POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY AND WELLBEING RESEARCH LAB FALL 2021 | ISSUE NO. 7
In this newsletter National Day celebration
Workshops
3rd Biennial International Psychology
Upcoming book project
Conference
Community
Resilience Psychology
–
The
role
of
Positive
initiatives
development
"My visit to the Ethiq well in Madina holds a history of resilience not to be forgotten. To understand that any journey with struggles will have an end point which in turn starts a new beginning. Like the water from the well that maintains its flow in continuing to give life to its surroundings is the essence of resilience". - Hussam F. AlSharif
LETTER
FROM
THE
FOUNDER
Dear Readers, Welcome to the Fall 2021 edition of our newsletter. What a couple of years it has been! In the last few years, we have watched life change drastically.
Dr Saddiga Jaber Al Ghalib
We are now on the road to recovery as the world adapts to its new normal. I
any stigma is eliminated and a positive
am
view
amazed
resilient
in
strength
and
by
our
tough
ability times.
adaptability
to
be
Human are
truly
towards
cultivated
mental
health
beforehand.
In
is this
newsletter, we will be discussing the
remarkable. As we go through life’s
role
trials, we fail, we get hurt, we may fall
developing
but then we learn, we rise, and we
techniques for it. The newsletter will
grow. As Jodi Picoult wrote in her book
also
“My
Psychology
Sister’s
Keeper”,
“The
human
of
Positive
resilience
highlight and
how
and
in
some
the
Positive
Wellbeing
Research
capacity for burden is like bamboo- far
lab
more flexible than you'd ever believe
research-based
at first glance”. The world has proven
events to improve mental health in an
this to be true over and over in
interactive and enjoyable way. We also
history. Sometimes it may take us
have an exciting announcement at the
longer to bounce back or we may need
end!
help to get up and thrive again. We
I hope you enjoy this issue of the
must not hesitate to seek help when
Positive Psychology newsletter.
we need it. Mental health awareness
Thank you and best wishes.
and progress is a key component to ensuring a resilient society. Mental health education needs to start at an early age so that
has
Psychology
successfully
incorporated
techniques
in
its
NATIONAL
DAY
CELEBRATION
The PPWR Lab proudly celebrated the 91st Saudi National Day on September 29, 2021. The theme for our event was “Together we fight, together we heal, together we grow; together is a wonderful place to be”. We organized many interactive and fun activities for the students and staff. All our activities were prepared based on scientific research and were aimed to improve the happiness and wellbeing of the attendees.
Gratitude table We had several activities to promote gratitude.
We
such
writing
as
printing
had
and
different gratitude
decorating
events letters,
words
of
affirmation, preparing gifts for people we are grateful to, gratitude and many others. There is a lot of research to prove
the
relationship
between
wellbeing and gratitude. Gratitude has been
linked
satisfaction,
with
greater
happiness
and
life better
social relationships. As one study by
Forgiveness table
Dr. Martin E. P. Seligman showed,
We
writing
awareness
letters
significant
of
gratitude
positive
had
impact
a on
used
this
opportunity
about
the
to
rase
benefits
of
forgiveness through different activities
participant’s happiness scores and this
and
benefit lasted for a month (Giving
remember
thanks can make you happier, 2021).
process,
Besides
happens
immediately.
happiness, practicing gratitude has a
conscious
effort
positive
effect
on
where we can forgive someone who
fatigue
levels
and
increasing
wellbeing sleep
and
patterns,
resiliency.
It
treats.
It
is
that
it
is
important
forgiveness not to
something It
reach
to
is
a
that takes
a
point
hurt or betrayed us. Research has
detaches an individual from toxic and
proven
that
negative thoughts (Miller, 2021).
physical and mental benefits for the forgiver.
It
forgiveness is
linked
has with
many an
improvement in stress, depression and anxiety levels. It also has a positive effect on heart health, quality of sleep, cholesterol
and
blood
pressure
(Forgiveness: Your health depends on it). Forgiveness builds self esteem and hope in people who have been hurt (Souders, 2021).
Games corner There were different games that that the attendees could play with each other. Games can be used as a means of
lowering
stress
and
relieving
fatigue. Playing as a group can also help fulfill our social needs and forge new
relationships.
Positive
social
relationships have been shown over and over to have a significant impact on wellbeing and happiness. People who
experience
positive
social
interactions have been observed to have
better
mental
and
physical
Kindness table
health, reduced rate of mortality and
There was a kindness table at the
disease,
Saudi
and
increase
subjective
happiness (Mertika et al., 2020).
National
Day
celebrations.
Attendees were encouraged to write kind words to others or themselves so that everyone could read and benefit from
them.
kindness happiness
Research
with and
has
increased
linked
wellbeing,
improved
physical
health too. Even small everyday acts such as helping someone by holding the door for them has been found to increase wellbeing. Acts of kindness have a twofold effect. The receiver of kindness feels supported and happy and is more likely to show kindness to someone
else.
The
person
who
is
performing the act of kindness also feels an improvement in happiness and
becomes
more
inclined
continue to be kind (Abrams, 2021).
to
Sense of belonging At the Saudi National celebrations, we asked students what they loved about the university and the country. It is essential for people to feel a sense of belonging and community. In early childhood,
feeling
a
sense
of
belonging helps create a foundation for positive relationships in the future and lessen the impact of hardships that may be faced later (Allen, 2019). "Strategies
to
create
a
sense
of
belonging in school can be shown to be
linked
to
motivation,
increased
improved
achievement;
reductions
student academic
in
student
absenteeism; increased staff wellbeing and
motivation
and
other
positive
social outcomes including health and wellbeing" (Ucl, 2020).
Art and craft corner An art and craft corner was organized at
the
event.
It
included
coloring
pages, painting, bookmark making and many other forms through which the
on stress, pain and wellbeing of adult
attendees could express their inner
and child cancer patients. Art therapy
artist.
was
Art
therapy
is
also
being
also
found
to
have
positively
recognized as one of the modes of
influenced mental function in patients
improving wellbeing. It is used to help
suffering
people tap into their feelings and
asthma patients also recorded lower
emotions. Researcher have observed
levels
that art therapy had a positive impact
undergoing art therapy (Tiret, 2022).
of
from stress
dementia. and
anxiety
Young after
“On the other side of a storm is the strength that comes from having navigated through it. Raise your sail and begin.” ― Gregory S. Williams
3RD
BIENNIAL
INTERNATIONAL
PSYCHOLOGY
CONFERENCE It was a two day conference themed "Resilience
and
Psychological
Wellbeing of Youth during the COVID19 Pandemic". The PPWR Lab played a major role in organising the second day. The event was hosted by Ms. Maryam patel. It included
live
music
by
two
Effat
University students, Doujana Bahadur and Mayan Akram. Many mental health care centers and intitiatives such as Waad
Therapy
Center,
Center,
Roshd
Cure
Care
Consultation
and
Supervision, Etizan We
Care
Club,
Therapy Center,
Yuhka
Ana,
NSight
Center and Help Center were present at the venue to raise awareness of their services. The welcome address was given by Dr. Saddiga Al Ghalib. The second day of the conference also included
a
musical
entertainment
session by Dr. Naif Hashem. Many amazing works of art by young artists were dispayed at the event platform.
Ms Lujain Faqerah spoke about "The Elastic Being: Building Resiliency". Ms. Sarah AlAmoudi conducted a workshop on Resilience in line with the theme of the event. Ms. Amal Ismail spoke about "Nia:Moving to heal". Ms Amani Ismail, drawing from her experience as an art healer,
informed
the
audience
of
"Spontaneous Art". The last workshop was given by Dr Erik Theison who is the Director of Undergrduate Studies at Carnegie Mellon University in the US. He spoke on the topic "Personality, Emotion and Self Regulation: Cross Cultural
Variations
Responses".
and
Pandemic
GALLERY
RESILIENCE OF
POSITIVE
–
THE
ROLE
PSYCHOLOGY
Life is never a straight road. This
or ruminate about a bad event. This
pandemic has laid bare the reality of
stops us from moving towards the
existing mental health care. While we
healing process and keeps us trapped
have not completely recovered from
in our negative feelings. Research has
the pandemic, one positive outcome of
shown journaling will give us a better
it is the fact that we are now having
perspective about the issue and can
important discussions about mental
have a positive impact on pessimism
health and its importance. When we
and
are going through a difficult time, it
Techniques such as Mindfulness Based
seems never ending in the moment.
Stress Reduction, meditation, mindful
However, hard times do pass, and we
breathing, and mindful eating can help
end up stronger and more resilient
us focus more on the present and deal
through them. We become more aware
with
of what we can do differently, and this
constructive
awareness is what helps us grow,
them overtake our lives. The Lab has
learn and face life better. Resilience is
developed and published a culturally
an important characteristic to be able
and religiously inclusive three-week
to cope with difficulties and recover
mindfulness-training
from any setbacks. It is something that
designed to help university students
can be developed and improved with
deal with everyday stress, anxiety and
practice. The Positive Psychology and
depression while increasing levels of
Wellbeing Research Lab has tried to
life
develop resilience, especially among
completed this program reported less
students, through different research-
stress
based
compared
approaches.
approaches
is
One
of
journaling.
these We
sometimes tend to think over and over
depression
negative way
satisfaction. and
(Newman,
emotions
in
instead
letting
the
of
pilot
The
higher to
2016).
program
students
life
a
who
satisfaction
control
group.
Resilience can also be built by working to improve mental wellbeing.
Art therapy has shown to have a positive effect on people dealing with trauma
and
medical
issues
and
improve their life satisfaction (Cherry). Many students have found the art corner at our lab enjoyable and stress reducing especially when they create something with their friends. Mental wellbeing and thereby resilience can also be enhanced by practicing selfcompassion and forgiveness. A way to develop self-compassion is to write down how we would treat a loved one in such a situation. Try to analyze why you are harder on yourself. Another technique
is
compassionate
to
write
letter”
a
to
“self-
yourself
about something you are struggling
help
with. Remind yourself that struggles
thriving and fulfilling lives.
are a part of every one’s life and being
References
hard on yourself is not the way to approach
any
struggle
(Newman,
2016). Forgiveness is another tactic of developing
resilience.
Forgiveness
helps us to let go of our negative feelings of resentment, hate or anger and
work
towards
healing.
It
is
important to understand the true aim of forgiveness which is to help the
everyone
living
Cherry,
K.
works.
Verywell
October
(n.d.).
in
How
it
art
Mind.
16,
to
lead
therapy Retrieved
2021,
from
https://www.verywellmind.com/whatis-art-therapy-2795755#citation-18. Newman Kira M. Five science-backed strategies to build resilience. Greater Good.
Retrieved
October
16,
2021,
from
forgiver move on and heal and grow.
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/articl
Resilience and mental health do not
e/item/five_science_backed_strategies_
progress in a vacuum. It is imperative
to_build_resilience.
that we work together as a society to
WORKSHOPS
Workplace wellbeing
Ask the expert
Dr Saddiga Al Ghalib conducted a
The Psychology Club at Effat University
workshop
collaborated
on
the
topic
workplace
with
PPWR
Lab
to
wellbeing. Workplace wellbeing relates
organise an event where students and
to all aspects of working life, from the
staff could ask questions related to
quality
mental health and psychology to a
and
safety
environment,
to
about
work,
their
of
how
the
physical
workers their
feel
working
panel of experts. The panel consisted of
Dr
Toni
Sawma,
a
clinical
environment, the climate at work and
psychologist; Dr Saddiga Al Ghalib, a
work organization. It is a key factor in
positive
determining
Rashid, a personality psychologist and
an
organisation
'
s
psychlogist;
longterm effectiveness. Many studies
Ms
show
counselor.
a
direct
link
between
productivity levels and the general health and wellbeing of the workforce. The different dimensions of wellbeing were
discussed.
explained
the
workplace
Dr
Saddiga
also
importance
of
wellbeing
to
the
organization and employees. She also elaborated
how
organizations
can
achieve happiness and wellbeing at the workplace.
Ruba
Sunbol,
Dr a
Tabassum University
UPCOMING
BOOK
PROJECT
َو َم ا َأْر َس ْلَناَك اَّل َرْحَم ًة ِإ ِلْلَع اَلِم ين
We have sent you ˹O Prophet˺ only as a mercy for the whole world. (21:107)
Welcome to our new project!
characteristics that made him a great
The Positive Psychology and Wellbeing
leader and an inspiration to many
Research
an
people. His integrity and values were
exciting journey. We are planning to
praised even by those who opposed
publish a book that explores Prophet
him. In this book, we will shed light on
Muhammad’s
some
lab
is
embarking
(PBUH)
on
characteristics,
of
these
characteristics
his mannerisms, and teachings in the
providing
context of the virtues and character
instances from the Prophet’s (PBUH)
strengths
Positive
life. We intend to write this book as a
Psychology. The text will be published
means or a “toolkit” that can assist our
in English and Arabic.
readers
In this book we explore some of the
character strengths that can lead to a
character strengths of the Prophet
more thriving and meaningful life.
(PBUH) who has been sent as a “mercy
With
to mankind” from the perspective of
accounting
Positive Psychology with the intention
burden of disease and injury in people
to help our readers learn from these
aged 10-19 years” (Adolescent mental
characteristics and improve their lives
health
and happiness levels.
providing the youth will tools to better
Positive Psychology is often defined as
their mental health and live happier,
“the scientific study of what makes life
healthier and flourishing lives.
most worth living” (Peterson, 2008). It
References
outlined
by
focuses on an individual’s strengths and improving them to lead a fulfilling life. In this book, however, we take a slightly different approach. We will create or provide assessments to help readers measure their level in each characteristic
or
trait
that
will
be
described in the book. We hope that by providing techniques to improve
evidence
to
from
by
develop
mental
Hadith
and
health
for
“16%
2020),
our
of
or
improve
conditions the
focus
global
will
be
Peterson, C. (2008). What is positive psychology,
and
what
Psychology
Today.
is
it
Retrieved
not? from
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/ blog/the-good-life/200805/what-ispositive-psychology-and-what-is-it-not ·World
Health
September health.
28).
World
Organization.
(2020,
Adolescent
mental
Health
Organization.
and cultivate each of these traits, we
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-
can help people enrich their lives. The
sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had many
health.
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying ‘I will try again tomorrow’.” ― Mary Anne Radmacher
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
We, at the PPWR Lab, believe in supporting and encouraging individuals
or
wellbeing initiatives by organizations
in
the
community. We always aim to showcase their efforts and raise awareness about them.
BOXES
HEALING
عبارة عن ثالثة صناديق تهدف إىل ُم رافقة الفرد أثناء رحلة
شفاؤه لتكون صدي ًق ا داع ًم ا وحنو ًن ا .هذه الصناديق عبارة عن
إشارات ُت رشدك وتأخذ بيدك نحو العافية النفسية لكنها ليس
بدي ًال عن دور ال ُم عالج /أو الطبيب النفسي .
صندوق اإلسعافات األولية العاطفية يقوم ب ُم عالجة وتحليل
ونقاش ٢٠حالة عاطفية قد ُت عنى باهتمام الفرد وتستنزف صحته
وطاقته .بينما صندوق خارطة الشفاء يقود الفرد خطوة خطوة
عبر مائة سؤال من الممكن أن تدل الفرد عىل الصالبة النفسية
التي يتمتع بها دون أن يدري .وأخي ًر ا صندوق العودة إىل الدهشة ُي عد دعوة لطيفة ل ُت عيدك مرة أخرى إىل االستمتاع بالحياة
واكتشاف عمقها بشغف وفضول .
HAPPINESS
SECRET
4
YEAR
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Our team Our dynamic team is comprised of Dr Saddiga AlGhalib, Adeelah Yahya,
Afeefah
Yahya,
AlBatoul
Al
Shaiban,
Amnah
A
Yamani,Bashayer khalifah, Joud Altamimi, Lujain Faqerah, Madiha Khayat, Maryam Patel, Rana Dahlawi, Sarah Ikhtabi, Sarah Sultan, Shaden Al Khalifah, Shahad Al Sonare, Sundus Fazal ur Rehman and Tamara Gazzaz.
Join Us! You can Join our team of contributors to work on content development or donate to the development of the lab. Please follow the given link to learn more! https://www.effatuniversity.edu.sa/English/Research/ResearchLabs/Positive-Psychology/Pages/Join-Now.aspx
For inquiries regarding Positive Psychology & Well being Research Lab, please contact us on
Email: saddigaj@gmail.com ppwresearchlab@gmail.com
Tel - +(966) 54 077 7731 Address: Administration and Registration Building, Room 301, Effat University, Jeddah 21478 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Positive.Inspiring.Happiness
PPWResearchLab
@WellbeingJeddah