Collaborative positive psychology: solidarity, meaning, resilience, wellbeing, and virtue in a time of crisis

Abstract

This paper introduces readers to collaborative positive psychology, a natural complement to transdisciplinary systems science. Consistent with second wave positive psychology models (PP2.0), collaborative positive psychology highlights how negative emotions (e.g. sadness, guilt, shame, anger, anxiety) can act as key drivers of positive transformation in collaborative groups, providing a catalyst for critical systems thinking and collective responses to shared problems. Collaborative positive psychology emphasises pathways from the recognition of collective problems to problem-focused and method-driven responding supporting sustainable wellbeing. Key principles of collaborative PP include solidarity, empowerment, and teamwork, with a specific focus on the application of collective intelligence (CI) methods to address shared complex problems. An overview of the work of the Collective Intelligence Network Support Unit (CINSU) is used to highlight the power and potential of collaborative groups. Collaborative positive psychology highlights the need for the development of collaborative infrastructures that reinforce solidarity, collective empowerment, and collective intelligence.