The Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Research Lab Newsletter Issue#1

ISSUE 1, (FALL 2018)

POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY AND WELL BEING OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY AND WELL BEING RESEARCH LAB

In this issue Introduction to the lab Functions of the lab

Programs Hosting the first Positive Psychology Symposium in Saudi Arabia

Dear readers, We are delighted to introduce

Our goal in producing the

this first edition of the Positive

newsletter biannually is to keep

Psychology and Wellbeing

our membership informed and

Research Lab (PPWRL)

involved. Since we want the

newsletter. This newsletter is

newsletter to be as relevant as

specifically designed to inform

possible to your needs, we look

members as well as everyone

forward to hearing your ideas

who has come in contact with

on what you would like to see

our lab with updates on events,

included in our newsletter. In

news, research projects and

the meantime we hope you

findings, discounts on various

enjoy this first edition.

workshops and other services, educational information and helpful hints and tips on living a fulfilling life.

We have signed you up for our newsletter in the hopes that you will find great value in its content and that it will aid you in your own goals to grow and thrive. Your privacy is important to us! We want you to know that we will not sell, rent, trade, lease, or give your contact info to anyone.

ABOUT THE LAB WE WELCOME YOU TO THE PPWR LAB’S INNER CIRCLE! Here is a brief introduction to our lab give you a clear picture of what we actually do. The Positive Psychology & Wellbeing Research Lab is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia. The lab is specialized in the scientific study of Applied Positive Psychology and Wellbeing. Situated in Effat University, Saudi Arabia, the PPWR lab was also the first of its kind in the Effat Psychology Department. Founded by Dr.

The PPWR Lab is an ambitious project made

Saddiga Al-Ghalib and her former

possible by individuals who value the wellbeing of

students Shaden Al-Khalifah,

their community. The lab is a true testament to the

Afeefah Salim, and Rana Dahlawi,

unlimited possibilities of an effective team. This

the team was brought together by

particular research lab is committed to providing a

their passion for the scientific

safe space where inquisitive minds can explore and

pursuit of answers.

inquire about truly fascinating subjects such as resilience, hope, love, contentment, motivation, empathy, health, wellbeing, anxiety, stress, depression, emotions, spirituality, mindfulness, etc.

The lab welcomes students and researchers from all disciplines and endeavors to provide them with a nurturing environment where they can inquisitively explore the world together.

The PPWR Lab is an ambitious project made possible by individuals who value the wellbeing of their community.

Vision The vision of the Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Research Lab is to lead the positive psychology movement in Saudi Arabia and significantly improve people’s well-being leading to a vibrant society.

The happiness and fulfillment of citizens and residents is important to the Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Research Lab. This can only be achieved through promoting physical, psychological, spiritual and social wellbeing. At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s vision for the year 2030 is a society in which everyone enjoys a good quality of life, a healthy lifestyle and an attractive living environment.

Mission To enhance the well-being of individuals within the community using empirically validated interventions and well-being programs.

To produce groundbreaking research that contributes to the field of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing.

To cultivate a positive culture that is driven by research in the region.

To provide undergraduate students with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to empower them to design and develop their own research projects.

“A Vibrant Society with Fulfilling Lives”~ Vision 2030 of Saudi Arabia

Functions of the Lab TThe PPW Research Lab has four functions that work simultaneously to help us achieve the lab's mission. As a team we work together to accomplish these four functions of the lab: Research, Assessment development, Community Services, and Professional Services.

Research The purpose of this function is to conduct cutting edge research that investigates the practical implications of positive psychology theories in improving the wellbeing of individuals in our society.

It aims to provide a platform for passionate individuals to pursue and advance their research skills and to produce applied research in various areas in Positive Psychology and Wellbeing.

Another goal of this function is also to increase the number of research publications in this region.

Assessment Development The lab aims to validate assessments and make sure that they are suitable for the Saudi society. It also aims to create new valid and reliable assessments that accurately measure various psychological constructs.

Community Services The members of the lab strongly believe in giving back to the community and in providing opportunities for others to benefit from its activities. Workshops, events and lectures are arranged by the lab to educate the public on the benefits of inculcating positive psychology in one’s everyday life, as well as raise awareness of the importance of research in clinical practice. It also aims to provide students and academics alike with opportunities to conduct research by providing them with the necessary platform and skills. The incoming workshops focus on helping people achieve a higher quality of life by teaching them important life skills such as mindful eating, learning, listening, etc.

Professional Services The lab provides local experts with a virtual and physical space to help them connect with people in the society who are in need of professional services. It will provide professional and personal development workshops, training, certificates and diplomas.

Programs The PPW Research Assistant Training Program The Research Assistant Model applied at the PPW Research Lab is a training program that aims to equip undergraduate students with the necessary skills to conduct quality research. It includes a carefully composed list of lab duties that are developed to support the students’ learning as well as help them develop skills that are appropriate for their university level.

Students who wish to become a Research Assistant at our Research Lab can join us by filling out the form available at our page in the Effat University website.

Membership Program The membership program at the Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Research Lab offers a route for everyone to join the lab. Generous individuals who donate to the cause of the lab in the form of financial assistance, services, etc. are considered as members. The lab awards its members with a wide variety of distinctions as acknowledgment for their contributions. Some of the distinctions awarded are: discounts on services provided by the lab, annual reports of the lab and an invitation to all lab events and ceremonies. The PPW research lab is a non-profit entity and any monetary assistance received will be fully invested in funding the activities of the lab. If you wish to join this program, please email us at the given address: salghalib@effatuniversity.edu.sa

The Visiting Researcher program The Visiting Researcher Program offers scholars as well as postgraduate students from local or international universities the opportunity to conduct research within the Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Research lab. Visiting researchers in the PPW Research Lab gain entry to all the lab resources including assistance with collecting data, analyzing results and publishing papers. Furthermore, wellestablished scholars in their field receive ample compensation for their accommodation and travel expenses.

Our Publications Perceptions of Women’s Driving in Saudi Arabia: Relationship with Openness to Experience and Happiness Chapter 2: Saudi Arabia’s Road to Positivity: Positive Psychology Education and Research in Saudi Arabia

A Mindfulness Based Intervention to Enhance University Student Wellbeing in Saudi Arabia

Current projects Our current projects examine the following topics:

Positive Mental Health Campaign This campaign was started to promote positive mental

The Mindful Jeddah Training Program (5 Weeks)

health among the people of Saudi Arabia. The campaign will continue to give positive support to

School Spirit Scale Obesity and Wellbeing Benefits of s Gratitude Intervention

people who need it throughout the years.

Hosting the First Positive Psychology Symposium in Saudi Arabia Shortly after the establishment of the Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Research Lab, the psychology department at Effat University hosted the First Positive Psychology Symposium in Saudi Arabia on March 29, 2018. The inauguration of the lab was a part of the events that constituted this symposium. The main aim of this symposium was to give a voice to the researchers in the MENA region who work tirelessly to promote positive psychology in their communities. The symposium was held for the duration of two days.

The first day consisted mainly of scholars presenting their latest research findings. The events on the second day however, consisted of workshops, key note speakers, panel discussions, entertainment by local artists, awards, etc. The symposium provided a platform for seven scholars from different

Membership Program

countries to present their papers on a variety of topics in the field of Positive Psychology.

The event had two keynote speakers, Dr. David Creswell, and Dr. Louise Lambert. An associate professor of psychology from Carnegie Mellon University (USA), Dr. Creswell is a researcher in the field of positive psychology and interested in understanding human resilience, stress, and coping. He discussed his most recent research exploring various stress management techniques that can alter coping and stress.

More specifically, he is exploring how the use of simple strategies such as self-affirmation, rewarding activities, and cognitive reappraisal can buffer stress and improve problem solving under pressure. Dr. Louise Lambert, Editor of the Middle East Journal of Positive Psychology, discussed her experiences developing evidence-based positive psychology interventions and programs. During her speech, she discussed positive psychology research and other trends in the region and the potential for an indigenous positive psychology.

During the second day of the symposium, a panel discussion titled “Youth Matter” was held for the purpose of engaging young Saudis and including them in the positive psychology discourse generated by the event. The panelists discussed the importance of reaffirming the role of young Saudis in the Kingdom and the ways in which positive psychology philosophy and practice could facilitate that goal. Following the panel discussion, attendees of the symposium were invited to attend a variety of workshops offered to them by qualified professionals.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is currently on the brink of one of the biggest transformations in its history. The series of sweeping economic and social reforms redefining life in Saudi is an indication of a greater shift in government priority. As a result, happiness and subjective well-being

Membership Program

are expected to be part of future public policies. The Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Research Lab is only beginning.

Gathering funds and planning for future research projects according to the needs of the Saudi population is a must for the lab to truly benefit people.

The team

For inquiries regarding Positive Psychology & Wellbeing Research Lab, please contact us on

The team behind the lab is : Dr Saddiga Alghalib Rana Dahlawi Shaden AlKhalifah

Email ppwresearchlab@gmail.com PPWRL@effatuniversity.edu.sa Tel - +(966) 54 077 7731 Address: College of Engineering, 324. Effat University,

Afeefah Salim Adeelah Salim Alareen AlJaed Maryam patel Ibtisam Said Syeda Zarlish

Social Networks positivepsychologylab

Jeddah 21478

PPW Research Lab

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

@WellbeingJeddah

Credits: Design and Editing by Adeelah Salim

Content Editing by Afeefah Salim