items of interest

with contributions from Doug Hardy, Rebekah Devlin, Joanne Leis, Jocelyn Bell Burnell

"Nowhere Is Contemporary psychology more diverse or complex than at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association (APA). More than 10,000 members attended this year's conference, which featured programs by 55 divisions . . . . The convention reflected on and contributed to the evolution of the scientific study of humans as physical–mental–behavioral–cultural–spiritual organisms.

"At the 100th annual meeting, held in Chicago . . . some aspect of religion or spiritually was a topic in more than 30 program session. . . Mainstream psychology now recognizes that religion has a legitimate place among the diverse interests of psychological scientists and practitioners. . . .

"Challenging the deficit–based assumptions of much of recent psychology, a new generation of researchers is devoting its attention to the study of human strengths and virtues rather than pathologies. By exploring the psychological dynamics of positive emotions, positive traits and virtues, and positive institutions, these psychologists have contributed to the growing body of evidence suggesting that there can be a positive correlation between aspects of religiosity and physical well–being. The positive psychology movement has already produced significant research findings on topics such as forgiveness, optimism, gratitude, humility, and awe."

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