What an amazing experience we had at the ECPP2022 in Reykjavík, Iceland! Together with Prof Judith Mangelsdorf, my supervisor Dr Laura Blackie, and my colleague Meryem Yasdiman, I was part of a symposium on “Theoretical & Methodological Advancements into Research and Practice on Posttraumatic Growth”. As the title implies, we discussed conceptual and empirical challenges in PTG research, ventured into the differences between perceptions of growth and genuine change, introduced the PRAISE Scale for longitudinal studies, and looked into a qualitative study of PTG using a more narrative-oriented approach. Considering the incredible feedback we received over the rest of the conference, we left quite an impression on our audience of 80 international Positive Psychology experts – it’s great to have an impact!
I was particularly happy to have this symposium because my PhD journey more or less started when Judith recommended one of Laura’s books to me back in Australia in 2019. That was the sole reason I learned about Laura’s research, got in contact with her, and ultimately became her student. Working together with both of them closes another circle in my personal story, and I always love when that happens.
At least as exciting as giving a talk on the biggest Positive Psychology event of the year (700+ attendees) was the opportunity to meet so many exciting people. People and conversations are always my favourite part of conferences (and life in general). I met old and new friends, authors of books I have read, Consultants and Professors whose work I admire, and kind people who broaden my perspectives, share their inspiration with me, and make it easy for me to fall in love with life and my journey over and over again.
The European Congress on Positive Psychology was a great success for me, and I look greatly forward to the next opportunity to be surrounded by so many people with a shared set of values and aims in life.
