Student Case Forum: Positive Psychology in Practice

This event invites students to share applied experiences using positive psychology in real-world contexts. The aim is to create a supportive space for learning, reflection, and knowledge exchange across the student community and IPPA more broadly.

We are particularly interested in highlighting experiences that demonstrate how positive psychology principles are used in practice, including both successes and challenges, and what was learned through the process. Priority may be given to submissions that feature discussion of underrepresented settings or populations, accessibility or adaptability across contexts, inclusive and diverse applications of positive psychology, and/or application of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Submissions are open to those with IPPA Student Membership. We welcome:

–                    All disciplines

–                    Students at any level of study

–                    Imperfect but thoughtful applications and reflections

–                    Applied experiences in any context and at any scale

All accepted submissions will be showcased as asynchronous posters as part of the Student Case Forum. Depending on the number of submissions, a select number of contributors will be invited to present their work in a live session on July 23^rd at 7am EST or 4pm EST. The following format will apply for selected presenters:

–                    10-minute presentation

–                    5-minute discussion and Q&A

From those selected to present, one presenter will be recognized with an award based on the quality, reflection, and impact of their work and receive a $300 USD prize!

Submissions must be between 100-200 words and include:

–                    A brief description of the context (setting and population; de-identified)

–                    The challenge, goal, or question you were addressing

–                    How positive psychology principles or approaches were incorporated

–                    What happened, including outcomes, reflections, and key learnings

Submissions do not need to be formal case studies or research projects. Clarity, reflection, and relevance to practice are prioritized over technical detail.

Submissions will be reviewed for inclusion as asynchronous posters. A subset will be selected for live presentation based on the criteria below. Awards will be determined from evaluations of the final presentations.

Submissions are due Monday, May 25, 6pm EST with all authors being contacted by Monday, June 22, 6pm EST with the results of our selection process.

We will evaluate submissions based on the clarity, application, reflection, and contribution to shared learning in applied positive psychology. The following criteria apply:

1. Application of positive psychology principles (25%)

o   Clear and appropriate integration of relevant concepts

o   Alignment between the approach and the stated goal or challenge

2. Reflection and learning (25%)

o   Depth of insight into what was learned

o   Willingness to engage with challenges, limitations, or unexpected outcomes

3. Clarity and communication (20%)

o   Clear, concise, and well-structured submission

o   Accessible to a broad, interdisciplinary audience

4. Relevance and real-world impact (10%)

o   Practical significance of the experience

o   Potential usefulness or applicability for others

5. Evidence-based rationale (10%)

o   Communicates the evidence-base for approach used

o   Clearly connects past research and practice with current approach

5. Creativity and originality (10%)

o   Novel or thoughtful application of positive psychology

o   Unique perspective or approach

6. Selection priorities – priority consideration may be given to submissions that:

o   Highlight underrepresented settings or populations

o   Demonstrate accessibility or adaptability across contexts

o   Contribute to inclusive and diverse applications of positive psychology

o   Discuss application of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

7. Disqualifiers – submissions may be excluded if they:

o   Include identifiable or confidential information

o   Do not reflect an applied experience

o   Do not integrate positive psychology principles