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Jean-Pierre Calitz, MAPP | Author

Jean-Pierre Calitz, MAPP

Jean-Pierre Calitz, MAPP

Founder, Upward Spiral · Master of Applied Positive Psychology

I built Upward Spiral because the space between “not depressed” and “thriving” deserves structured, research-grounded support. That space is where most people spend their lives, and it is where I believe positive psychology has the most to offer.

Background

I hold a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania, where the field of positive psychology was founded by Martin Seligman. The programme is rigorous and evidence-based, bringing together research on what makes life go well alongside the scientific methods that verify those findings.

Every piece of content on this site draws from peer-reviewed research and established frameworks in positive psychology, behavioural science, and clinical practice. I cite sources. I avoid claims that are not supported by evidence. And I am clear about what the science shows and where the limits of current knowledge sit.

Why Upward Spiral

Most mental health resources treat the absence of illness as the goal. But mental health is a two-continua model: low distress and high flourishing are different things, and you can be struggling on one while doing fine on the other. Languishing, the state of being “not depressed but not well,” affects a significant share of adults and is a leading predictor of later depression.

Upward Spiral is a 52-week structured programme designed for that gap. It is not therapy. It is not self-help. It is a weekly framework of research-backed insights, practical exercises, and guided sessions that build wellbeing skills over time.

Editorial Approach

I write every post on this blog. Articles are grounded in peer-reviewed research, reviewed for clarity and accuracy, and linked to primary sources wherever possible. If I make a claim about what the evidence shows, I cite the study. If the evidence is mixed or limited, I say so. The goal is to translate what the science tells us into language that is useful for non-specialists.

I do not use the title “Dr.” and I am not a clinician. Upward Spiral is a structured wellbeing programme and is not a substitute for therapy or medical care. If you are in crisis, please reach out to a qualified professional.

Get in Touch

I read every message. If you have a question, want to share feedback, or are curious about the programme, please get in touch.