Picture This: Bringing Joy into Focus and Developing Healthy Habits of Mind

Although recent research has begun to reveal the positive habits of mind that help to optimize human capacities for caring, success, and mental health, data show that most people are not functioning at optimal capacity, with the majority languishing rather than flourishing. The puzzle, then, lies in how to help people become the best versions of themselves, how to teach them to self-generate the joy, optimism, and gratitude that can unlock their potential, create social connection, and improve health. To address this question, we will implement a randomized, controlled trial of an intervention designed to shift awareness of and attention to mini-moments of simple blessings in everyday life by using state-of-the-science theory merged with common technology. During the project timeline, we will: 1) deliver the intervention to approximately 240 young adults, 2) assess intervention impact on hypothesized outcomes and mechanisms, and 3) disseminate findings via presentation in scholarly and mass media outlets. The research has the potential to make lasting improvements in participant well-being and to have an enduring impact both in academia and for large swaths of the population.