Best Lessons for Well‐being From Psychologists: Implications for the Public and for Psychology

Abstract

Psychological knowledge contributes in many ways to promoting individual and social functioning. Within the discipline, an energetic culture of public education has grown in recent decades with the objective of elucidating the relevance of psychology. There are many examples of translating and communicating psychological science for public consumption. In the current study, we interviewed 30 psychologists to explore their ideas about helping people to live well and be psychological healthy. Through qualitative analysis of transcript data, we identified three “best lessons” for well‐being. The lessons concerned (a) improving relationships, (b) understanding the way that thoughts influence adjustment, and (c) adopting an orientation to self and life that facilitates personal growth. We interpreted these as representing pragmatic wisdom in terms of their content and the process by which interviewees distilled their knowledge and experience. The best lessons can serve as a useful psychological triad for public dissemination. It would also be beneficial for psychologists in training to recognise pragmatic wisdom as a meta‐cognitive process and to develop skills for communicating psychological science to broad audiences.

Translating psychological science to the public.

“…ings are interesting and why they matter (Kendall-Tackett, 2007;Sommer, 2006;Thompson et al, 2013). In a related vein, psychological scientists must be taught rules of engagement and strategies for communicating with the public, reporters and journalists, public officials, and so forth.…”

“…They must be trained to accurately present their findings not only for a researcher audience but also for individuals outside of psychology. They need to learn to communicate with nonpsychologists in a way that is clear and understandable, accurate and scientifically informed, creative and engaging, as well as to convey why the findings are interesting and why they matter (Kendall-Tackett, 2007; Sommer, 2006; Thompson et al, 2013).…”

“…Public education campaigns elucidate the relevance and value of psychology for promoting individual and societal functioning (Thompson et al, 2013). These campaigns reach the public through community outreach, advertising, and media and social media coverage.…”

“…Their active involvement is vital to the success of science communication (Borchelt, 2001). Psychologists must "give psychology away" (Miller, 1969) and "make psychology a household word" (Levant, 2006) by disseminating psychological science for public consumption (Thompson et al, 2013).…”

“…R ecent years have witnessed major efforts aimed at enhancing public awareness of science (Burns, O'Connor, & Stocklmayer, 2003). Psychological science is ripe for such increased appreciation, as it is enormously beneficial to the general public (Thompson, Boxall, Hodgins, & Patrick, 2013). It enhances our understanding of significant and timely topics, ranging from cognition and memory, to education, to interpersonal and family relationships, to health and health care, to community and global factors that influence individuals and groups.…”