Date of Award
6-2005
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Jane M. Berry
Second Advisor
Dr. Scott T. Allison
Third Advisor
Dr. Peter O. LeViness
Abstract
The present study examined how disclosing personal positive events influenced ensuing positive affect (PA). Forty undergraduate students reported personal positive events either privately or to a friend. All participants made written and vocal disclosures, counterbalanced to control for order effects. We hypothesized that participants who vocally reported positive experiences to a friend would have the highest PA scores subsequent to disclosure. Results from a two-way mixed ANOV A failed to support the hypothesis. Trait optimism was significantly related to positive affect, but its inclusion as a covariate in the ANOV A did not influence the pattern of results. These results are discussed, with special attention given to their place in the framework of the emerging discipline of positive psychology.
Recommended Citation
Goldman, Daniel B., "Affective benefits of capitalizing on personal positive events" (2005). Master's Theses. 665.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/masters-theses/665