Positive psychology interventions in a multi-ethnic and cross-cultural context

Since its independence from the Netherlands in 1975, the Republic of Suriname has experienced a turbulent development. Periods of freedom and democracy alternated with periods when freedom was limited and democracy was flawed. Times of economic prosperity were followed by severe economic crises. Over the past 40 years, the Surinamese population has ridden through many peaks and troughs. In 2015, after nearly a decade of growth, the economy plunged into a deep recession, devaluing the monetary value of the Surinamese dollar by over 100%. In addition, democracy in Suriname may currently also be in danger. Events in the recent history of Suriname have probably put the resilience of the Surinamese people to the test.
The main goal of this thesis is to explore if a so-called positive psychology intervention (PPI) can contribute to increased resilience and mental well-being among healthy adults in Suriname. I will also bring yoga meditation as a possible additional positive intervention into the limelight of positive psychology.