Integrating positive psychology principles in vocational education: A new approach to boosting student well-being and academic motivation

This study aims to analyze the integration of the principles of positive psychology (PP) in terms of a multidimensional approach to the well-being of students receiving vocational education. The study involved undergraduate students in the full-time program. They were randomly divided into an Intervention group (n = 123) and a Control group (n = 124). Both groups studied according to the same curriculum. The difference between the groups was that the Intervention group's daily lectures and practical classes integrated the PP principles. This group also participated in additional training on PP. The study assessed the well-being and motivation of the students before and after the intervention for both groups. The researchers confirmed that the integration of PP principles contributes to the well-being of students. There was a strong connection between the variables of positive well-being and motivation (Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation). Gender was the only socio-demographic factor that influenced the well-being of students during the PP interventions. Teachers and educational administrators may adapt the presented approaches to their specific objectives and tasks, taking into account the needs and characteristics of their students.