The Positive Psychology Talks, aiming for mental well-being, happiness, hope, a meaningful and purposeful life, and self-actualization, concluded after 8 weeks. Digital participation certificates will be awarded to those who regularly attended the Positive Psychology Talks organized by the Positive Psychology Research and Application Laboratory.
Prof. Dr. Tayfun Doğan: “Our laboratory is a first in Turkey. Currently, research related to positive psychology is being conducted and experimental studies are being carried out in our laboratory.”
Participants of the Positive Psychology Talks also shared their feelings afterwards. Comments such as “I had a wonderful 8 weeks. Every piece of information I received was like gold,” “I was extremely happy that such valuable education was open to the public outside of universities,” “It was an effective, useful, and educational event. How great it would be if it continued,” and “I hope it sets an example for the entire academic community” drew attention.
Üsküdar University, which has carried out important work in the field of Positive Psychology and organized congresses in this area in Turkey, successfully completed yet another project. The Positive Psychology Talks, organized by the Positive Psychology Research and Application Laboratory within Üsküdar University and lasting 8 weeks, have concluded.
In the closing session of the Positive Psychology Talks, which saw participation from everyone interested globally, Prof. Dr. Tayfun Doğan, a faculty member of the Psychology Department, stated that the talks, conducted by Üsküdar University's Positive Psychology Research and Application Laboratory – a first in Turkey – lasted 8 weeks.
Turkey's first laboratory…
Prof. Dr. Tayfun Doğan said, “Our Positive Psychology Research and Application Laboratory is a first in Turkey. Currently, research related to positive psychology is being conducted, and experimental studies are being carried out in our laboratory. In particular, we are conducting an experimental study aimed at increasing hope. We are also conducting scientific research on psychological resilience.”
4 thousand people registered for the public seminars, each lasting 90 minutes. Digital participation certificates will be given to those who regularly attended the free seminars at the end of the courses.
Prof. Dr. Tarhan: “Even our daily communication language is unhealthy”
Üsküdar University Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan noted that in the modern age, people's expectation levels are high, and they do not appreciate what they have, saying, “Even our daily communication language is unhealthy. If there is tension in the top management of a country, company, or institution, there is also tension at the grassroots level.”
Seeking an answer to the question of why Positive Psychology, Prof. Dr. Tarhan said, “We want to reflect Positive Psychology in clinical practice. We have prepared 13 neuroscience-based modules. We will provide trainer training in the near future.”
Stating that the goal is psychological well-being and psychological resilience, Prof. Dr. Tarhan noted that in the context of preventive medicine, the aim is to protect psychological health and ensure the continuity of well-being after treatment.
What did the event participants say?
After 8 weeks, with views also shared at the event, participant feedback was remarkable. Participants shared the following opinions about the event:
“The Positive Psychology Talks organized by Üsküdar University were extremely beneficial. These events provided more information about the basic principles and applications of positive psychology, and we gained insights particularly on topics such as stress management, happiness, and self-compassion.”
“The Positive Psychology Talks made significant contributions to my personal and professional development. The scientific findings and practical strategies presented in the talks enriched my academic knowledge in a way that I can use in my courses, and also enabled me to apply this information in my daily life. It was a very useful seminar.”
Housewives also participated…
Another participant expressed that they expected the continuation of such events, sharing their feelings by saying, “I had a wonderful 8 weeks. Every piece of information I received was like gold. Kudos to my professor’s effort and narration. I am neither a psychology student nor do I have expertise in this field. It touched a housewife like me from so many different points. I cannot repay it. I'm glad our paths crossed with you, it was very beneficial, thank you very much.”
It should continue…
Another participant who expressed their opinions in writing said, “It was a very useful event for me. I experienced wonderful awakenings, I wish there were such trainings more often. It was a very productive event. Our professor gave us very valuable information about Positive Psychology every week on the same day and at the same time. Thank you very much. The talks were very productive and useful. I enjoyed every session very much. It definitely should continue.”
It is very valuable that the education is open to the public
In the final session where participants expressed their feelings, another participant shared their emotions, saying, “I didn't even realize how the eight-week seminar passed. It was really productive. It was very valuable for me to take a course from a professor. Thank you for your efforts… I was extremely happy that such valuable education was open to the public outside of universities. I found the training content very valuable, detailed, rich in examples, and up-to-date.”
“Learning that happiness is a conscious choice felt good”
Another participant, sharing their thoughts like, “Learning that happiness is a conscious choice felt good. I no longer allow others to ruin my happiness. I realized where I stumbled while trying to achieve my dreams and goals,” also stated that they very much wanted a repeat of the Positive Psychology Talks.
“A person who makes themselves happy also spreads happiness to their surroundings,” said another participant, expressing their wish: “It was an effective, useful, and educational event. How wonderful it would be if it continued.”
A participant who thanked those who took such a meaningful and valuable work beyond the boundaries of the academic world also said that the continuation of such works is eagerly awaited.
“My perspective changed”
A participant expressing their views said, “My perspective changed. My outlook on life, myself, and my experiences changed. In some points, I feel stronger. I realized that some issues I was very sad about were burdens I placed only on myself. I am more free and comfortable in human relationships. For this and many other reasons, I think the event was very useful and meaningful.”
“I will follow up to see if it can be repeated with different topics”
Another participant said, “First of all, I would like to thank Professor Tayfun and the team who contributed to this 8-week training that covered important topics about humanity. Our professor's opening his knowledge and experience to public access without requesting a fee made me feel very valued as an individual. It was a very good training to increase the awareness of people in our country. I will follow up to see if it can be repeated with different topics.”
“I hope it serves as an example for the entire academic community”
It was also noted that a participant expressed their feelings as, “It was a very valuable and contributing process. I hope it serves as an example for the entire academic community. From beginning to end, I thank everyone who contributed and our valuable professor. I am grateful.
You were magnificent, I benefited greatly, there were times I listened with tears, there were times your teachings were etched in my mind. You touched my life, professor.”
Another participant summarized their experiences during the 8-week talks by saying, “It was an eye-opening, value-adding, quality talk. My professor opened new horizons. I confronted myself and learned the scientific explanation for many experiences in my life. There were lessons where I realized I was doing the right things, where I congratulated myself, where I was proud of myself. I benefited in every sense. You added so much to me.”
“It also served as a free online therapy, in a way”
A participant who said, “I believe that this event, organized to make Positive Psychology accessible to wider audiences, contributed to society by transferring knowledge that will enhance individuals' internal well-being, and a successful job was done,” also shared their thoughts on the talks, saying, “In a way, I think it also served as free online therapy. Perhaps it facilitated application in our lives by increasing the ability to think about and question oneself regarding some things that most people know but cannot apply. They also revealed that deeper meanings lie beneath what is known. I would like to express my thanks for such an event for the peace of society.”