Surviving Fog: Finding Happiness in the Midst of Winter by John Coffey, Assistant Professor of Psychology

John K. Coffey, PhD, MSW, is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Sewanee: The University of the South. He is the second person to earn a PhD in Positive Developmental Psychology and a Past-President of IPPA’s Student Division. Dr. Coffey earned a Masters in Social Work degree at the University of Michigan. He applied what he learned to his work as a child and family therapist before pursuing his PhD in Positive Developmental Psychology at Claremont Graduate University. Presenting at international conferences and publishing in a wide range of journals, Dr. Coffey has been highly active in the fields of Positive and Developmental Psychology. Dr. Coffey’s research focuses on understanding and promoting well-being from infancy into adulthood. To do so, he merges theories from positive, developmental, and social psychology with a focus on emotions and relationships across the lifespan. His research often spans 3 or more decades. He has partnered with organizations to build online and in person interventions to promote well-being for adults and children.

Dr. Coffey will discuss the science of finding/ achieving happiness in the depths of winter on the Cumberland Plateau. The information presented will be beneficial during all seasons of the year and throughout the whole lifespan.

“What makes us happy – especially in the midst of a cold winter? Often times we do things that we think will make us happy, but they do not. In doing so, we miss out on opportunities to do the things that would have made us happy. This discussion will focus on applying the science of happiness to thrive even during the colder parts of the year. ”