Envisioning My Best Future Self: Integrating Positive Psychology and Prospection in Student Affairs Practice

Authors

  • Henry Mason TUT

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24085/jsaa.v12i2.5259

Keywords:

Best possible selves, Positive psychology, Prospection, Qualitative research, Student affairs, Student counselling, Mental health, Hope theory

Abstract

Students’ psychological well-being constitutes a critical issue that necessitates support and dedicated intervention from student affairs professionals. Positive psychology, focusing on future-oriented prospective thinking, offers valuable insights and methods relevant to student affairs. This paper leverages the principles of Positive Psychology, particularly prospection, and reports a qualitative study that explored how 45 university students (26 females and 19 males; age range: 18-23) conceived of their best future selves. Phenomenological analysis revealed a dynamic interplay between students’ optimistic visions of personal and professional success, and the pressing need for practical strategies to realise these aspirations. By integrating and leveraging Positive Psychology, particularly prospection-focused methodologies, practitioners can support students in envisioning their futures more clearly and translating ambitious visions into tangible outcomes, thereby fostering individual and collective growth.

Author Biography

  • Henry Mason, TUT

    Henry Mason (DLitt et Phil) is a social science researcher at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Pretoria, South Africa. He is registered as a Research Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, holds a C2-rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF), and is a past president of the Southern African Association for Counselling and Development in Higher Education (SAACDHE). Henry has published in national and international journals, serves on three journals’ editorial boards, and is an active postgraduate supervisor. His research interests focus on the intersection of positive psychology, student affairs, psychological testing, and data science.

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Published

2024-12-19

How to Cite

Envisioning My Best Future Self: Integrating Positive Psychology and Prospection in Student Affairs Practice. (2024). Journal of Student Affairs in Africa , 12(2). https://doi.org/10.24085/jsaa.v12i2.5259