"I believe in hope!" If there was one key takeaway after inhaling all three series of Ted Lasso in record time, it is that his positivity was infectious, it drew people in and it built belief. While Lasso humorously admits his football knowledge gaps, his understanding of people is remarkable. Positivity benefits everyone.
Research examining four models' influence on adolescent depression found that positive outlook was the strongest predictor for change in the severity of depression over 36 weeks. Positive outlook encompassed future focus and self-perception. The study suggested monitoring young people's outlook as a mental health indicator and indicated that interventions boosting hope proved more effective than those targeting negative thinking reduction.
Research on thoughts about the future revealed that engaging in positive thoughts about the future boosted overall happiness and positivity. Additionally, neutral future thoughts reduced anxiety.
A study on imagining one's best possible self demonstrated that mental simulation and expectancy of a positive scenario led to the same outcomes that real progress towards a goal achieves: increased positive affect, optimism and confidence.
The Big Life Journal team recommends these seven classroom activities to boost positivity:
- Loving kindness meditations
- Helping others
- Recording 'awe' moments
- Setting and achieving goals
- Sharing positivity
- Developing new skills and trying new activities
- Practicing positive affirmations
Kinnections tracks four key mental health indicators: peer connections, positive future focus, safety, and general wellbeing. These indicators help educators identify students who may need additional support and intervene early before challenges escalate.
Book a 30-minute meeting with us to find out more about using Kinnections in your school.
