The Upward Spiral of Self-Development and Well-Being

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The Upward Spiral of Self-Development and Well-Being University of Pennsylvania ScholarlyCommons Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Capstone Projects Capstones 8-2-2020 The Upward Spiral of Self-Development and Well-Being: An Examination of Upward Spirals and Vantage Resources & Their Contribution to Sustained Self-Development, Well-being, and Lifestyle Transformation. Darlene Marshall university of Pennsylvania, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_capstone Part of the Other Psychology Commons Marshall, Darlene, "The Upward Spiral of Self-Development and Well-Being: An Examination of Upward Spirals and Vantage Resources & Their Contribution to Sustained Self-Development, Well-being, and Lifestyle Transformation." (2020). Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Capstone Projects. 194. https://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_capstone/194 This paper is posted at ScholarlyCommons. https://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_capstone/194 For more information, please contact [email protected]. The Upward Spiral of Self-Development and Well-Being: An Examination of Upward Spirals and Vantage Resources & Their Contribution to Sustained Self- Development, Well-being, and Lifestyle Transformation. Abstract What builds lasting change in our lives and why is it difficult for so many peopleo t sustain? The process of self-development happens on multiple levels and time horizons, yet much of the research on lifestyle change examines single factors or interventions. It is not only one thing, one cycle, or one process that moves someone from floundering ot flourishing. This paper examines upward spiral dynamics, self- determination theory, self-actualization, and self-transcendence to identify the multi-level and multi- domain factors that contribute to lasting change. It also explores the development of vantage resources, the physiological, social, and emotional resources which allow us to benefit from positive experiences. I theorize that through the cultivation of vantage resources via intrinsic or integrated goals our potential to experience well-being grows, and through sustained effort we’re able to build lasting change. Additionally, self-transcendent experiences ranging from mild to significant eshaper the schema of what is valued, purposeful and meaningful. By fostering experiences likely to trigger self-transcendence we perpetuate the cycle of self-development aimed not at narcissism, but meaningful contribution. Artifact 1 proposes a model for these cycles of change, the Upward Spiral of Self Development and Well-Being. Artifact 2 is a catalog of potential vantage resources and related multi-domain activities that potentially contribute to upward spirals. Keywords Self-development, self-transcendence, well-being, self determination theory, upward spirals, vantage resources, self actualization, beyond the self purpose, prosocial behavior Disciplines Other Psychology This working paper is available at ScholarlyCommons: https://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_capstone/194 UPWARD SPIRAL OF SELF-DEVELOPMENT AND WELL-BEING 1 The Upward Spiral of Self-Development and Well-Being: An Examination of Upward Spirals and Vantage Resources & Their Contribution to Sustained Self-Development, Well-being, and Lifestyle Transformation. Darlene Marshall University of Pennsylvania A Capstone Project Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Applied Positive Psychology Advisor: Dan Tomasulo August 1, 2020 UPWARD SPIRAL OF SELF-DEVELOPMENT AND WELL-BEING 2 The Upward Spiral of Self-Development and Well-Being: An Examination of Upward Spirals and Vantage Resources & Their Contribution to Sustained Self-Development, Well-being, and Lifestyle Transformation. Darlene Marshall [email protected] Capstone Project Master of Applied Positive Psychology University of Pennsylvania Advisor: Dan Tomasulo August 1, 2020 Abstract What builds lasting change in our lives and why is it difficult for so many people to sustain? The process of self-development happens on multiple levels and time horizons, yet much of the research on lifestyle change examines single factors or interventions. It is not only one thing, one cycle, or one process that moves someone from floundering to flourishing. This paper examines upward spiral dynamics, self-determination theory, self-actualization, and self- transcendence to identify the multi-level and multi-domain factors that contribute to lasting change. It also explores the development of vantage resources, the physiological, social, and emotional resources which allow us to benefit from positive experiences. I theorize that through the cultivation of vantage resources via intrinsic or integrated goals our potential to experience well-being grows, and through sustained effort we’re able to build lasting change. Additionally, self-transcendent experiences ranging from mild to significant reshape the schema of what is valued, purposeful and meaningful. By fostering experiences likely to trigger self-transcendence we perpetuate the cycle of self-development aimed not at narcissism, but meaningful contribution. Artifact 1 proposes a model for these cycles of change, the Upward Spiral of Self Development and Well-Being. Artifact 2 is a catalogue of potential vantage resources and related multi-domain activities that potentially contribute to upward spirals. Keywords: Self-development, self-transcendence, well-being, self determination theory, upward spirals, vantage resources, self actualization, beyond the self purpose, prosocial behavior UPWARD SPIRAL OF SELF-DEVELOPMENT AND WELL-BEING 3 Acknowledgements Thank you to the class of 2020 – MAPP.15 you are in my heart. Much appreciation to the Divine 9 and Summer cohorts for all your love and support. Thank you Haley Barrows for your technical editing skills and delightful humor. My deep gratitude to my biological and logical families. Thank you Dan Tomasulo for being my official advisor. Thank you Mika Opp for being my unofficial advisor. Thank you Jonathan Haidt, David Yaden, and Scott Barry Kaufman for sharing your expertise, excitement, and support. Thank you all MAPP faculty and staff for this life changing year, crafting this incredible program, and believing in this project. Because I knew you I have been changed for good. UPWARD SPIRAL OF SELF-DEVELOPMENT AND WELL-BEING 4 Table of Contents Introduction – What Does it Mean to Transform Your Life? ......................................................... 7 Introduction to Positive Psychology – The Science of Well-being ................................................ 8 Self-Improvement as Self Development ....................................................................................... 11 Upward Spirals – Building Momentum in the Moment ............................................................... 12 Broaden and Build .................................................................................................................... 13 Vantage Resources .................................................................................................................... 15 Upward Spiral Theory of Lifestyle Change .............................................................................. 17 Hedonic Treadmill, Set Points, and Counter Arguments to Upward Spirals ........................... 21 Self Determination Theory – Building Resources Through Interest and Motivation ................... 23 Organismic Integration Theory ................................................................................................. 26 Cognitive Evaluation Theory .................................................................................................... 28 Goal Content Theory................................................................................................................. 29 Self-Concordant Goal Setting and Upward Spiral .................................................................... 32 Self-Actualization – The Ongoing Process of Being Your Best Self ........................................... 34 Self-Transcendence – Building the Self to Give it Away ............................................................. 37 Self-Transcendent Experience .................................................................................................. 39 Prosocial Behavior .................................................................................................................... 42 Mystical/Spiritual Experience ................................................................................................... 43 Psilocybin .................................................................................................................................. 43 UPWARD SPIRAL OF SELF-DEVELOPMENT AND WELL-BEING 5 Peak Experiences ...................................................................................................................... 46 Flow .......................................................................................................................................... 47 Self-Transcendent Emotion ...................................................................................................... 48 Awe ....................................................................................................................................... 48 Compassion ........................................................................................................................... 50 Gratitude ..............................................................................................................................
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