iTHRIVE: A Holistic Approach to Academic Success and Personal Growth through PERMA-V Well-Being
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2025
Pages: 126
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2025
Pages: 126
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ITHRIVE is an innovative textbook that serves as a comprehensive guide to fostering academic success and personal growth through the lens of the PERMA-V theory of well-being. Grounded in positive psychology principles, PERMA-V encompasses six essential elements - Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Vitality - that colectively contribute to a flourishing life.
This textbook is designed to provide students with practical insights and evidence-based strategies to enhance their well-being, thereby paving the way for both academic achievement and personal fulfillment. Through engaging narratives, real-world examples, and interactive exercises, students will explore how cultivating positive emotions, maintaining a sense of engagement, nurturing meaningful relationships, finding purpose, achieving personal milestones, and sustaining vitality can positively impact their overall well-being.
Chapter 1 From Surviving to Thriving
Using the Scientific Study of Human Flourishing to Thrive in College and Beyond
Chapter Objectives
Introduction
From Languishing to Flourishing
Flourishing
Moderate Mental Health
Languishing
What Is Positive Psychology?
Key Ideas in Positive Psychology for College Students
Tools for a Flourishing Life
Key Principles of Happiness
Conclusion
End of Chapter Activities
References
Chapter 2 The Bright Side
Why Positive Emotions Matter
Chapter Objectives
Introduction to Positive Emotions
Emotions That Enhance Well-Being
Broaden and Build Theory of Well-Being
Strategies for Enhancing Positive Emotions
Savor the Everyday Things
Practice Gratitude
Mindfulness for Positive Emotions
Conclusion
End of Chapter Activities
References
Chapter 3 Find Your Flow
Discovering Passion and Presence in Everyday Moments
Chapter Objectives
Introduction
Flow Theory of Well-Being
Five Key Aspects of Engagement in the PERMA-V Model
Intrinsic Motivation: Finding Joy in the Process
Clear Goals: Your Personal GPS to Flow
Immediate Feedback: Your Built-in Coach
Challenging Yet Achievable: The Sweet Spot of Flow
Absorption and Concentration: The Power of Presence
Self-Regulation
Willpower and Academic Performance
Mindfulness and Academic Achievement
Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness versus Meditation
Conclusion
End of Chapter Activities
References
Chapter 4 Stronger Together
Creating Connection, Belonging, and Support
Chapter Objectives
Introduction to Relationships
Social Connection and Well-Being
Belongingness in College
Vulnerability
Effective Communication in Relationships
The REACH Model of Forgiveness
Conclusion
End of Chapter Activities
References
Chapter 5 Live with Purpose
Tapping into What Truly Matters
Chapter Objectives
Introduction
Meaning versus Purpose
Finding Your Purpose
Importance of Values
Conclusion
References
Chapter 6 Living Your Potential
Thriving in the Pursuit of Excellence
Chapter Objectives
Introduction
Strength-Finding to Improve Self-Efficacy
Case Study: Building Self-Efficacy through Strengths and Goal Achievement
Procrastination
THRIVE 365 Goal-Setting Strategy
THRIVE and Self-Efficacy: How Goal-Setting Builds Confidence
Eisenhower Matrix
Fear Setting versus Goal-Setting
Conclusion
References
Chapter 7 Conclusion
Thriving with PERMA-V
Dr. Amy Bidwell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness at the State University of New York at Oswego and the creator of the iTHRIVE program, a transformative, research-based initiative that helps students flourish through the science of positive psychology. With a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology and Science Education from Syracuse University, Dr. Bidwell has spent over a decade teaching, researching, and coaching in the areas of nutrition, behavior change, and human flourishing.
Inspired by her own transformative journey, Dr. Bidwell seamlessly weaves academic expertise with personal experience to guide others toward lasting growth. As a certified positive psychology and resilience coach, she integrates mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based strategies to help individuals tap into their inner potential. Whether she's teaching, coaching, or writing, Dr. Bidwell’s mission is clear: to help people flourish through purpose, connection, movement, and mindful living.