Dr Jolanta Burke

    Education

    Assistant Professor

    Biography

    I am a chartered psychologist specialising in wellbeing and positive psychology applied in education, specifically in educational leadership. I have spent half of my career working as an educational leader, and the other half as an academic, doing research and lecturing in third level education, which I love. My passion for evidence-based education brought me back to Trinity College Dublin, where I completed a PhD in the area of positive psychology in education. Before joining Maynooth University, I have worked as a senior lecturer and a programme leader for Masters in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology at the University of East London, which is the centre of the European research in well-being. Prior to that, I have lectured in Dublin City University and Trinity Business School where I have designed and delivered a highly popular module in Psychology of Leadership for the Masters in Management programme and MBA. I have spoken at conferences around the globe and have been acknowledged by the Irish Times as one of 30 people who make Ireland a better place.  

    Research Interests

    Topics:
    - positive psychology applied in educational leadership (e.g. psychological capital, optimism, hope, appreciative inquiry, developing team trust, positive stress, emotional agility, job crafting to mention a few)
    - positive education (e.g. character strengths, gratitude, mindfulness, forgiveness, positive relationships, engagement, trust, flow to mention a few) 
    - the psychology of potential in schools
    - well-being in school
    - positive psychology coaching in schools.

    Methodology:
    - quantitative
    - qualitative 
    - systematic review

    Books

      Year Publication
    2021 The ultimate guide to implementing wellbeing programmes for school.
    Burke, J. (2021) The ultimate guide to implementing wellbeing programmes for school. Abingdon: Routledge. [Details]
    2020 Positive psychology and school leadership: The new science of positive educational leadership.
    Burke, J. (2020) Positive psychology and school leadership: The new science of positive educational leadership. New York: Nova Science Publishers. [Details]
    2016 Happiness after 30: The paradox of aging.
    Burke, J. (2016) Happiness after 30: The paradox of aging. Dublin: Jumpp. [Details]

    Book Chapters

      Year Publication
    2020 'Positive Cyberpsychology: A conceptual framework of an emerging field'
    Burke, J. (2020) 'Positive Cyberpsychology: A conceptual framework of an emerging field' In: Kostik, A. & Chadee, D (eds). Positive psychology. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. [Details]
    2019 'Strength-based coaching - A positive psychology intervention'
    Burke, J. & Passmore, J. (2019) 'Strength-based coaching - A positive psychology intervention' In: van Zyl, L. & Rothmann, S (eds). Positive psychological interventions: Approaches to capacity development with multi-cultural contexts. USA: Springer. [full-text] [Details]
    2016 'Re-thinking well-being measures in bullying and cyberbullying research'
    Burke, J. & Minton, S.J. (2016) 'Re-thinking well-being measures in bullying and cyberbullying research' In: Bullying and cyberbullying: Prevalence, psychological impact and intervention strategies. New York: Novapublishers. [full-text] [Details]
    2013 'Positive Psychology in Guidance Counselling'
    Burke, J. & Minton, S. (2013) 'Positive Psychology in Guidance Counselling' In: School Guidance Handbook. Dublin: NCGE. [Details]

    Published Reports

      Year Publication
    2021 Lessons Learned: The experiences of teachers in Ireland during the 2020 pandemic.
    Dempsey, M. & Burke, J. (2021) Lessons Learned: The experiences of teachers in Ireland during the 2020 pandemic. Maynooth University, Maynooth. [Details]
    2020 Wellbeing of Post-primary School Leaders in Ireland: A report for NAPD.
    Burke, J. & Kinnarney, P. (2020) Wellbeing of Post-primary School Leaders in Ireland: A report for NAPD. Maynooth University, Maynooth. [Details]
    2020 Covid-19 Practice in Primary Schools: A Two-month Follow-up.
    Dempsey, M & Burke, J. (2020) Covid-19 Practice in Primary Schools: A Two-month Follow-up. Maynooth University, Maynooth. [Details]
    2020 Covid-19 Practice in Primary Schools in Ireland.
    Burke, J & Dempsey, M (2020) Covid-19 Practice in Primary Schools in Ireland. Maynooth University, Dublin. [Details]
    2020 Primary School Leaders’ Concerns about Reopening Schools After the Covid-19 Closure.
    Burke, J. (2020) Primary School Leaders’ Concerns about Reopening Schools After the Covid-19 Closure. Maynooth University, Maynooth. [Details]

    Peer Reviewed Journals

      Year Publication
    2020 'Positive education and school psychology during COVID-19 pandemic'
    Burke, J. & Arslan, G. (2020) 'Positive education and school psychology during COVID-19 pandemic'. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 4 (2):137-139 [full-text] [Details]
    2019 'Well-being in post-primary schools in Ireland: the assessment and contribution of character strengths'
    Burke, J. & Minton, S.J. (2019) 'Well-being in post-primary schools in Ireland: the assessment and contribution of character strengths'. Irish Educational Studies, 38 (2):177-192 [full-text] [Details]
    2019 'Fostering a sense of belonging at an international school in France: An experimental study'
    Dunleavy, G. & Burke, J. (2019) 'Fostering a sense of belonging at an international school in France: An experimental study'. Educational and Child Psychology, [full-text] [Details]
    2018 'Conceptual framework for a positive psychology coaching practice'
    Burke, J. (2018) 'Conceptual framework for a positive psychology coaching practice'. The Coaching Psychologist, [full-text] [Details]
    2018 'A dream of a retirement: The longitudinal experiences and perceived retirement wellbeing of recent retirees following a tailored intervention linking best possible self-expressive writing with goal-setting'
    Round, J., Burke, J. (2018) 'A dream of a retirement: The longitudinal experiences and perceived retirement wellbeing of recent retirees following a tailored intervention linking best possible self-expressive writing with goal-setting'. International Coaching Psychology Journal, 13 (2):27-45 [full-text] [Details]
    2018 'Compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction and work engagement in residential child care'
    Audin, K., Burke, J., Ivtzan, I. (2018) 'Compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction and work engagement in residential child care'. The Scottish Journal of Residential Child Care, 17 (3):1-25 [full-text] [Details]
    2018 'Sleeping with the frenemy: How restricting ‘bedroom use’ of smartphones impacts happiness and wellbeing'
    Hughes, N. & Burke, J. (2018) 'Sleeping with the frenemy: How restricting ‘bedroom use’ of smartphones impacts happiness and wellbeing'. Computers in Human Behavior, 85 :236-244 [full-text] [Details]
    2018 'Integrating coaching and positive psychology: Concepts and practice'
    van Nieuwerburgh, C, Lomas, T., & Burke, J. (2018) 'Integrating coaching and positive psychology: Concepts and practice'. Coaching, [full-text] [Details]
    2017 'Exploring the Role of Purpose in the Lives of Career Changers: A Qualitative Inquiry'
    Zhu, J.J., Lomas, T., Burke, J. & Ivtzan, I. (2017) 'Exploring the Role of Purpose in the Lives of Career Changers: A Qualitative Inquiry'. Journal of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing, 1 (2):109-128 [full-text] [Details]

    Other Journals

      Year Publication
    2018 'The languishing limbo: Coaching for wellbeing'
    Burke, J. (2018) 'The languishing limbo: Coaching for wellbeing' Coaching Today, . [full-text] [Details]
    2018 'Turning stress into positive energy: An evaluation of a workplace intervention'
    Burke, J. (2018) 'Turning stress into positive energy: An evaluation of a workplace intervention' Positive Work and Organizations: Research and Practice, . [Details]
    2017 'The clinical practice of wellbeing'
    Burke, J. (2017) 'The clinical practice of wellbeing' Healthcare Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal, :14-17. [full-text] [Details]
    2017 'When Irish Therapist Eyes are smiling - a study into Floundering, Wellbeing and Flourishing in Irish Therapists'
    Burke, J. & Hackett, M. (2017) 'When Irish Therapist Eyes are smiling - a study into Floundering, Wellbeing and Flourishing in Irish Therapists' The Irish Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 17 (3) :20-26. [full-text] [Details]
    2016 'Post Traumatic Growth: Examining an increase of optimism amongst the targets of bullying in Ireland'
    Burke, J. (2016) 'Post Traumatic Growth: Examining an increase of optimism amongst the targets of bullying in Ireland' The Irish Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 16 (2) :11-15. [full-text] [Details]

    Conference Contributions

      Year Publication
    2020 The psychology of people at their best.
    Jolanta Burke (2020) The psychology of people at their best. [Keynote Address], Wandsworth Annual Headteacher Conference, Brighton, UK [Details]
    2020 Preparing for the workforce of the future.
    Collins, M. & Burke, J. (2020) Preparing for the workforce of the future. [Oral Presentation], 32nd International Congress of Psychology, Prague, Czech Republic [Details]
    2020 The impact of stress and wellbeing on the school leaders' role sustainability.
    Jolanta Burke (2020) The impact of stress and wellbeing on the school leaders' role sustainability. [Keynote Address], NAPD Annual Symposium, Dubliln [Details]
    2018 Strengths amongst bullies.
    Burke, J. (2018) Strengths amongst bullies. [Oral Presentation], European Network of Positive Psychology Conference, Angers, France [Details]
    2017 Childless and thriving: A mixed approach study of women, who want to have children but cannot.
    Burke, J. (2017) Childless and thriving: A mixed approach study of women, who want to have children but cannot. [Oral Presentation], World Congress on Positive Psychology, Montreal. Canada [Details]
    2017 The Peaceful Triad: character strengths acting as a shield against school bullying.
    Burke, J. (2017) The Peaceful Triad: character strengths acting as a shield against school bullying. [Oral Presentation], World Congress on Positive Psychology, Montreal, Canada [Details]
    2016 Positive careers.
    Burke, J. (2016) Positive careers. [Keynote Address], Kick Start, Galway, Ireland [Details]
    2016 Building psychological resilience.
    Burke, J. (2016) Building psychological resilience. [Oral Presentation], Annual PCI College Conference, Dublin, Ireland [Details]
    2016 Applying positive psychology in addiction.
    Burke, J. (2016) Applying positive psychology in addiction. [Keynote Address], ATSAC, London, UK [Details]
    2015 Applying positive psychology in student work.
    Burke, J. (2015) Applying positive psychology in student work. [Keynote Address], CSS Biannual Conference, Cork, Ireland [Details]
    2015 Applying positive psychology in guidance counselling.
    Burke, J. (2015) Applying positive psychology in guidance counselling. [Keynote Address], IGC Annual Conference, Waterford, Ireland [Details]
    2015 Tools for enahancing wellbeing.
    Burke, J. (2015) Tools for enahancing wellbeing. [Keynote Address], Pfizer Annual Conference, Madrid, Spain [Details]
    2015 Workplace resilience.
    Burke, J. (2015) Workplace resilience. [Keynote Address], PCI Consulting, Dublin, Ireland [Details]
    2015 Psychology at work.
    Burke, J. (2015) Psychology at work. [Keynote Address], Professional Women Network Conference, Dublin, Ireland [Details]
    2014 Psychological resilience: applying positive psychology in Guidance Counselling.
    Burke, J. (2014) Psychological resilience: applying positive psychology in Guidance Counselling. [Oral Presentation], ESAI Annual Conference, Cork [Details]
    2012 applying positive psychology in education.
    Burke, J. (2012) applying positive psychology in education. [Invited Oral Presentation], Youth and education, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland [Details]
    2012 The art of wellbeing.
    Burke, J. (2012) The art of wellbeing. [Keynote Address], Annual Primerica Conference, Donegal, Ireland [Details]

    Article

      Year Publication
    2020 Don’t refer to them as ‘the ‘Polish child’ or ‘the Chinese child’ – learn their name and use it.
    Weyman, S. (2020) Don’t refer to them as ‘the ‘Polish child’ or ‘the Chinese child’ – learn their name and use it. Article [Details]
    2019 Well-being of students starts to decline from the moment they enter secondary school.
    Burke, J. (2019) Well-being of students starts to decline from the moment they enter secondary school. Article [Details]
    2018 Blue Monday is a hoax - but it could become the most depressing day of the year if you don't watch out.
    Burke, J. (2018) Blue Monday is a hoax - but it could become the most depressing day of the year if you don't watch out. Article [Details]
    2016 Five reasons why we (eventually) become happier as we get older.
    Burke, J. (2016) Five reasons why we (eventually) become happier as we get older. Article [Details]
    2014 Go to the happy place.
    Burke, J. (2014) Go to the happy place. Article [Details]
    2014 Positive eating.
    Burke, J. (2014) Positive eating. Article [Details]
    2014 Positive body: Boost your energy.
    Burke, J. (2014) Positive body: Boost your energy. Article [Details]
    2013 Thinking of changing your job? Think again.
    Burke, J. (2013) Thinking of changing your job? Think again. Article [Details]
    2013 Making happy children.
    Burke, J. (2013) Making happy children. Article [Details]
    2013 Your mood and food.
    Burke, J. (2013) Your mood and food. Article [Details]

    Educational Article

      Year Publication
    2020 Wellbeing and Leadership.
    Burke, J & Dempsey, M (2020) Wellbeing and Leadership. Cork: Educational Article [Details]
    2020 COVID-19 Practice in Primary Schools.
    Burke, J. & Dempsey, M. (2020) COVID-19 Practice in Primary Schools. Cork: Educational Article [Details]
    2013 A balanced life full of meaning and engagement.
    Burke, J. (2013) A balanced life full of meaning and engagement. Educational Article [Details]
    2013 Positive body.
    Burke, J. (2013) Positive body. Educational Article [Details]
    2013 Positive education: The way forward.
    Burke, J. (2013) Positive education: The way forward. Educational Article [Details]
    2013 Positive psychology strengths and resilience.
    Burke, J. (2013) Positive psychology strengths and resilience. Educational Article [Details]
    2013 Positive psychotherapy.
    Burke, J. (2013) Positive psychotherapy. Educational Article [Details]

    Blog

      Year Publication
    2014 How can you feel positive, when you're flooded with negativity?.
    Burke, J. (2014) How can you feel positive, when you're flooded with negativity?. Blog [Details]
    2014 Challenge yourself and watch your life change for the better.
    Burke, J. (2014) Challenge yourself and watch your life change for the better. Blog [Details]
    2014 Weather and happiness.
    Burke, J. (2014) Weather and happiness. Blog [Details]
    2014 Positive self-deception: Stop beating yourself up.
    Burke, J. (2014) Positive self-deception: Stop beating yourself up. Blog [Details]
    2013 Boost your happiness with acts of kindness.
    Burke, J. (2013) Boost your happiness with acts of kindness. Blog [Details]
    2013 People matter - the importance of friendship.
    Burke, J. (2013) People matter - the importance of friendship. Blog [Details]
    2013 How to survive a Christmas family spat.
    Burke, J. (2013) How to survive a Christmas family spat. Blog [Details]
    2013 The madness of Christmas shopping.
    Burke, J. (2013) The madness of Christmas shopping. Blog [Details]
    2013 To err is human.
    Burke, J. (2013) To err is human. Blog [Details]
    2013 Eat yourself happy.
    Burke, J. (2013) Eat yourself happy. Blog [Details]
    2013 Positive psychology: what is it all about?.
    Burke, J. (2013) Positive psychology: what is it all about?. Blog [Details]

    Media

      Year Publication
    2019 The gift of giving: Why random acts of kindness are good for you.
    Stokes, V. (2019) The gift of giving: Why random acts of kindness are good for you. Media [Details]
    2019 New study reveals 'killjoy' impact of progressing through secondary school.
    Sheila Weyman (2019) New study reveals 'killjoy' impact of progressing through secondary school. Media [Details]
    2017 Pack your bags to give children 'happiness anchors'.
    Weyman, S. (2017) Pack your bags to give children 'happiness anchors'. Media [Details]
    2017 Friends are key to a longer life.
    Cochrane, S. (2017) Friends are key to a longer life. Media [Details]
    2016 Moderate adversity can make you a happier person.
    O'Morain, P. (2016) Moderate adversity can make you a happier person. Media [Details]
    2016 Alumni Interviews.
    Burke, J. (2016) Alumni Interviews. Media [Details]
    2015 How to host a child's party without breaking the bank or your kitchen.
    Weyman, S. (2015) How to host a child's party without breaking the bank or your kitchen. Media [Details]
    2015 The happy crew: 30 people making life better.
    Sweeney, T. (2015) The happy crew: 30 people making life better. Media [Details]
    2015 Don't worry, be happy: Is happiness as simple as accepting life as it comes?.
    Neligan, O. (2015) Don't worry, be happy: Is happiness as simple as accepting life as it comes?. Media [Details]
    2015 'We'll fix it' parents do their children no favours.
    Weyman, S. (2015) 'We'll fix it' parents do their children no favours. Media [Details]
    2014 It's time to teach your kids happiness.
    Bielenberg, K. (2014) It's time to teach your kids happiness. Media [Details]

    Magazine Article

      Year Publication
    2014 Happy slimming.
    Burke, J. (2014) Happy slimming. Magazine Article [Details]
    2011 Divorce and psychological wellbeing.
    Burke, J. (2011) Divorce and psychological wellbeing. Magazine Article [Details]
    2011 Flourishing.
    Burke, J. (2011) Flourishing. Magazine Article [Details]
    2011 The psychology of time perspectives.
    Burke, J. (2011) The psychology of time perspectives. Magazine Article [Details]
    2011 Character strengths.
    Burke, J. (2011) Character strengths. Magazine Article [Details]

    Newspaper Articles

      Year Publication
    2020 I study the science of happiness — here's how I'm going to stay positive during Level 5 lockdown.
    Burke, J. (2020) I study the science of happiness — here's how I'm going to stay positive during Level 5 lockdown. Newspaper Articles [Details]
    2016 Weather making you depressed? Let a psychologist explain.
    Burke, J. (2016) Weather making you depressed? Let a psychologist explain. Newspaper Articles [Details]

    Radio Presentation

      Year Publication
    2015 Resilience.
    East Coast FM Declan Meehan Show (2015) Resilience. Radio Presentation [Details]
    2015 Beat stress at work.
    Today FM Sunday Business Show (2015) Beat stress at work. Radio Presentation [Details]
    2015 Authenticity.
    Upbeat on Air with Sheana Keane (2015) Authenticity. Radio Presentation [Details]
    2014 Cancer and wellbeing.
    Dublin City FM (2014) Cancer and wellbeing. Radio Presentation [Details]
    2014 Travelling and wellbeing.
    Dublin City FM (2014) Travelling and wellbeing. Radio Presentation [Details]
    2014 Bereavement and wellbeing.
    Dublin City FM (2014) Bereavement and wellbeing. Radio Presentation [Details]
    2014 Posttraumatic Growth.
    Dublin City FM (2014) Posttraumatic Growth. Radio Presentation [Details]
    2014 Happiness and relationships.
    Dublin City FM (2014) Happiness and relationships. Radio Presentation [Details]
    2014 Wellbeing across lifespan.
    Dublin City FM (2014) Wellbeing across lifespan. Radio Presentation [Details]
    2014 Singlehood and wellbeing.
    Dublin City FM (2014) Singlehood and wellbeing. Radio Presentation [Details]
    2014 Fashion and wellbeing.
    Dublin City FM (2014) Fashion and wellbeing. Radio Presentation [Details]
    2014 Happiness in schools.
    Burke, J. (2014) Happiness in schools. Radio Presentation [Details]
    2014 Prison and wellbeing.
    Dublin City FM (2014) Prison and wellbeing. Radio Presentation [Details]
    2013 Building resilience in our children.
    Today FM Anton Savage Show (2013) Building resilience in our children. Radio Presentation [Details]
    2013 Boosting positive emotions at work.
    Today FM Sunday Business Show (2013) Boosting positive emotions at work. Radio Presentation [Details]
    2013 Learning optimism at work.
    Today FM Sunday Business Show (2013) Learning optimism at work. Radio Presentation [Details]

    Podcast

      Year Publication
    2018 Positive psychology and money.
    Burke, J. (2018) Positive psychology and money. Podcast [Details]
    2017 Jolanta Burke on burnout, harmonious passion, positive workplaces and helping others.
    Changing academic life (2017) Jolanta Burke on burnout, harmonious passion, positive workplaces and helping others. Podcast [Details]

    Professional Associations

      Association Function From / To
    British Psychological Society Chartered Psychologist /

    Committees

      Committee Function From / To
    Faculty of Social Sciences Research Committee Member 2020 / 2023

    Reviews

      Journal Role
    European Journal Of Psychology Of Education Reviewer
    Journal Of Positive School Psychology Editor-in-Chief
    Journal Of Positive Psychology And Wellbeing Editor

    Teaching Interests

    I teach the following modules:
    - Wellbeing in schools
    - Positive psychology in educational leadership
    - The person and the professional: Who am I as a leader? 
    - Coaching and mentoring in and as leadership practice
    - Positive education
    - Educational psychology  
    - Research methods 
    - Capstone project

    I teach and/or programme lead the following programmes:
    - Masters in Education (Wellbeing specialism)
    - Masters in Education (Leadership specialism)
    - Masters in Educational Leadership and Management
    - Doctorate in Education
    - Ph.D. in Education