Positive psychology and special education

Positive psychology is a stream that focuses on the conditions and processes involved in the development and optimal functioning of individuals groups and institutions (Gable & Haidt 2005). Its approach to the classification evaluation and development of character strengths appears to be particularly relevant in the pedagogical and educational fields to address self-knowledge and existential development with young people. The present research a pilot phase of a larger project shows how a character strengths assessment and development tool was created and implemented in a special education classroom based on current research in positive psychology. It then assesses the benefits and impacts of such an approach.