Abstract:

In South African higher education, persistent challenges, such as low student success, poor retention, and high dropout rates, call for innovative solutions. This virtual presentation examines the potential of positive psychology (PP) to bolster students’ well-being and academic achievement.

Traditional psychological approaches focus on abnormalities and disorders. However, PP, the scientific study of strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive, proposes a more holistic approach. PP advocates that improving student well-being is essential for academic and personal development, achievable by addressing psychological needs and encouraging flourishing rather than focusing solely on pathology.

The novel concept of Positive Student Development (PSD) is introduced and presented as a dual-focus strategy within student development and support (SDS) services. PSD is based on the idea that SDS staff, who work with some of the most capable young adults in the nation, should learn about the conditions that foster their thriving, aligning with professional responsibilities and ethics. PSD may substantially contribute to higher education, particularly by emphasising student support. It has the potential to help practitioners and students collaboratively create an environment that nurtures flourishing and well-being, despite daily challenges.

This presentation advocates for empirical research and application of PSD within the SDS framework, suggesting that PSD could revolutionise SDS services by fostering a positive-focused approach. This could significantly contribute to the existing theory and practice of SDS. In conclusion, PSD may emerge as a transformative strategy in South African higher education, shifting focus from traditional pathology-based methods to a model that promotes flourishing, thereby greatly enhancing student success and overall well-being.

Keywords:

Positive psychology, positive student development, student development and support.