Dr Andreanoff facilitated a short interactive session exploring both mentoring and coaching, giving practical examples of how these approaches can be adopted."

Are you curious about how coaching can be applied in the context of higher education? Have you heard about MTU Cork’s Coaching in Higher Education course? If so, then this is the seminar for you!! Since 2019, MTU Cork staff have been offered the opportunity to attend our European Coaching and Mentoring Council (EMCC) accredited Coaching in Higher Education course and potentially achieve individual EMCC Foundation Level Coaching Accreditation through this programme. To date, the above course has been run 6 times and has attracted over 90 staff from both academic and professional management support areas. The course runs over 5 weeks and typically takes place on Friday afternoons, it consists of 5 modules with each module requiring a weekly commitment of 2.5 hours, and planning is underway for the next iteration which will take place in semester 2. The goal of this session was to raise awareness of how coaching principles and skills can and are being used in MTU Cork and to gain some insights from the following colleagues who have already participated in the course: Gail Cotter Buckley, Tourism and Hospitality, MTU Cork Sarah Culhane, Accounting and Information Systems, MTU Cork Dr. Ciara Glasheen Artem, Orchestral Studies, MTU Cork Catherine O’Mahony, Tourism and Hospitality, MTU Cork Michelle Collins, Marketing and International Business, MTU Cork They spoke about their experience and shared: Why they decided to enrol in the course What they learnt from the experience How they are applying what they’ve learned to their teaching, learning, assessment and student engagement practice And, of course, participants also had the opportunity to pose a few questions of their own. .

The value of Learning Communities, especially those that work across disciplines, is that they facilitate a sharing of expertise, knowledge and experience. Accessing ‘the wisdom in the room’ is often cited as the purpose of sharing in such communities. The word ‘dialogue’ in its original Greek form represents a process where new wisdom and insight is reached between two people which could not have been reached by either party on their own. Such a process inevitably involves the reconciling, fusing or synthesis of two or more, often conflicting, ideas or viewpoints often in an effort to clarify and articulate a common goal for the group. This seminar explored the need, nature, cause and value of conflict in the synthesis of new ideas, knowledge and learning. Participants interrogated the effectiveness of one of the most popular tools for understanding and dealing with conflict i.e. the Thomas Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument. In workshop format, participants explored their own preferred approach to conflict and used the Kilmann model to experiment with alternative approaches to conflict in order to promote meaningful dialogue in learning communities. Teaching and Learning Practice can be enhanced when people learn to better engage with colleagues, who have conflicting viewpoints, in a way that allows for all voices to be heard and that cultivates the positive restlessness which leads to new insights, consensus and action. On completion of this seminar participants had: Gained an understanding of the nature and importance of conflict in developing creative learning communities Became familiar with the Thomas Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument Became more aware of their own preferred approach mode Had explored and practiced alternative conflict modes with peers

"Vygotsky’s (1978) theory of social constructivism highlighted the importance of the contribution of others to every individual’s learning. With the increasing use of ICT and the internet, learning communities can expand beyond geographical limitations leading to new and exciting educational dimensions and learning opportunities across schools, colleges, communities and cultures. The term ‘learning community’ has become increasingly common in education usage and can mean many different things, from bringing members of the local community in to the college to collaborative learning among students or lecturers. Colleges today are complex, interwoven, interactive environments where learning flourishes when there is a spirit of openness and transparency and where lecturers are more likely to adopt a collegial approach incorporating shared leadership and authority thereby facilitating the work of the students. In colleges that are learning communities, everyone is a learner, and everyone is a teacher. This seminar explored how a coaching skill set can be used to enable learning institutions to develop the skills of enquiry, collaboration, sharing of practice and critically evaluate beliefs about teaching and learning. The overall aim of the seminar was to enhance the quality of professional communication and dialogue one of the four domains underpinned by the National Professional Development framework’s values. The seminar employed a blended learning approach involving experiential learning techniques complimented by facilitated debriefs, group discussions and short presentations. The main objectives of this seminar were that participants would have: Deepened their understanding of the nature and benefits of peer coaching. Gained a heightened awareness of how coaching skills can be used to enhance individual and group learning. Gained insight into how a departmental wide peer mentoring model is evolving in CIT. Increased their knowledge and expertise in the use of coaching skills in their professional roles. Have practiced their coaching skills in challenging situations. Constructed an action plan to utilise the workshop content to improve their peer coaching skills so they can better support their peers and engage in purposeful conversations regarding professional development, development of learning communities and communities of practice."

"Peer coaching is a staff development model which can be used to develop and try new strategies and determine what does and does not work by critically evaluating beliefs about teaching and learning. Peer coaching is built upon trusting relationships that develop between lecturers. The seminar outlined the nature of a coaching conversation and gave participants an opportunity to develop their listening, questioning and feedback skills. The seminar was designed to develop professional communication and dialogue one of the four domains underpinned by the National Professional Development framework’s values. Collegial coaching, technical coaching, challenge coaching and team coaching were examined and their use in third level explored. The four types of peer coaching are all very different, but they are built upon effective communication that is honest and open and based on an unbiased attitude and a willingness to help others grow professionally. This involves trust building. Effective peer coaches must be dedicated to working in a trusting relationship with a partner to continually improve his or her teaching skills. They must also be open to new ideas and willingly share classroom experiences with their partners. Effective communication means more than just teachers talking with each other. It involves: conversation skills listening skills nonverbal language giving constructive feedback developing trusting relationships The seminar/workshop employed a blended learning approach involving experiential learning techniques complimented by facilitated debriefs, group discussions and short presentations. Participants who attended this workshop: Deepened their understanding of the nature and benefits of peer coaching in enhancing CPD commitment and impact. Gained a heightened awareness of their capacity to listen with unconditional positive regard Increased their knowledge and expertise in the use of questioning to raise awareness Developed their skills in offering impactful feedback Constructed an action plan to utilise the workshop content to improve their own communication skills so they can better support their peers and engage in purposeful conversations regarding professional development, development of learning communities and communities of practice."

“Students learn a great deal by explaining their ideas to others and by participating in activities in which they can learn from their peers” (Boud, 2001). Peer Learning can significantly assist students in the transition into and throughout higher education and strongly motivates learning and enhances student success. This workshop explored the role of Peers in providing a holistic, value-added and enriched student experience. It provided answers to some of the following questions: What is the role of the Peer? How do you select Peers to be involved in structured support? What are the boundaries? What will be the benefits? This workshop was interactive and encouraged participants to consider different approaches to using Peers to support students."

"Empowerment is defined as the “the process of gaining freedom and power to do what you want or to control what happens to you”. Empowerment can help you: Feel good and laugh more frequently Recharge your batteries and find a new lease of life Achieve those goals that you may currently think are way too far out of reach Overcome challenges and see tasks through to conclusion For those who want more out of life, to achieve more, do more and be more - this workshop aimed to provide participants with the tools they need to change their mind-set and breakthrough to the next level – tools that, perhaps, could be shared with their students to help them achieve more too! This workshop provided a brief immersion into the power of the mind, and participants learned that the resources we need to move forward positively in life are already within us. Through fun activity and lots of laughter participants opened the door to transformation, instilling courage to dream and participants left with an incredible experience of their power to accomplish amazing results."

"A common myth is that the way to deal with pressure is to work harder. We like to think that extending work hours and multitasking are ways to be more effective at work. The truth is, this thinking is flawed. Too much pressure or stress creates narrowed thinking and increases the likelihood of flawed reasoning. It also turns on the stress response in the body, releasing a tsunami of chemicals and hormones. Being able to increase your resilience is necessary in today’s uncertain and volatile workforce. This workshop was targeted at all staff, both academic and administrative, and, based on research from the Centre for Creative Leadership, and aimed to introduce participants to a variety of ways to improve resilience, such as: Reframing how we think about situations or experiences The importance of sleep and exercises to support a good night’s sleep Developing strategies to cope when our sleep is compromised Exploring the power of positivity The workshop included an introduction to some simple Tai Chi practices and hand mudras that are very effective ways of managing one’s stress and energy. "

"Explore what is meant by ‘deep listening’, where ‘people can think with rigour, imagination, courage and grace. This ¾ hr workshop briefly explores the coaching partnership that focuses on ‘deep listening’, where ‘people can think with rigor, imagination, courage and grace.’ (Kline, 2010). The content is based on Nancy Kline’s ‘Time to Think’ and ‘More Time to Think’ and discusses the 10 components for enabling a ‘thinking environment’ e.g., appreciation, encouragement, attention, feeling. This workshop is not just for coaches or mentors, but for anyone who functions within an environment that requires a deeper level of listening i.e., teachers, lecturers, team leaders, team members, support staff, parents etc. By the end of this workshop, participants will have a broader understanding of what it means to: 1. Be in the listening environment with authentic presence 2. Remain focused, observant, empathetic and responsive to the other party 3. Demonstrate curiosity during the listening and coaching process 4. Manage one’s emotions to stay present with the other party 5. Interrupt the other party because of certain assumptions 6. Harness the power of gratitude in a way that is useful and empowering for both parties 7. Use incisive questioning to enable deep thinking in other party. This workshop forms part of the Being a Better Coach and Mentor series and is eligible for Continued Professional Development credit contributing to a Coach/Mentor/Supervisor EMCC Global Individual Accreditation."