Positive Psychology, Happiness, Mindfulness, and Wellness

Welcome Message

Welcome to the 39th World Summit on Positive Psychology, Happiness, Mindfulness, and Wellness! Join us on April 28–29, 2026, in the beautiful city of Paris, France, for an inspiring gathering of global thought leaders, researchers, and practitioners dedicated to the science and practice of wellbeing.

This summit will feature an exciting program including keynote speeches, oral and poster presentations, workshops, panel discussions, Young Researcher Forums (YRF), B2B meetings, audio-video presentations, virtual sessions, and prestigious awards such as the Best Poster Award, Best Speaker Award, and Best Abstract Award.

Theme: Global Flourishing: Building a Happier, Healthier World Through Mindfulness and Positive Psychology

Our aim is to accelerate global conversations around happiness, mindfulness, and holistic health. Topics include positive education, resilience, mental health, spirituality, motivational psychology, quality of life, and evidence-based interventions that elevate wellbeing worldwide.

This summit is an open and inclusive platform for academicians, researchers, psychologists, therapists, coaches, counselors, wellness professionals, students, leaders, and enthusiasts to learn, share, collaborate, and grow.

We warmly invite you to be a part of this transformative experience. Come ready to engage, connect, and contribute to a global movement toward flourishing and wellbeing!

Target Audience

• Researchers and scholars in psychology, social sciences, and related fields
• Mental health professionals, therapists, counselors, and coaches
• Educators, school administrators, and policymakers
• Human resources professionals and organizational leaders
• Wellness coaches, fitness instructors, and lifestyle educators
• Advocates for social change and community well-being
• Students and early-career professionals interested in positive psychology and well-being

The summit offers a platform for sharing knowledge, networking, and collaboration to advance the science and practice of positive psychology and well-being promotion on a global scale. It aims to inspire attendees to apply evidence-based strategies for fostering happiness, mindfulness, and wellness in their personal lives, professional endeavors, and communities.

Sessions and Tracks

PERMA+4 – An Expanded Model of Wellbeing

The PERMA+4 model builds on the original five pillars of wellbeing—Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment—by adding four additional domains: Physical Health, Mindset, Environment, and Economic Security. Recent applications show that PERMA+4 offers a more comprehensive framework for measuring and improving wellbeing in schools, organizations, and community programs. Studies highlight its effectiveness in reducing burnout, improving workplace culture, and promoting sustainable wellness. The added domains address key factors influencing modern life, especially in post-pandemic recovery and remote work environments. This model is increasingly used in coaching, HR, education, and healthcare for its practical and inclusive approach to human flourishing.

VIA Strengths – Character-Based Wellbeing

The VIA (Values in Action) Strengths model identifies 24 universal character strengths such as kindness, curiosity, perseverance, and gratitude. Research shows that recognizing and using one’s top strengths—known as “signature strengths”—leads to higher life satisfaction, improved mental health, and stronger relationships. Interventions based on VIA, like strength-spotting and strength-based goal setting, are used in therapy, coaching, and education to enhance motivation and resilience. Recent findings support the model’s use in culturally diverse contexts, confirming its adaptability and relevance. The VIA approach encourages individuals to focus on what’s strong, not what’s wrong—making it a cornerstone of positive psychology in action.

Emotional Well-Being and Quality of Life

Emotional well-being, a core component of quality of life, includes self-acceptance, emotional regulation, and the capacity to experience positive emotions. Recent research highlights that emotional well-being is a stronger predictor of long-term health and life satisfaction than income or education. Practices such as mindfulness, gratitude journaling, and emotional intelligence training have been shown to reduce stress, boost immune function, and improve social connection. Quality of life assessments now routinely include emotional well-being indicators across healthcare, education, and workplace settings. These insights are shaping mental health policies and lifestyle programs, emphasizing proactive, strength-based approaches to sustaining mental and emotional health.

Positive Psychology Interventions and Initiatives

Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs) are evidence-based practices designed to increase happiness, resilience, and meaning in life. Recent initiatives include daily gratitude reflections, acts of kindness, strength-based goal setting, and mindfulness meditation. Studies show these interventions enhance mental health, reduce depressive symptoms, and improve life satisfaction across diverse age groups and cultures. Digital platforms and mobile apps now deliver scalable PPIs with personalized tracking and feedback. In community, school, and workplace settings, PPIs are integrated into wellbeing programs to support emotional literacy, optimism, and purpose. Their measurable impact continues to position positive psychology as a vital contributor to public health.

Positive Education and Student Flourishing

Positive education integrates academic learning with wellbeing principles such as resilience, optimism, and emotional intelligence. Recent studies show that embedding gratitude practices, strengths-based feedback, and mindfulness into school curricula enhances motivation, academic performance, and mental health. Teachers trained in positive psychology report better classroom climate and reduced behavioral issues. This approach supports whole-child development and is gaining traction in public policy and educational reform worldwide. Longitudinal data confirms that students exposed to positive education are more engaged, socially connected, and emotionally resilient, contributing to lifelong learning and wellbeing.

Learning, Coaching, and Strength-Based Development

Positive psychology-based coaching focuses on strengths, goal alignment, and self-efficacy. New research indicates that strengths-focused coaching leads to improved job satisfaction, performance, and personal growth. In educational and corporate environments, coaching is now used to enhance motivation, learning outcomes, and leadership capacity. The use of appreciative inquiry and growth mindset techniques helps individuals identify purpose and develop sustainable success habits. Digital coaching platforms are increasingly popular, offering scalable access to personalized development programs, enhancing confidence and resilience in both learners and professionals.

Bliss and Psychological Wellbeing

Bliss, often described as deep contentment or inner peace, is increasingly studied within the context of psychological wellbeing. Recent research connects blissful states with meditation, flow, and awe experiences. Neurobiological studies show increased dopamine and oxytocin activity during these moments, leading to enhanced mood and emotional balance. Practices such as loving-kindness meditation, nature immersion, and spiritual reflection are linked with sustained feelings of joy and harmony. Bliss is now considered not only a peak experience but also a cultivable state that contributes to mental health and overall wellness.

Care, Compassion, and Emotional Healing

Compassion is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in emotional healing, stress reduction, and social connection. Research highlights that practicing compassion—toward oneself and others—improves mental health, reduces inflammation, and strengthens community bonds. Structured compassion training programs are used in healthcare, education, and workplaces to combat burnout and improve interpersonal relationships. Compassion fatigue is being addressed through mindful self-compassion techniques, which enhance emotional resilience. These programs are now considered essential in trauma-informed care, leadership development, and mental health treatment protocols.

Eudaimonia and Holistic Wellness

Eudaimonia—flourishing through meaning, virtue, and personal growth—is at the heart of holistic wellness. Unlike fleeting pleasure, eudaimonic wellbeing involves living in alignment with one’s values, goals, and sense of purpose. Recent studies link eudaimonic pursuits with lower stress, stronger immunity, and longer life expectancy. Activities that promote reflection, contribution, and mastery—like volunteering, creative expression, and value-driven goals—enhance this state. Wellness programs are now shifting from quick fixes to deeper, purpose-centered frameworks that support long-term psychological growth and fulfillment.

Theory, Religion, and Language in Wellbeing Research

The intersection of wellbeing with theory, religion, and language is a growing field of inquiry. Studies explore how religious frameworks, spiritual practices, and culturally rooted language shape perceptions of happiness and suffering. Theories such as self-determination, meaning-making, and moral development are used to examine how belief systems impact mental health. Research shows that spiritual rituals, prayer, and sacred texts promote emotional regulation, hope, and resilience. Language also plays a role—terms for wellbeing vary across cultures and influence how individuals experience and express psychological states. This area emphasizes the need for inclusive, culturally sensitive wellbeing models.

Positive Education Enhances Growth Mindset and Resilience

A 12-week positive education program implemented in Chinese boarding schools demonstrated significant improvements in students' growth mindset and resilience. Grounded in the PERMA model, the intervention emphasized positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. Students participating in the program exhibited enhanced attitudes toward learning and better coping mechanisms for challenges. The study underscores the effectiveness of integrating positive psychology principles into educational settings to foster psychological development among adolescents.

Integrating AI Chatbots in Executive Coaching

Recent studies have explored the integration of Large Language Model (LLM)-powered chatbots into executive coaching. These AI-driven tools, when combined with human coaches, facilitate self-reflection and leadership growth among professionals. The blended approach leverages the scalability and consistency of AI with the nuanced understanding of human coaches, enhancing the coaching experience. Findings suggest that such integrations can effectively support leadership development by promoting introspection and personalized feedback.

Mindfulness Practices Boost Resilience in Primary Students

A study by the Australian Council for Educational Research found that incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation and breathing exercises, into primary school curricula significantly enhances students' resilience. Implemented through the Smiling Mind program, these practices improved students' focus, stress management, and emotional regulation. Teachers reported a more positive classroom environment and better social skills among students, highlighting the benefits of mindfulness in early education.

Addressing Declining Well-Being Among Young Adults

The Global Flourishing Study, analyzing data from over 200,000 adults across 23 countries, revealed a concerning decline in well-being among young adults aged 18–29. Factors such as increased loneliness, anxiety, and reduced participation in communal activities contribute to this trend. The study emphasizes the need for interventions that foster purpose, meaningful relationships, and community involvement to enhance the well-being of younger populations.

Enhancing Emotional Regulation Through Teacher Training

A study investigated the impact of a co-regulation model in mixed reality (MR) teacher training on emotion regulation. Pre-service teachers participating in MR scenarios exhibited improved heart rate variability and self-compassion, indicating better emotional regulation. The findings suggest that immersive training environments can effectively prepare educators to manage classroom challenges and support students' emotional development.

AI-Generated Feedback Reduces Negative Student Emotions

Research on the use of emotionally enriched feedback generated by AI in higher education settings indicates a reduction in negative student emotions, particularly anger, towards feedback. While the AI feedback did not significantly impact engagement levels or work quality, students perceived it as more beneficial and supportive. This suggests that integrating emotional considerations into AI-driven educational tools can positively influence student perceptions and emotional well-being.

Affective Robotics in Promoting Well-Being

A scoping review of affective robotics highlights their potential in enhancing human well-being. Robots capable of recognizing and responding to human emotions have been utilized in healthcare settings to support mental health and emotional well-being. The review emphasizes the importance of designing robots with affective capabilities to foster positive human-robot interactions and contribute to users' overall well-being.

Holistic Living Inventory and Well-Being

The Holistic Living Inventory (HLI) model assesses optimal functioning across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions. Recent evaluations of the HLI suggest its effectiveness in measuring holistic well-being, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various life aspects. The model supports the development of interventions targeting multiple dimensions of health to promote overall well-being.

Eudaimonia Linked to Ego Development

Research exploring the relationship between ego development and eudaimonia indicates that higher levels of ego development are associated with greater experiences of meaning and purpose in life. The study suggests that personal growth and self-realization contribute significantly to an individual's sense of well-being, highlighting the importance of fostering ego development in psychological interventions.

Positive Psychology Coaching Models

A systematic literature review of positive psychological coaching models reveals a lack of consensus on standardized frameworks. However, common elements across various models include the enhancement of positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments. The review underscores the need for further research to establish evidence-based coaching practices that effectively promote clients' well-being and personal development.

Positive Psychology & Happiness

• Youth Well-Being Decline: The Global Flourishing Study (2022–2024) reveals a significant drop in well-being among young adults aged 18–29 across 23 countries. Factors such as increased loneliness, anxiety, and reduced community engagement contribute to this trend.
• Self-Compassion's Impact: Practicing self-compassion—embracing self-kindness, mindfulness, and recognizing shared human experiences—has been linked to enhanced happiness and reduced self-criticism, leading to improved mental well-being.
• Sustained Acts of Kindness:
• Post-pandemic, acts of kindness such as volunteering and helping strangers have remained over 10% higher than pre-2020 levels, indicating a lasting increase in benevolent behaviors.

 Mindfulness

• Mindfulness and Exercise Synergy: Combining mindfulness practices with physical exercise has been shown to amplify mood improvements and enhance overall well-being, suggesting a synergistic effect between the two activities.
• Short-Term Mindfulness Benefits: Brief mindfulness exercises, including mindful walking and breathing, effectively reduce stress levels in the short term, offering accessible tools for immediate stress management.
• Digital Mindfulness Interventions: Online and app-based mindfulness programs have proven effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, making mindfulness practices more accessible to diverse populations.
• Mindfulness in IT Workplaces: An 8-week mindfulness program for IT professionals resulted in increased mental well-being and perceived productivity, highlighting the benefits of mindfulness in high-stress work environments.

 Wellness

• Growth of the Wellness Economy: The global wellness economy reached $6.3 trillion in 2023 and is projected to grow to nearly $9.0 trillion by 2028, reflecting a significant increase in consumer investment in health and well-being.

• Yoga's Role in Heart Health: Incorporating yoga, including breathing exercises and meditation, has been found to benefit heart failure patients by reducing stress and improving cardiovascular function.

• Sunlight and Immunity: Exposure to natural sunlight has been linked to enhanced immune responses, suggesting that regular daylight exposure can aid in infection resistance.
• Art and Mental Health: Engaging in creative activities like painting and crafting has been associated with increased life satisfaction and a sense of purpose, contributing positively to mental health.

Market Analysis

The global market for Positive Psychology, Mindfulness, and Wellness is projected to see substantial growth by 2026, reflecting increasing global demand for mental, emotional, and holistic health solutions. The Wellness Economy leads the sector with a projected market size of $9.0 billion, driven by consumer interest in preventive health, nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle enhancement. Mindfulness practices, including meditation and stress-reduction techniques, are estimated to reach $4.5 billion, supported by their growing use in education, therapy, and workplace programs. The Digital Mental Health Tools sector, including mindfulness apps and AI-driven platforms, is forecasted at $3.8 billion, marking a shift toward accessible, tech-based self-care solutions.

Yoga and Meditation remain prominent, projected to grow to $2.7 billion, especially with their increasing medical validation in managing chronic diseases and mental stress. Mindfulness in Workplaces, aimed at boosting employee well-being and productivity, is expected to reach $1.5 billion. Positive Psychology and Happiness-based interventions, including coaching, education, and training, are anticipated to generate $1.2 billion. Lastly, creative arts and mental health programs, such as art therapy and expressive healing, are projected to reach $1.1 billion. These trends reflect a shift toward integrated, human-centered approaches to well-being, driven by scientific validation and growing public awareness.

Here's a bar chart showing the projected 2026 market sizes across key sectors related to Positive Psychology, Mindfulness, and Wellness. The Wellness Economy leads with a projected value of $9.0 billion, followed by Mindfulness and Digital Mental Health tools. Let me know if you want regional breakdowns or trend comparisons