Positive psychology (happiness, openness and empathy and beliefs about the peace process in Northern Ireland.
Authors
O'Reilly, Leona
Issue Date
2016
Degree
BA (Hons) in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
This study examined the link between positive psychology and peace psychology. The aim was to establish if a relationship existed the Positive Psychological variables of Happiness, Openness and Empathy and Beliefs about the Peace Process in Northern Ireland. 82 participants, sourced from a convenience sample of undergraduate students, completed a 34-item questionnaire that included four psychological measures; the generalized belief Measure, the subjective happiness scale, the Toronto empathy questionnaire and the Big Five inventory (openness questions only). Non-parametric correlational tests were conducted, including a Kendall’s Tau and Spearman’s rho. Results indicated a significant relationship did not exist between Happiness, Openness and Empathy and Beliefs about the Peace Process. However, a small, statistically significant correlation was found between Geographical Proximity to Northern Ireland and Beliefs about the Peace Process (rs (82) = 0.23, p = .038). Author keywords: Positive Psychology, Peace Psychology, Peace Process