Mental health, positive psychology and leadership: a positive autoethnographic case study of Claude-Hélène Mayer

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to meet Dr Claude-Hélène Mayer, Professor in Industrial and Organisational Psychology at the University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative positive autoethnographic case study. Mayer uses positive autoethnography to reflect on mental health, positive psychology and leadership across the life span. The first author also responds to ten questions.

Findings

Leadership can be developed and appreciated in others. Leadership can be a positive and transformative force that can assist and contribute to mental health and well-being. Positive leadership can be supported by developing wisdom, creativity, critical thinking and conflict and emotional management.

Research limitations/implications

Qualitative research cannot be generalised. Positive autoethnography reflects the views and experiences of the author, in this case a transdisciplinary and transcultural researcher and practitioner.

Practical implications

Readers will find a range of practical recommendations as to how to develop mental health and leadership and stay positive in challenging times. Academic literature relating to practical recommendations is also shared.

Social implications

Positive leadership has many social implications. It can be a constructive influence that impacts our lives and benefits our personal development, but also one that impacts the lives and benefits the personal development of other people.

Originality/value

In this original paper, Dr Claude-Hélène Mayer shares mental health, positive psychology and leadership experiences and recommendations. Leadership skills are of particular value in times of complex change.

Citation

Mayer, C.-H. and Gonot-Schoupinsky, F. (2024), "Mental health, positive psychology and leadership: a positive autoethnographic case study of Claude-Hélène Mayer", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 28 No. 6, pp. 1337-1347. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-04-2024-0054