How the science of wellbeing can help create a better world

Abstract

The theme of this talk is how to act wisely to address personal, collective and global challenges and create a more flourishing, fair and sustainable world. It is also the theme  of a book co-authored by Felicia Creating The World We Want to Live In – How Positive Psychology Can Build a Brighter Future.

The talk will draw on wellbeing science and success stories from Positive Psychology to show that the way we think, feel and act has a profound effect on our personal wellbeing and also creates a ripple effect on those around us and the world we live in.

The current ways we are addressing big social and environmental issues is not working. By moving our thinking from ‘me’ to ‘we’ and shifting our focus from short term self-interest to long term benefit for all, we have the opportunity to develop happier individuals, flourishing workplaces, a fairer society and a healthier environment. The talk will offer a solution focused approach to making a positive difference.

Five principles of psychological wellbeing will be presented along with the importance of developing three core capabilities – an open mind, an open heart and clear thinking – to enable us to make positive change happen.

The talk will conclude by recognising that: Change is never easy, and we may first need to change ourselves. But when people come together and act collaboratively - with wisdom, courage and realistic hope - we can create the kind of world we want to live in.

Biography

Professor Felicia Huppert is a psychologist with a long-standing research interest in the science of well-being and the promotion of flourishing in people, society, and the planet. Her work brings together approaches from cognitive psychology and neuropsychology with a population and environmental perspective. Felicia has advised governments and international bodies on the measurement of well-being, and on policies to enhance well-being. She spends part of the year (in normal times) in the UK, where she is Founding Director of the Well-being Institute at the University of Cambridge, and Emeritus Professor of Psychology.

Her current positions include Honorary Professor at The University of Sydney’s Body, Heart and Mind in Business Research Group, and Visiting Professorial Fellow, Department of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney. Felicia is a member of the Australian Expert Group of the Global Mindfulness Initiative and Director of the Australian Compassion Council Scholars Program.

In addition to hundreds of papers in peer-reviewed publications, her 2021 co-authored book is written for a general readership, Creating The World We Want to Live In – How Positive Psychology Can Build a Brighter Future.