An assessment of a positive perspective/highlight program on elementary school children.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a 10 week positive perspective/highlight program developed specifically for elementary school children. Two intact classes of grade four children took part in the study, one experimental and one control. The experimental group participated in various games and activities designed to promote positive perspectives and help the children look for positive highlights in their daily lives. Significant positive effects were found in the experimental group with respect to increased frequencies of highlights, and positive feelings about self following the intervention program. Ten categories emerged from a qualitative analysis of over 2,000 highlights that children recorded in their logbooks: human contact, play/activity, contact with nature, tasting pleasures, accomplishments, discovery, entertainment, receiving/giving, positive anticipation, and relaxation.