The science of well-being has demonstrated its ability to influence various fields of the social sciences including advances in the knowledge on how people manage to be happy and overcome adversity. Although criticisms of the most positivist and individualistic views have also appeared, positive psychology has expanded enough to include critical and reflective scientists and practitioners within its ranks. Perhaps one of the aspects that remains to be explored is the applicability of certain approaches when working with stakeholders. Special characteristics related to divergent world views or ideologies can be challenging. Likewise working with populations struggling with social exclusion, mental health or general health conditions might hinder our motivation to intervene in the real world.
In this presentation we will deal with sensitive issues such as conflicts between project partners, paternalism when intervening with disadvantaged populations, capacitism when cooperating with non-academic partners, and other topics that are uncomfortable to deal with, but which we find fundamental when trying to bring our knowledge to the real world. Our goal is not to give always-working recipes, but to encourage reflection and self-criticism to make our discipline stronger.