"[This is] the doctrine that we cannot accept the command of an authority, however exalted, as the ultimate basis of ethics. For whenever we are faced with a command by an authority, it is our responsibility to judge whether this command is moral or immoral. The authority may have power to enforce its commands, and we may be powerless to resist. But unless we are physically prevented from choosing the responsibility remains ours. It is our decision whether to obey a command, whether to accept authority. "

Immanuel Kant

Posts tagged with 'nations'

European Positive Psychology conference: better 2nd day - culture and use of strengths

30th June 2016

I wrote yesterday about the "European Positive Psychology conference: 1st day - a disappointing start & caution on over-selling mindfulness" ... but today's conference presentations rapidly kicked my doubts about being here into touch. We started with a couple of fine keynotes ... Claudia Senik on "The cultural dimension of …

wellbeing positive psychology education nations conferences strengths

European positive psychology conference: love, national happiness comparison tables, & life satisfaction assessment (2nd post)

3rd July 2014

I wrote yesterday about the two pre-European Conference on Positive Psychology (ECPP) workshops I went to on "Positive supervision" and on "Positive relationships". Then in mid-afternoon on Tuesday, the conference proper began. It was heralded by Taiko drummers and a cluster of brief welcoming speeches. Apparently there are 920 people …

mortality happiness positive psychology life satisfaction autonomy nations gratitude compassion conferences love

Recent research: relationships & fairness – 3 papers on large social groups, 2 on bullying, and 2 on generosity

27th January 2011

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." Dalai Lama I really value how quotes about caring, like this favourite of mine from the Dalai Lama, are increasingly backed up by emerging research. Here are seven further papers in the general …

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Manchester BABCP conference: IAPT, inspiration & generativity (fourth post)

24th July 2010

It's the third and last day of this annual BABCP conference (although I'm posting this a day after writing it). I wrote yesterday about a symposium I went to on the second day. Today I was more settled - I got out for a pre-breakfast run and then had a …

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European positive psychology conference in Copenhagen: national comparisons, interest conflicts & strengths again (fourth post)

27th June 2010

I blogged yesterday about the second full day of this "5th European conference on positive psychology". So how was the last morning of the conference? In order to catch my flight I only went in for the final two plenary presentations and then left at the coffee break - a …

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Recent research: six papers with broad social implications – inequality, health insurance, spanking, bullying, and religion

15th October 2009

Here are half a dozen recent research papers with broad social implications (all details & abstracts to these studies are given further down this blog posting). Kay and colleagues publish on "Inequality, discrimination, and the power of the status quo: Direct evidence for a motivation to see the way things …

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Recent research: six papers relevant to psychotherapy

28th May 2009

Here are six studies relevant to improving psychotherapy outcomes. Brewin et al report on using imagery-based interventions to help people with depressioin. Lydiard et al highlight the importance of sleep-related disturbances as a treatment target in PTSD. McCrady and colleagues show that working with couples rather than just individuals seems …

alcohol research depression ptsd psychotherapy meaning control imagery goals couples sleep insomnia education nations values parents self-determination therapeutic alliance evidence-based

Three good books: “Positivity”, “The Compassionate Mind” & “The Spirit Level”

3rd May 2009

Here are three good, recently published books that are all highly relevant to the fields of stress, health & wellbeing. "Positivity" by Barbara Fredrickson (see below) is subtitled, a little breathlessly - "Groundbreaking research reveals how to embrace the hidden strength of positive emotions, overcome negativity, and thrive." Actually Professor …

happiness wellbeing self-help positive psychology taxation socioeconomic self-concept nations public health compassion positive emotions money

Recent research: spiritually modified CBT, happiness & freedom, healthy goal disengagement, and hoarding & OCD

21st August 2008

Hodge, D. R. (2008). "Constructing spiritually modified interventions: Cognitive therapy with diverse populations." International Social Work 51(2): 178-192. [Abstract/Full Text] Although cognitive therapy is widely used, little attention has been given to the value assumptions embedded in the self-statements that are at the heart of the change process. Constructing statements …

research happiness cbt autonomy goals approach ocd religion spirituality nations culture prejudice avoidance hoarding