A brief literature review of positive psychology interventions: Usefulness for social workers in schools

School social workers are in a unique position to work with adolescents and the school system in promoting and creating positive environments. Positive psychology focuses on what works well in life and how to enhance and increase those factors. Adolescents are in a difficult developmental stage in which their ability to make choices is compromised. Interventions are necessary in schools to guide adolescents in discovering their own potential and increasing their chances for success. The value of applying the concepts of flow, gratitude, hope and strength based approaches in the school setting have varying results. Schools have limited time and resources and it is imperative to advocate for interventions with the most potential value. High schools are under tremendous pressure to achieve academically and time is scare. This project briefly reviews the current literature on effective positive psychology interventions in schools. Positive interventions in high schools is an area that requires further longitudinal study.