The Shape of Joy: Transcending Positive Psychology
2026-07-17 13:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Online
ACA-Approved Professional Development Event with Professor Richard Beck
Date: Friday 17 July 2026
Time: 1pm – 3pm (AEST)
Location: Online
Cost: $150
About the event:
For nearly thirty years, the positive psychology movement has focused its empirical efforts on understanding psychological well-being and flourishing. The findings from this research have significantly influenced both mental health practices and popular wellness culture. Practices like gratitude and mindfulness, for instance, have become mainstream and are widely utilised in therapeutic settings. However, positive psychology has not been without its critics, who have raised concerns ranging from its emphasis on individualism to questions about the coherence of its conception of flourishing. This presentation aligns with this stream of critique, arguing that while positive psychology’s empirical research highlights the importance of transcendental values – such as virtue, mattering, hope, meaning in life, awe, and cosmic gratitude – it remains constrained by its commitment to the fact/value distinction characteristic of the empirical sciences. Consequently, it cannot provide a fully adequate account of flourishing. A comprehensive understanding of flourishing necessarily requires metaphysical and spiritual approaches that embrace transcendent values.
What you will learn:

Critically Evaluate Positive Psychology’s Foundations: Participants will be able to identify and analyse key critiques of positive psychology, including its emphasis on individualism and limitations in conceptualising flourishing.
Understand the Role of Transcendental Values in Flourishing: Participants will examine how empirical research in positive psychology highlights the importance of transcendental values, such as virtue, meaning, hope, and cosmic gratitude, in psychological well-being.
Explore the Necessity of Metaphysical and Spiritual Approaches: Participants will assess how metaphysical and spiritual perspectives can provide a more comprehensive understanding of flourishing by addressing limitations in the empirical framework of positive psychology.

About the facilitator:
Richard Beck (PhD) is a Professor of Psychology and Senior Fellow of the Saunders Center for Joy and Human Flourishing at Abilene Christian University, USA. He is the author of several books, including The Shape of Joy and The Book of Love.
Registration:
Register for this event using the ticket below. Attendees will receive the Zoom link via email the afternoon before the event. Registrations close at 3pm on Thursday 16 July.
If you have any questions, please contact info@acom.edu.au or 1800 672 692.
