INTEGRATING THEOLOGY OF THE BODY AND POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY: A POSITIVE EDUCATION APPROACH TO HUMAN SEXUALITY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17501/24246700.2026.12102Keywords:
Theology of the Body, positive psychology, PERMA modelAbstract
Theology of the Body (TOB) courses often emphasize doctrinal content but may lack integration with contemporary psychological frameworks. Positive psychology, particularly the PERMA model (Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment), provides a pedagogical lens for fostering holistic learning. This research evaluates the effectiveness of a Theology of the Body course enriched with positive psychology for a more holistic understanding of human sexuality. The study employed a mixed-methods design, combining an online survey with group and individual interviews. The survey assessed achievement of course objectives and identified effective classroom strategies, while interviews explored student experiences in depth. Findings indicated unanimous agreement that course objectives were achieved and that students found the course content and objectives positive. Role plays (80%) and class discussions (71%) emerged as the most effective strategies. Qualitative results reinforced these findings, highlighting the value of experiential role plays, open dialogue, relevant topics such as chastity and dating, and a supportive classroom environment. These themes aligned closely with strategies embedded in the PERMA model. Students also reported significant growth in virtues of chastity and modesty. Overall, the integration of TOB with positive psychology through reflexive, experiential, and discussion- based pedagogy fosters a deeper, values-oriented understanding of human sexuality, demonstrating the potential of positive education to enrich theological instruction and enhance student engagement.
References
About Us. (n.d.). IPEN. Retrieved November 5, 2023, from https://www.ipennetwork.com/about-us Abrami, P. C., Bernard, R. M., Borokhovski, E., Waddington, D. I., Wade, C. A., & Persson, T. (2015).
Strategies for teaching students to think critically: A meta- analysis. Review of Educational Research, 85(2), 275–314. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654314551063
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Charry, E. T. (2011). Positive theology: An exploration in theological psychology and positive psychology. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 30(4), 283–292.
Hardy, S. A., & Willoughby, B. J. (2017). Religiosity and chastity among single young adults and married adults. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 9, 285–295. https://doi.org/10.1037/rel0000112
Huppert, F. A., & So, T. T. C. (2013). Flourishing across Europe: Application of a new conceptual framework for defining well-being. Social Indicators Research, 110(3), 837–861. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-011-9966-7
Kågesten, A., & van Reeuwijk, M. (2021). Healthy sexuality development in adolescence: Proposing a competency-based framework to inform programmes and research. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, 29(1), 104–120. https://doi.org/10.1080/26410397.2021.1996116
Kennette, L. (2023). Incorporating positive psychology into the post-secondary classroom. Journal of Effective Teaching in Higher Education, 6(2), 78–94. https://doi.org/10.36021/JETHE.V6I2.378
Linkins, M., Niemiec, R. M., Gillham, J., & Mayerson, D. (2015). Through the lens of strength: A framework for educating the heart. The Journal of Positive Psychology,10(1), 64–68. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2014.888581
Maguire, M., & Delahunt, B. (2017). Doing a thematic analysis: A practical, step-by-step guide for learning and teaching scholars. The All Ireland Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 9(3), 3351–33514. https://ojs.aishe.org/index.php/aishe-j/article/view/335
Moore, C. (2020). What is positive education and how can we apply it?
Positive Psychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/what-is-positive-education/
Noble, T., & McGrath, H. (2008). The positive educational practices framework: A tool for facilitating the work of educational psychologists in promoting pupil wellbeing. Educational and Child Psychology, 25(2), 119–134.
Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification.
Oxford University Press; American Psychological Association.
Positive Psychology Center. (n.d.). Welcome. University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved June 27, 2023, from
Ruah Woods Institute. (n.d.). Responding to the call of Christ: Theology of the body curriculum for Grade 12. Cincinnati, OH: Author.
Schnitker, S. A., & Emmons, R. A. (2017). The psychology of virtue: Integrating positive psychology and the psychology of religion. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 9(3), 239–241. https://doi.org/10.1037/rel0000133
Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Authentic happiness. Simon & Schuster.
Seligman, M. E. P., & Adler, A. (2018). Positive education. In Global Happiness Council, Global
Happiness Policy Report 2018 (pp. 52–74). Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
Seligman, M. E. P., Ernst, R. M., Gillham, J., Reivich, K., & Linkins, M. (2009). Positive education: Positive psychology and classroom interventions. Oxford Review of Education, 35(3), 293–311. https://doi.org/10.1080/03054980902934563
Unsar, A. S., & Engin, E. (2013). A case study to determine critical thinking skills of university students. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 75, 563–569. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.04.061
Ventura-Miranda, M. I., Alcaraz-Córdoba, A., Alcaraz-Córdoba, T., Molina-Torres, G., Fernandez- Medina, I. M., & Ruíz-Fernández, M. D. (2023). Adolescents’ perceptions of sexuality: A qualitative study. Healthcare, 11(20), 2757. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11202757
West, C. (2009). Theology of the body for beginners (Rev. ed.). Ascension Press.
Winmalee High School. (2020). Positive education. New South Wales Department of Education
https://winmalee-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/positive-education.html
Wojtyla, K. (1993). Love and responsibility. Ignatius Press.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Anne Marie Jacinto
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
