Welcome!
Our mission at the Thrive Center for Human Development is to catalyze a movement of human thriving, with and for others. We conduct research and develop resources at the nexus of spirituality and human thriving in order to promote whole individuals and societies.

Our Thrive Model
To thrive is to grow in authenticity with and for others and for a greater purpose. Our research at the Thrive Center has led us to understand thriving from both a spiritual and psychological perspective. Our goal is to provide a rigorous and substantive view of thriving that challenges popular notions of the word.
Latest Posts
What’s Love got to do with it?
I I am often asked about strategies for thriving. “How do I thrive?” “What practices help with thriving?” Thriving is complicated, and individuals thrive differently. However, I have a simple answer to the question of how to thrive. Offer more love. Love provides heart and motivation for the growth and contribution so essential for thriving – the love of…
+ Read MoreWant more Love and Closeness?
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.” His Holiness, the Dalai Lama If you ask me, love is one of the most beautiful concepts there is. While love is not always easy, in my darkest hours, I am rarely soothed by the things I dislike. When the workload is too demanding, the back-to-back Zoom calls…
+ Read MoreWhat is Thriving and Why is it Important?
Thriving is living life on purpose. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10b) Psychology and theology come together to provide a vision for the good life What is the fuss about thriving? From Kaiser Permanente to Petco, everyone uses the word. It’s an appealing idea, the…
+ Read MorePause and say thanks this holiday season
Gratitude affect happiness and wellbeing primarily through positive relationships. We finding that beliefs matters toward experiences and practices of gratitude.
+ Read MorePracticing the 5 A’s to Slow down and Offer Thanks
Practicing gratitude has the power to transform and involves our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Pay attention to this powerful positive emotion using these simple steps to guide you. Attune Become aware of the emotions you experience when you consider gifts you have received. Perhaps you feel the emotions of delight and joy; let them point you…
+ Read MoreThriving through Resilience and Trauma, Part 2
Dr. Cynthia Eriksson offers a 5 tier framework for recovery from trauma and building resilience.
+ Read MoreAccessing the Transcendent: How might we practice something that seems so existential?
Dr. Cynthia Eriksson reflects on rituals and to help us connect to the transcendent – something beyond ourselves.
+ Read MoreGetting Started
Online Course
Learn how to apply our Thrive Model to your own life and leadership through our new course on FULLER Equip!
Resource Hub
We offer psychologically-informed practices to help guide you and your community.
Spirituality
Research has long affirmed that spirituality can help our identity, sense of meaning, and purpose.
Shop
Explore books and chapters written by our faculty on topics related to thriving.
Support Our Mission
The Thrive Center is on a mission to inform, inspire, and inform leaders and their communities to thrive and live lives that matter. Learn how you can support our mission and make a difference by putting research findings into practice!
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