Positive psychology research has made tremendous advances over the past three decades. But to have its greatest impact, this science needs to reach and engage as many people as possible. How can the findings of positive psychology best be conveyed to a truly massive global audience?

This session will identify strategies for communicating positive psychology findings in ways that are both effective and ethical. It will feature three trailblazing leaders in the field, including Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D., and Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D., who have each written best-selling, influential books on happiness and have taught positive psychology through exceptionally popular university courses, public lectures, and online classes; they will be in conversation with Jason Marsh, executive director of UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center and the founding editor in chief of its Greater Good online magazine, which reaches one million people each month. All three will share lessons learned and best practices for translating the science of positive psychology into clear, compelling, and actionable terms for the general public, particularly for those who do not have a background in psychology or research. They will offer specific examples of what works well, along with general principles that they try to follow.

They will also discuss the challenges involved in this work, including the need to make positive psychology engaging without compromising its accuracy or integrity and the need to address universal questions while also recognizing differences that exist between individuals and cultures. Their conversation will explore how to tailor messages to diverse cultures and demographics, as well as to different sectors—without misrepresenting or oversimplifying the research.

Whether audience members are trying to write for a large readership, teach a class online or in person, or convey key ideas to a group of colleagues or clients, they will come away from this discussion with practical insights to guide their work.