Workshop 6th World Congress on Positive Psychology 2019

Happy Together (#9)

James Pawelski 1 , Suzie Pawelski 1
  1. Positive Psychology Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Positive psychology research indicates that one of the most important factors in human flourishing is building close relationships with others. Enjoying strong bonds with family members, romantic partners, friends, and co-workers is critical for thriving. Yet we all too often assume that these bonds will stay strong automatically and then are surprised if they begin to fray.

A better approach is to nurture and care for our relationships by learning skills and developing habits that can keep them strong. Working at our relationships like we work out our bodies at the gym can build relational muscle and flexibility—and the science of positive psychology can help us do so effectively.

In this lively and interactive session, husband-and-wife team Suzann Pileggi Pawelski and James Pawelski, co-authors of Happy Together: Using the Science of Positive Psychology to Build Love That Lasts  (Penguin Random House, 2018), invite you to join them in the “relationship gym” where they will be presenting and applying key research findings from the field of positive psychology to relationships of all kinds.