Peterson states that Positive Psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living. This does not imply that you should ignore or dismiss real problems that you might be experiencing, i.e., losing your job, relationship problems, etc. It is not a recycled version of the power of positive thinking or a sequel to the secret. Also, it is not to be confused with untested self-help ideas as some critics have claimed.<p>
So far, Positive Psychology research is impressive. Peterson mentions some things that have been learned in the last several years about having a meaningful life:<p>
- Happiness is a cause of good things in life. It leads to desirable outcomes at school and work, to fulfilling relationships, and to good health and long life.<p>
- Happiness, strengths of character, and good relationships can buffer damaging effects of disappointments and setbacks.<p>
- Crisis reveals character.<p>
- Other people matter in making life worthwhile.<p>
- Work is important when you are engaged in what you are doing. It can provide meaning and purpose.<p>
- Money can buy happiness when it is spent on others.<p>
- On good days, you feel autonomous, competent, and connected to others.<p>
- Faith is important.<p>
- The good life can be taught.<p>
The good life is one type of happiness in which you are using your strengths and are focused or engaged in what you are doing. Positive Psychology research shows that this can be taught and how to do it. Because it requires work, it helps to have a guide or coach who can support you along the way.<p>
The important thing for you to know is that having a more satisfying and meaningful life is now an option. This is an exciting time to be living. Find the support you need to be successful in maximizing your possibilities.

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Slimmer Soto Brings New Attitude (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette)
Geovany Soto saw the 242 on the scale and was neither surprised nor upset. "Not really," he said. "I've seen worse."
Program For Kids Lacking Preschool Experience (The Freeman)
To better prepare children on the ways of school life and develop a positive attitude in schooling, the Department of Education will open a six-week Summer Preschool Education Program (SumPSE) in all schools...

The Stanford Marshmallow Experiment

The Stanford Marshmallow Experiment must be the most astounding psychological study ever performed, or at any rate ranking right up there with some of the experiments done by Stanley Milgram.

Who would ever guess that a brief observation of a four-year old alone with a marshmallow would be an excellent predictor of college entrance exam scores — twice as good a predictor as IQ test scores? In one of the most amazing developmental studies ever conducted, Walter Michel of Stanford created a simple test of the ability of four year old children to control impulses and delay gratification.

Children were taken one at a time into a room with a one-way mirror. They were shown a marshmallow. The experimenter told them he had to leave and that they could have the marshmallow right then, but if they waited for the experimenter to return from an errand, they could have two marshmallows. One marshmallow was left on a table in front of them. Some children grabbed the available marshmallow within seconds of the experimenter leaving. Others waited up to twenty minutes for the experimenter to return.

In a follow-up study (Shoda, Mischel, & Peake, 1990), children were tested at 18 years of age and comparisons were made between the third of the children who grabbed the marshmallow (the "impulsive") and the third who delayed gratification in order to receive the enhanced reward ("impulse controlled").

The third of the children who were most impulsive at four years of age scored an average of 524 verbal and 528 math. The impulse controlled students who scored 610 verbal and 652 math! This astounding 210 point total score difference on the SAT was predicted on the basis of a single observation at four years of age! The 210 point difference is as large as the average differences between that of economically advantaged versus disadvantaged children and is larger than the difference between children from families with graduate degrees versus children whose parents did not finish high school!

At four years of age gobbling a marshmallow now v. waiting for two later is twice as good a predictor of later SAT scores than is IQ. Poor impulse control is also a better predictor of later delinquency than is IQ.

Obviously there's a strong correlation between IQ and impulse control. People who do well in life have lots of both, and vice versa for those who don't do well.

Sociologists have regaled us for years with their theories as to the causes of poverty: lack of education, structural causes, racism. But it seems that, at least where opportunity exists, the reason for differences in income and wealth is that the poor have high impulsivity.

The Just Wait Teen Program The teenagers of the Just Wait Teen™ program  are exposed to the information and research concerning their Happiness, their Temperaments, their Talents, their Attributes, their Gifts and how to maintain long term relationships. The Just Wait Teen™ program  is life enhancing program, not a substance rehabilitation program. Although its' objective is to give the teens tools and understandings to reach 21 years - substance free. This Program was developed by the Just Wait Foundation a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation to prevent drug, alcohol, and tobacco problems among teenagers. The Foundation provides one-year scholarships (two semesters) at a Community College or $1000 award to teens that completes the 4 year Just Wait Teen™ Positive Youth Development Program, obtains a GED, or graduates from high school - alcohol, tobacco, and drug free. The Just Wait Foundation has arranged to use of 80 acres to raise fruit and vegetables to finance the scholarships We offer free training for any person or group that wants to start this program in their community. Contact Us    Copyright 2009  - 2010 & Developed by  Just Wait Teens