The role of positive institutions in language teachers’ well-being

Abstract

Positive psychology was established on three fundamental principles: positive emotions, positive character traits that lead to a fulfilling life, and positive institutions that foster an environment for growth and prosperity. However, positive emotions and character traits have mostly been the focus of psychological research, while positive institutions, the organisations that support such growth, have received noticeably less attention. We tried to fill the gap by taking a closer look at a primary school in Lodz, Poland – SP 81, which calls itself a positive institution (Budząca się Szkoła). The purpose of the study is to ascertain whether SP 81, a positive institution, has an effect on language teachers’ well-being. Additionally, it was intended to determine whether a positive institution plays a significant role in the lives of language teachers and what that role is. The way school influences the teachers’ well-being is examined from three different perspectives: the physical aspect, the pedagogical approach and the psychological aspect, by means of one-to-one interview with each teacher. The results demonstrate that the institution and all three different perspectives have a significant impact on language teachers’ well-being. The study is hoped to have contributed to positive psychology research by demonstrating what it means to be a positive institution in practice.