I study practical wisdom.
Aristotle considered it master virtue, and contemporary researchers have linked wisdom to a variety of behavioral and socioemotional qualities. Practical wisdom enables us to do the right thing, for the right reasons, in the right way. It is a situation-specific approach for tackling complex dilemmas in ways that are intentional and ethical. The modern world is constantly presenting us with uncertainties that are difficult and unpredictable. In my research, I’ve talked with individuals in corporate and nonprofit organizations about how they tackle complexities in their day to day work. Common themes are consolidated in what I refer to as the PARTS Model of Practical Wisdom ©. With applied strategies that build off of personal character strengths, experiences, and values, Practical Wisdom offers a responsive, flexible lens for modern problems. The elements that make up the PARTS Model can be a stepping stone for companies wanting to build a compassionate, prosocial, and reflective culture, with employees who feel satisfied, engaged, and purposeful.
The PARTS Model of Practical Wisdom ©
Additional Research Involvement
I’ve been involved in all parts of the quantitative and qualitative research process, from idea design to study implementation to data analysis. I can design and administer survey, conduct interviews, and perform evaluation tasks in the lab, office, or school. I have researched topics including political networking, children’s conceptual development, child school readiness, and health and well-being outcomes among teens and college students. Below are select, recent projects.
Evaluation of JOOL Health on undergraduate health and well-being through Clinical Trials study.
Management of digital content development and dissemination on topics related to the interaction of money, relationships, and equality.
Participant recruitment and administration of study protocol with families in the home and lab settings with the Child and Family Ecologies Lab.
Research-Based Digital Workbooks and Trainings
One of my skills is translating empirical research into formats that are easy to understand and have a practical application in the real world. The digital workbooks below adapt my research on practical wisdom, and existing research on forgiveness, to be used by popular audiences and professionals.
The F.O.R.G.I.V.E.N.E.S.S. Manual is available through the International Forgiveness Institute, and is designed to provide counselors who wish to introduce groups of youth they are working with to the concept and practice of forgiveness, which has been linked to important, positive psychosocial benefits. You can access the workbook here.
Designed for the Money + Relationships + Equality Initiative at the University of Wisconsin Madison, this workbook adapts the PARTS Model to assist individuals in making wise financial decisions through reflecting on values, considering possible problem frames, and setting a meaningful purpose. This guide can be purchase for Kindle on Amazon.
Peer Reviewed Publications
Kupisk, D. & Small, S. (2017). Strengthening youth practice through practical wisdom. Initial proposal accepted for the American Journal of Community Psychology
Special Issue: Understanding and Strengthening the Child-and-Youth-Serving Workforce in Low Resource Communities. Manuscript in progress.
Henningfield, A. & Kupisk, D. (Sept/Oct 2017). Lessons learned in the dark: The role of practical wisdom in effective camp staffing. Camping Magazine, 90(5), 58-63. Access here
Henningfield, A. & Kupisk, D. (July 2016). Transitional objects: Creating continuity with the camp experience. Camping Magazine, 89(4), 38-42. Access here
Small, S. & Kupisk, D. (2015). Wisdom in family practice. In M. Walcheski and Rienke (Eds.), Family Life Education: The Practice of Family Science (3rd ed.) Minneapolis:
National Council on Family Relations.