Welcome to the Positive Psychology, Recovery, and Relationships Lab!
At the Positive Psychology, Recovery, and Relationships Lab, we are dedicated to understanding the connection between positive psychology, recovery science, and the role of close relationships in the addiction recovery process. Our research aims to provide evidence-based insights and develop practical tools to enhance well-being and promote healthier, more fulfilling lives for individuals and their loved ones.
What Is Posive Psychology?
Positive Psychology is the scientific study of human flourishing and optimal functioning. It is the study of the strengths and virtues that enable people, communities, and organizations to thrive. The recent emergence of Positive Psychology shifted the field of psychology from a model focused almost exclusively on a lack of mental health and wellness to a more holistic approach that includes the study of human flourishing. Researchers started asking questions about what makes life worth living, and a resounding answer from the data was… people. Quite simply, close relationships make life more meaningful and satisfying. For people in recovery, relationships are especially important- people in supportive networks are turned to for support and help foster personal growth and development. In the Positive Psychology, Recovery, & Relationships Lab, we explore the role of close relationships in human flourishing, especially among people in recovery.
What Is Recovery Science?
Recovery Science is an interdisciplinary field that addresses the complexity of addiction recovery. It focuses on the mechanisms, pathways, and experiences of recovery, utilizing evidence-based approaches to understand the ongoing process of overcoming addiction. Recovery science extends beyond the abstinence of substance use to encompass the holistic well-being of individuals, emphasizing not only the cessation of the addictive behavior but also the reconstruction of a meaningful, self-determined life. In our lab, we find answers to questions about recovery from substance use disorder by asking people in recovery about their experiences. For example, what did they do in order to enter recovery? Which programs did they try, and which pathway did they ultimately take? What role did social support and close relationships play early on, and over time? We generally aim to better understand the health and wellbeing of people in recovery and to increase wellbeing in this population by freely sharing the knowledge gained from our research.
The Shift to a Wellness-Based, Recovery Research Focus
The integration of Positive Psychology and Recovery Science represents a shift in addressing addiction. The combination of these two fields highlights the importance of psychological well-being in the recovery process. Positive psychological interventions are leveraged to support individuals in recovery, with the intent of enhancing their resilience, cultivating positive emotions, and developing a sense of purpose. This intersection underscores the importance of a proactive approach in recovery, aiming to reinforce strengths, rather than focusing solely on the mitigation of weaknesses.
The connection between addiction recovery and close relationships is pivotal. Recovery is inextricably linked to the social and relational context of individuals. Friendships and intimate partnerships play a critical role in the recovery journey, providing emotional sustenance, accountability, and a sense of belonging. These relationships can be both a source of support and a potential risk factor, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of interpersonal dynamics in the context of recovery. The quality of these relationships can profoundly influence motivation for recovery, the success of coping strategies, and the maintenance of sobriety. As such, our lab is committed to exploring these relationships, aiming to illuminate how they can serve as a catalyst for positive change and recovery maintenance.
We invite you to explore the work that our lab has generated on this subject by visiting our research page!