Positive Psychology and Youth Development: A New Science for a Time-Honored Extension Mission

Authors

• Michael J. McCormick, Texas A&M UniversityFollow
• Chris T. Boleman, Texas A&M UniversityFollow

Volume

45

Issue

2

Abstract

Extension professionals can play a significant role in building positive psychology in youth programs. The psychology research clearly demonstrates the significant impact of positive psychology. In addition to subject matter related to 4-H and Youth Development, Extension professionals can utilize positive psychology best practices to enhance human capacity, ultimately leading to a greater quality of life. This article explains the three pillars of positive psychology and provides tools that can be used with youth to enhance their 4-H experience. These simple, creative tools do not take a great deal of time to implement, but the impact could be life long.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

McCormick, M. J., & Boleman, C. T. (2007). Positive Psychology and Youth Development: A New Science for a Time-Honored Extension Mission. Journal of Extension, 45(2), Article 25. https://doi.org/10.66752/1077-5315.4241