The science of human thriving supports everything Joy Walk 2019 will teach to audiences. The research comes from many different scientific disciplines, from positive psychology to medical science. This page provides links to scientific support for the solutions shared during Joy Walk 2019. The information you’ll find on these pages leans toward scientific language and especially in the “clinician focus” section. Articles in laymen’s language can be found under the blog tab.
This is the main page. Articles that focus on the science will be linked to on this page. Click the links to go to specific articles about the science of human thriving that provides the basis for the information Dr. Joy will share in her talks during Joy Walk 2019.
Stress The Most Productive Primary Prevention Target Preliminary White Paper
It’s been over 100 years since the father of psychology, William James, shared his knowledge with the world. 
“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to CHOOSE one thought over another.”
In all the time since, through World Wars, the Great Depression, and boom times, we’ve somehow failed to begin teaching our children this wisdom.
It isn’t just that we can choose. It is how do you manage to choose when something goes wrong?
The science of human thriving supports William James words. The Joy Walk teaches people how to change their thoughts because they want to.
It can be difficult to find a thought that feels better when you’re in the midst of an experience you don’t want or when the critic that lives in your head is berating you for being in that situation. Telling someone to “think positive” is a waste of time if you do not also teach them skills that allow them to do it when it matters most.
Stress reduces our ability to think. Reducing stress by changing our thoughts gives us access to solutions our mind won’t produce or recognize when we are stressed. The White Paper explains why in the section on mood congruent thought.
People who learn how to choose their thoughts will be able to be in the midst of a situation that would have brought them to their knees with fear and look confidently toward solutions. They will feel more capable, confident, and they will achieve better results.
People who develop skill in changing their thoughts to reduce stress experience a better quality of life and a lower risk of mental and physical health problems.