About — Elaine O’Brien

ABOUT ELAINE

Welcome! I’m Happy You’re Here.

I'm on a mission to help people live their most vital, joy-filled lives. By combining intentional movement with the science of happiness, your body can be the path to a healthier, more meaningful you — at any age.

I'm among the first 100 people worldwide to earn a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania, where Dr. Martin Seligman recognized my work on movement and flourishing. I also hold a PhD in Kinesiology (Human Movement Psychology) from Temple University. As author of The Power of Play and SplashDance: What a Feeling!, I've spent my career helping thousands move toward energy, purpose, and joy through speaking, teaching, and fitness programming.

Ready to start your journey to a more vibrant life? Let's work together.

Wishing you joy, connection, and thriving health,

— Elaine O'Brien, PhD, MAPP

A RARE CONVERGENCE OF DISCIPLINES

POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY IN THE BODY.

RESEARCH & EVIDENCE

GROUNDED IN ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Selected research areas & findings:

✓ The psychological benefits of group exercise — how shared movement reduces isolation and builds community resilience

✓ The role of positive emotion in movement motivation — why joy, not discipline, sustains physical activity long-term

✓ Aqua fitness and older adults' wellbeing — the effects of SplashDance-based programming on quality of life and social connection

✓ Character strengths and physical activity design — applying VIA strengths to exercise program development

✓ Organizational applications of embodied positive psychology — field research with groups including Eli Lilly (32,000+ participants)

Research conducted at Temple University, the University of Pennsylvania, and through applied organizational partnerships. Chapter forthcoming in Leading Organizational Well-Being (Summer 2026)

Frameworks

build from the inside out

Strengths in Motion™ is a pioneering framework that weaves together character strengths, physical movement, and the spirit of play into a unified approach to human flourishing. Developed over more than 35 years of hands-on practice and empirical research, SIM is built on the understanding that our bodies and our best selves are not separate — that moving with intention, joy, and awareness of our signature strengths amplifies both physical and psychological wellbeing. Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all fitness formula, SIM honors the whole person, inviting participants to discover how their unique strengths — whether curiosity, bravery, kindness, or creativity — can animate the way they move through the world. The result is exercise that doesn’t just strengthen the body, but enlivens the person within it.
SplashDance is a joyful, research-informed aqua fitness program designed for people who want to move their bodies in ways that feel good — not punishing. Set in the supportive environment of water, sessions blend rhythmic movement, music, and connection to build cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility while reducing stress on joints. Grounded in the science of positive emotion and physical wellbeing, SplashDance recognizes that exercise you enjoy is exercise you’ll keep doing.
PEEPS is a strengths-based approach to movement that starts with a simple premise: exercise should feel good, build on what you’re already capable of, and leave you wanting more. Drawing on positive psychology research, PEEPS supports participants in building sustainable active lifestyles — because lasting change happens when people feel capable, connected, and motivated, not when they’re white-knuckling through a workout they dread.
Body Full of Joy is a collaborative, community-rooted resource developed for and by alumni of the University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program — one of the world’s leading centers for the science of wellbeing. It exists at the intersection of science and lived experience — a living resource that honors both the evidence and the humanity behind it.

Bring these frameworks to your organization or community

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What Colleagues Have Said

Peer recognition from the field

She is uniquely qualified to deepen our understanding of mind/body research and practices. When she has taught in my trainings, students transform.

Dr. Dan Tomasulo Academic Director, Spirituality Mind Body Institute, Teachers College, Columbia University

Elaine's evidence-based insistence that positive psychology include interventions that change our bodies — not just our minds — has rippled around the world.

Andrew Soren, MAPP President, International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA)

She has been a pioneer in integrating the worlds of physical movement and positive psychology. A wise teacher who brings out the best in each person, helping us reconnect with our vitality and joy.

Dr. Margarita Tarragona President, Mexico Positive Psychology Association

Dr. Elaine O'Brien is one of the most informed, cutting-edge academics in the world on the intersection of the science of happiness and the science of movement.

Caroline Adams Miller, MAPP Speaker, Author, Educator

I've known Elaine for years. She is the brightest of lights, has the biggest of hearts, and makes the world — and my life — better. Elaine served as a Recitation Leader for my Intro to Positive Psychology class, where she carried out empirical research interventions every week. Elaine earned rave reviews from every student.

Dr. Angela Duckworth MacArthur "Genius Award" Fellow · CEO, Character Lab · Professor, University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Elaine O'Brien is an international leader in the field of positive exercise and movement and how that contributes to psychological well-being. She is definitely my go-to person for everything exercise.

Louisa Jewell, MAPP President, Canadian Positive Psychology Association

Ready to bring this work to your organization or community?

Keynotes, workshops, consulting, and programs, start with a 30-minute discovery call.

Book a discovery call

Welcome! I’m Happy You’re Here.

POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY IN THE BODY.

GROUNDED IN ORIGINAL RESEARCH

build from the inside out

Strengths in Motion™ (SIM)

SplashDance Aqua Fitness

PEEPS - Positive, Enjoyable Exercise Programs Advancing Strengths

Body Full of Joy

What Colleagues Have Said

Peer recognition from the field

Ready to bring this work to your organization or community?

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