Emotional capital development, positive psychology and mindful teaching : which links?

摘要

The start of university life requires a period of adaptation, which can sometimes have anudimpact on the mental health of students. The latest results from the ObservatoireudNational de la Vie Etudiante (OVE, 2013) show that more that 40% of universityudstudents report symptoms of psychological fragility (sleep problems, fatigue, depression,udstress or loneliness), which can impact their level of wellbeing and performance. BeyondudSavoirs [knowledge], Savoir Faire [knowing what to do], the role of Savoir Êtreud[knowing how to be] referring to a set of emotional competencies, is crucial in sustainingudhuman capital in a broad sense, personal development and health (Gendron 2004).udDuring the Initiatives d'Excellence en Formations Innovantes (IDEFI) Programme,ud[Initiatives of Excellence in Innovative Training] 132 first year university students ofudeducation underwent an intervention (a minimum of six workshops of four hours) aimedudat developing their emotional capital. Using two approaches PIA2 (EuropeanudManagement and Project Management Methodology) and ACT Training derived fromudAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) the objective was to develop trainees’udsocial and personal emotional competencies such as self-esteem, self-knowledge,udempathy and conflict management. Using an interdisciplinary approach drawing onudeducational theory, theory of human resources and positive psychology, the results showudthat emotional capital, developed using positive psychology tools, can improveudwellbeing and contribute to a holistic personal development.