2.4 Strength spotting at the movies
Another great way to spot strengths in others in to do this whilst watching a movie. This is also something you can do as a family.
Ryan Niemiec, another well-known name in the field of positive psychology, produced some research looking at the benefits of watching ‘positive psychology’ movies as a form of therapy (Niemiec, 2013).
By observing character strengths in action, individuals experience a range of feelings and connections that can lead them to positive behaviour.
Positive psychology movies
The table below lists some the films that were chosen in the latest research by Niemiec (2020).
- Select a film below or choose a film that has inspired you.
- Watch the film and take note of what emotions you are feeling and what character strengths you can see in the characters.
- Do you feel moved to bring some of these strengths into your own life?
- Consider how you could use these strengths in your own life.
| Film (year) | Character strength exemplar |
| Rear Window (1954) | Curiosity |
| Amelie (2001) | Kindness |
| Frozen (2013) and Frozen 2 (2019) | Bravery |
| It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) | Perspective |
| Trolls (2016) | Zest |
| The Blind Side (2009) | Love |
| Juno (2007) | Social intelligence |
| 12 Angry Men (1957) | Fairness |
| Invictus (2009) | Leadership |
| Julie and Julia (2009) | Prudence |
| Forrest Gump (1994) | Self-regulation |
| Wings of Desire (1987) | Appreciation of beauty/excellence |
| Groundhog Day (1993) | Gratitude |
| Zorba the Greek (1964) | Humour |
| Run Lola Run (1998) | Spirituality |
| The Imitation Game (2014) | Judgment/critical thinking |
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2.3 Spotting strengths in those around you