Positive Psychology www.positivepsychology.org

The University of Pennsylvania’s positive psychology website is a good first stop for anyone interested in exploring research, training, and education in the field. There are also listings of upcoming conferences and a sample course syllabi for teachers of positive psychology.

World Database of Happiness http://worlddatabaseofhappiness.eur.nl

This site, the World Database of Happiness, is an ongoing register of scientific research on the subjective enjoyment of life. It is useful in that it synthesizes findings that are scattered throughout many studies.

Authentic Happiness www.authentichappiness.org

This site, associated with Dr. Martin Seligman’s book, Authentic Happiness, promises to help you “develop insights into yourself and the world around you through scientifically tested questionnaires, surveys, and scales.”

Quality of Life Research Center http://qlrc.cgu.edu/about.htm

This nonprofit is affiliated with Claremont University’s Drucker School of Management. Here you can view selected papers on topics such as creativity and optimal experience.

The Journal of Positive Psychology www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/17439760.asp

Here you can view a number of free articles and even order a free online sample copy of the publication.

Values in Action Institute on Character www.viastrengths.org

VIA is an independent nonprofit organization founded to advance the science of positive psychology. “In the pages of this site you will learn about positive psychology, the classification system and measurement tools of character strengths that serve as the backbone of this developing scientific discipline, and about the ongoing work of VIA.”

The Institute for Unlimited Love www.unlimitedloveinstitute.org

The Institute, founded by Case Western Reserve University’s medical school, supports scientific research and international dialogue on virtues such as generosity, compassion, and service. Many research articles and additional resources are available through the site.

Pay It Forward Foundation www.payitforwardfoundation.org/home.html

Established in the year 2000 “to educate and inspire students to realize that they can change the world, and provide them with opportunities to do so.”

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation www.actsof kindness.org

This site was conceived as a resource for “people committed to spreading kindness.” It offers a variety of ideas for getting started spreading kindness and lending a helping hand in communities and on campuses.

The Kindness Project www.kindnessproject.com/home.php

This is a unique website started by a group of friends from Austin, Texas, in 2005. Purchase “tokens” here to pass along to anyone who performs a simple, kind act—then encourage them to do the same. The best part: you get to track your token and read about its adventures.

Make a Wish Foundation www.wish.org

This site is dedicated to granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. It offers information on how to help and how to refer a child.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America www.bbbs.org

This renowned organization matches mentoring volunteers with youth.

The International Society for Humor Studies www.hnu.edu/ishs

This site lists conferences, seminars, and workshops.

HumorRx www.humorrx.com

The web home of an organization that researches the art and science of humor.

Laughing At & Understanding Good Humor Seminars www.laughsrus.com

The site of L.A.U.G.H.S., a program created to help people develop their humor skills and use humor and laughter to reduce stress and promote physical well-being.

The Mind & Life Institute www.mindandlife.org

Originally started “to establish mutually respectful working collaboration and research partnerships between modern science and Buddhism.” You can find on this website information about the latest research between meditation, neuroplasticity, and positive emotion.

Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society www.umassmed.edu/cfm/mbsr

Here you can find research on mindfulness meditation and its effects on body and mind—effects that include generating increased enthusiasm for life.

Project Zero www.pz.harvard.edu

This is the site for a research group at the Harvard Graduate School of Education whose “mission is to understand and enhance learning, thinking, and creativity in the arts, as well as humanistic and scientific disciplines, at the individual and institutional levels.”

Creativity Research Journal www.leaonline.com/loi/crj

At this site you can read abstracts and download PDFs of full text articles.

Sociosite www.sociosite.net/topics/leisure.php

This site offers links to studies on recreation, leisure, and sport, such as the University of Maryland’s “Americans’ Use of Time Project.”

The Testing Room www.quintcareers.testingroom.com

At this site you can take free tests that relate to career interests and values, aimed at helping you formulate strategies to increase satisfaction in your work life.

Appreciative Inquiry Commons http://appreciativeinquiry.case.edu

This site bills itself as “a worldwide portal devoted to the fullest sharing of academic resources and practical tools on Appreciative Inquiry and the rapidly growing discipline of positive change.”

National Health Survey http://healthsurvey.org

This site provides “a free, on-the-spot analysis of your diet, physical activities, and lifestyle choices.” If you choose, you can sign up to become part of an international study.

Wellness: A Positive Approach to Living www.aug.edu/umac/aces/ace2p05.htm

This site offers free downloadable weekly planners aimed at helping visitors attain balance in their lives and make time for restorative, health-inducing practices.