Mental health, rebellion, character strengths and discovering mindful moments: a positive autoethnographic case study of Ryan M. Niemiec

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to meet psychologist, educator and scientist, Dr Ryan M. Niemiec, Chief Science and Education Officer of the VIA Institute on Character, a leading figure in positive psychology and authority on character strengths and mindfulness. Design/methodology/approach A positive autoethnographic case study approach is used by Dr Niemiec to narrate his story and to later address topics within a Q and A format. Findings The science of character strengths is highly relevant to mental health and life quality. The literature is prolific, with over 1,000 peer-reviewed publications. Niemiec has summarized it as a dual focus on well-being and adversity; in other words, “character strengths not only help us go from what’s wrong to what’s strong, they help us use what is strong to deal with what’s wrong.” We learn that all 24 character strengths can be used as inner tools to benefit mental health and well-being. As Niemiec guides us in acting with practical tools, readers learn how he has experienced, used and observed the benefits of mindfulness and character strengths throughout his life. Research limitations/implications The experiences, perspectives and insights of one person narrated in this case study cannot be generalized. Practical implications Ryan Niemiec’s insights relate to his own life experience over decades, resulting in practical first-hand applications, the modeling of character strengths and mindfulness, creative advice and positive productivity. He explores rebellion from a lens of positive mental health and furthers this with discussions of growth in spirituality, mindfulness and character strengths. He shares why character strengths are important and the many ways they can be used practically and integrated with a wide range of disciplines. Social implications Niemiec advises us to “Believe in people and possibilities,” to answer, “What matters most?” followed by action; and to “Remember that character strengths are microcosms of humanity.” Readers learn about character strengths in the social context as rippling forward in impact and also in the concept of personally discovering a golden mean or optimal strength use that balances strengths overuse and underuse. Niemiec also draws attention to the dearth of research into the character strength of gentleness, new neuroscience and the substantial impact of mindfulness-based strengths practice (MBSP) over and above traditional mindfulness programs. Finally, it is not difficult for readers to see that the social implications of character strengths are profound for the science and practice of peace psychology, work/organizations, education/schools, health/medicine, nature connection and spirituality/meaning. Originality/value Dr Niemiec is a positive psychologist and world authority on character strengths. Here readers find out that he is also a poet. His strongest signature strengths are hope, honesty and love. This original and valuable positive autoethnographic case study offers multiple insights including Niemiec’s vision as to how character strengths can benefit us all.