Envisioning My Best Future Self: Integrating Positive Psychology and Prospection in Student Affairs Practice
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| Title: | Envisioning My Best Future Self: Integrating Positive Psychology and Prospection in Student Affairs Practice |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Henry D. Mason (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Student Affairs in Africa. 2024 12(2):99-114. |
| Availability: | University of Pretoria. Lynwood Avenue, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, Republic of South Africa. Tel: +27-12-420-4940; Fax: +27-12-420-4921; Web site: https://upjournals.up.ac.za/index.php/jsaa |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 16 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, College Freshmen, Engineering Education, Well Being, Self Concept, Positive Attitudes, Student Satisfaction, Student Personnel Services, Student Personnel Workers, Goal Orientation, Student Educational Objectives, Employment Opportunities, Strategic Planning, Long Range Planning |
| Geographic Terms: | South Africa |
| ISSN: | 2307-6267 |
| Abstract: | Students' psychological well-being constitutes a critical issue that necessitates support and dedicated intervention from student affairs professionals. Positive psychology, focusing on future-oriented prospective thinking, offers valuable insights and methods relevant to student affairs. This article leverages the principles of positive psychology, particularly prospection, and reports a qualitative study that explored how 45 university students (26 females and 19 males; age range: 18-23) conceived of their best future selves. Phenomenological analysis revealed a dynamic interplay between students' optimistic visions of personal and professional success, and the pressing need for practical strategies to realise these aspirations. By integrating and leveraging positive psychology, particularly prospection-focused methodologies, practitioners can support students in envisioning their futures more clearly and translating ambitious visions into tangible outcomes, thereby fostering individual and collective growth. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1457620 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Students' psychological well-being constitutes a critical issue that necessitates support and dedicated intervention from student affairs professionals. Positive psychology, focusing on future-oriented prospective thinking, offers valuable insights and methods relevant to student affairs. This article leverages the principles of positive psychology, particularly prospection, and reports a qualitative study that explored how 45 university students (26 females and 19 males; age range: 18-23) conceived of their best future selves. Phenomenological analysis revealed a dynamic interplay between students' optimistic visions of personal and professional success, and the pressing need for practical strategies to realise these aspirations. By integrating and leveraging positive psychology, particularly prospection-focused methodologies, practitioners can support students in envisioning their futures more clearly and translating ambitious visions into tangible outcomes, thereby fostering individual and collective growth. |
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| ISSN: | 2307-6267 |
