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Proverbial positive psychology: can we leverage
African ancient wisdom to promote flourishing?

Richard Appiah

To cite this article: Richard Appiah (21 Nov 2023): Proverbial positive psychology: can we
leverage African ancient wisdom to promote flourishing?, The Journal of Positive Psychology,
DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2023.2282771

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Proverbial positive psychology: can we leverage African ancient wisdom to 
promote flourishing?
Richard Appiaha,b,c,d

aDepartment of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; bCollege of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, 
Ghana; cDepartment of Psychology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; dCenter for African Studies, Harvard University, 
Cambridge, USA

ABSTRACT
A potentially fructuous approach to fostering mental health and flourishing in Africa is to leverage 
traditional African proverbs and maxims aligned with positive psychology themes and constructs 
within the framework of positive psychology interventions (PPIs). This paper explores the potential 
for integrating (African) proverbs into PPIs to foster well-being and flourishing among African 
populations. I reference specific proverbs to explore their literal, metaphorical, moral, and episte-
mological import and inherent values, as well as their prospective utilization in promoting positive 
relationships, kindness and empathy, teamwork and collaboration, gratitude, truthfulness and 
honesty, and patience and humility, demonstrating how proverbs hold promise for promoting 
flourishing in the African context. I propose the CAPPI (Customization and Application of Proverbs in 
Positive Interventions) framework to guide researchers and practitioners in exploring and incorpor-
ating (African) proverbs into interventions. By embracing diverse cultural perspectives, positive 
psychology can enhance its impact on global well-being and create a more inclusive approach to 
research and intervention design.

ARTICLE HISTORY 
Received 15 July 2023  
Accepted 28 September 2023 

KEYWORDS 
Positive psychology 
interventions; Proverbs; 
Proverbial positive 
psychology; CAPPI; African 
ancient wisdom; African- 
tailored positive psychology 
interventions

On the basis of evidence from epidemiological surveys, 
previous research (e.g., Huppert, 2005; Rose, 1981; Rose 
et al., 2008) and more recent ones (e.g. Aerts & Boufford,  
2023; Hibbard et al., 2017) have argued that the better 
way to minimize the prevalence of common mental 
disorders (e.g., depression), at the population level, in 
the long term, is to identify individuals with potential 
vulnerabilities and intervene at the general, non-clinical 
population level. This proposition is based on the evi-
dence indicating that most individuals who developed 
mental disorders in the cumulative year were previously 
only languishing but vulnerable (Keyes, 2005, 2012). This 
is in line with the public health literature that suggests 
that the prevalence of common health problems (e.g., 
hypertension, heart failure, substance abuse etc.) in any 
society correlates with the prevalence of the risk factors 
or symptoms of the health condition in the general 
population (Firth et al., 2019). To this end, a wealth of 
literature has highlighted the limitations of the deficit- 
focused model (Mrazek & Haggerty, 1994) and demon-
strated the theoretical and practical values in promoting 
human strengths and virtues, by generating evidence 
from empirical research and translating it into activities 

and programs to promote the mental health and well- 
being of both general and clinical population groups 
(Botvin & Griffin, 2015). A cogent approach to promoting 
public mental health and reducing the incidence of 
mental disorders in the general population is to leverage 
the strengths and resources of the target population. 
This involves generating and scaling up evidence- 
based, context-tailored, community- and individual- 
delivered mental health promotion programs (Eaton 
et al., 2011; Jordans & Kohrt, 2020). The quest to exploit 
innate strengths and capacities of individuals, groups, 
and institutions for their development and well-being 
aligns with the goals and objectives of positive psychol-
ogy. Positive psychology is focused on examining and 
advancing the conditions and processes that contribute 
to optimal functioning (i.e., flourishing) of individuals, 
groups, and institutions (Keyes, 2013; Seligman, 2002).

Pioneered by Seligman and colleagues over two dec-
ades ago, the overarching goal of positive psychology is 
to explore the traits, strengths (and weaknesses), and 
capacities of individuals, groups, and institutions and to 
harness these attributes to optimize well-being and 
functioning. This approach to promoting human 

CONTACT Richard Appiah richard.appiah@northumbria.ac.uk; riappiah@ug.edu.gh Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle 
upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK

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flourishing, championed by Martin Seligman and other 
scholars since 2000, has garnered the interest and sup-
port of several researchers and practitioners. To a large 
extent, positive psychology has steered a shift in how 
mental health is operationalized and the frameworks 
and approaches to understanding and promoting public 
mental health. Presently, there have been vociferous 
calls for less emphasis on deficit-focused orientations 
(Mrazek & Haggerty, 1994) in exploring and promoting 
mental health. Instead, there is a shift toward 
a competence enhancement model (Botvin & Griffin,  
2015) that targets the examination and promotion of 
traits, virtues, and strengths in people to enhance their 
mental health functioning and well-being. Generally, 
positive psychology explores and utilizes psychological 
constructs, theories, and research findings to develop 
intervention programs – positive psychology interven-
tions (PPIs) – to help individuals, groups, communities, 
and institutions to facilitate the identification and use of 
strengths, gain knowledge, and practicalize skills to 
enhance their well-being and functioning.

Positive psychology studies have examined human 
constructs such as kindness, teamwork, hope, gratitude, 
creativity, optimism, spirituality, and personal growth to 
theorize, hypothesize, and explore the pathways and 
mechanisms that promote human functioning and well- 
being (van Agteren et al., 2021). For instance, constructs 
such as kindness and teamwork have been employed in 
the development of PPIs to cultivate friendships and 
foster the establishment of peer support and social net-
works (Brannan et al., 2013), thereby enhancing positive 
experiences that contribute to happiness and protection 
against depression. Similarly, PPIs that incorporate the 
constructs of hope, spirituality, and gratitude have been 
utilized to enhance mental well-being by providing con-
solation during setbacks and helping individuals culti-
vate a deeper sense of purpose and connection to others 
(Falb & Pargament, 2014). Some PPIs have also inte-
grated psychosocial skills (e.g., problem-solving, goal 
setting), creativity, and optimism to facilitate personal 
growth and development (Bolier et al., 2013), and to 
help individuals avoid harmful experiences (e.g., addic-
tion) that decrease well-being (Carr et al., 2021; van 
Agteren et al., 2021). Generally, strengths-based and 
health behavior change intervention programs are, in 
part, meticulously crafted to align with the core values 
held by the target population (Hendriks & Graafsma,  
2019; van Zyl et al., 2023). Yet, although the last decade 
has witnessed a considerable growth in PPIs in Africa 
(Appiah et al., 2020, 2022; Guse, 2022), the majority of 
these interventions have been straightforward replicas 
of Western-designed models, primarily intended for 
Western populations. I contend that the key to 

designing effective and culturally-relevant interventions 
for the African context lies in aligning them with the core 
values and norms intrinsic to African societies. However, 
the question of what values and psychological con-
structs should be explored and promoted in the 
African context, as well as the practical mecahnisms 
and frameworks to expedite their unitlization in promot-
ing mental health and positive behavioral changes, has 
not been well examined.

The overarching goal of this paper is to explore what 
values proverbs hold in the African context and to exam-
ine whether and how researchers can draw on them to 
inform the design of strengths-based health behavior 
interventions to promote well-being and flourishing in 
the African setting. This goal has been completed with 
several specific aims. Firstly, I revisit the context-wise 
criticism of existing PPIs; that most interventions are 
WEIRD (Western-, Educated-, Industrialized-, Rich- and 
Democratic) and unrepresentative of the experiences 
and expressions of people across contexts. Secondly, 
I draw on a consilience of evidence from the literature 
to highlight the potentiality of proverbs as a repository 
of epistemological and pedagogical resources that can 
be further explored and integrated into strengths-based 
and behavior change intervention programs in Africa. 
Next, I examine selected Ghanaian proverbs that coa-
lesce around six themes akin to positive psychology 
concepts and constructs, including positive relation-
ships, kindness and empathy, teamwork and collabora-
tion, gratitude, truthfulness and honesty, as well as 
patience and humility. I explicate the literal and meta-
phorical meanings of these proverbs and argue why and 
how they may be strategically applied in specific PPIs to 
enhance positive behavioral changes and flourishing. 
Subsequently, I propose a framework (CAPPI: 
Customization and Application of Proverbs in Positive 
Interventions) to guide the integration of proverbs and 
maxims into PPIs and strengths-based interventions for 
use in Africa. In the final section, I demonstrate how 
proverbs are potentially fructuous medium to enhancing 
well-being and flourishing, particularly in the African 
context.

Effective, but WEIRD PPIs

Findings from several meta-analyses and systematic 
reviews suggest that PPIs can enhance subjective well- 
being and minimize psychopathological symptoms, 
such as anxiety and depression (Bolier et al., 2013; Carr 
et al., 2021; Hendriks et al., 2020; van Agteren et al., 2021; 
Weiss et al., 2016). However, much of the research comes 
from a specific Western perspective (Hendriks et al.,  
2019), prioritize the individual as the central subject of 

2 R. APPIAH



investigation (Lomas et al., 2021), with their scope and 
metatheoretical assumptions more aligned to Western 
value systems (Wissing, 2022). Although recent effort has 
sought to broaden the scope and methodological 
approaches of positive psychology to research and prac-
tice, many of the frameworks and interventions remain 
WEIRD – are developed and evaluated from Western 
perspectives and largely developed with samples from 
Educated, Industrialized, and Democratic contexts 
(Hendriks et al., 2019; van Zyl et al., 2023), which may 
limit their generalizability to other cultural contexts. The 
third wave of positive psychology calls for a broadening 
in the scope and methods of positive psychology to 
individuals and groups from underprivileged societies 
who are largely presently neglected, underrepresented, 
and underserved (Lomas et al., 2021; Wissing, 2022). 
Several guidelines have been developed to offer direc-
tions to researchers in designing context-specific PPIs or 
to adapt existing ones to specific contexts (Hendriks & 
Graafsma, 2019; Schick et al., 2021; Van Zyl & Rothmann,  
2019).

A recent scoping review of PPIs in Africa found that 
despite the growing number of PPIs over the past dec-
ade, the majority of the studies merely replicated exist-
ing themes and intervention strategies designed and 
evaluated from Western perspectives and value systems 
(Guse, 2022). A recent Editorial that collated works on 
whether, how, and why PPIs are effective in non-WEIRD 
contexts also identified, amongst others, the need to 
adopt broader research (methodological) approaches 
and draw on the values akin to the cultural norms of 
the target beneficiaries (Duan et al., 2022).

While findings from these emerging studies hint at 
the prospect of PPIs contributing to promoting mental 
well-being in non-WEIRD population contexts (Ng & 
Ong, 2022; van Zyl et al., 2023), there is need to explore 
and consider the sociocultural, theoretical, and metho-
dological issues that could possibly constrain the design, 
uptake, and effectiveness of PPIs in the relatively collec-
tivistically oriented and culturally-laden African context 
(Appiah, 2022a). For instance, drawing on field experi-
ences and observations from designing and evaluating 
PPIs and health behavior change programs in the rural 
settings of Ghana, Appiah (2022a, 2023) argued that 
although PPIs hold promise for producing positive 
results in the Africa sub-region, the content, structure 
of sessions, and delivery approach should be adapted to, 
or embedded in, the cultural values of the target popu-
lation and tailored to the needs, capacities, and circum-
stances of participants, if they are to be effective. 
Further, Appiah (2023) suggests that PPIs intended for 
individuals in rural, socioeconomically disadvantaged, 
and relatively collectivistic settings in Africa should 

focus on the needs of target population (rather than 
a generalized quest to promote mental health), should 
include context-appropriate strategies to facilitate inter- 
personal and intra-personal change processes, be imple-
mented by trained session facilitators with a deep 
knowledge of the sociocultural values and norms of 
the target group and in the principles and theories that 
underpin the intervention program, and should draw 
from the values, norms, and practices akin to the target 
population. However, the question of which human vir-
tues hold considerable importance in the African context 
that can be utilized to foster well-being and flourishing 
across population and contexts has not been well exam-
ined. I contend that African proverbs are cultural treas-
ures of wisdom and offer a rich resource to shape 
strengths-based interventions with a high prospect for 
empowering individuals and communities towards 
flourishing.

Proverbs as a (epistemological) repository for 
PPIs

Proverbs are well-crafted, succinct words of wisdom 
imbued with a deep knowledge of the sociocultural 
norms and values of a group, often based on human 
experiences and insights that are passed on from one 
generation to another (Agyemang et al., 2015; Appiah 
et al., 2007; Dei et al., 2018). Historically, most African 
traditional societies relied on oral, not written commu-
nication, to reinforce moral and social precepts (Appiah 
et al., 2007). Whereas proverbs may merely be consid-
ered by people in other contexts as words of wisdom 
that are used in everyday conversations, they hold much 
value in most of Africa. Amongst the Akans of Ghana, for 
instance, a person is considered enlightened and cul-
tured when they use proverbs in their speeches – to 
enrich their communication with imagery, philosophy, 
humor, and symbolism (Appiah et al., 2007; Dei et al.,  
2018). In public engagements, people reserve specific 
proverbs to end their arguments, share their perspective 
on a matter under discussion, or provide a summary of 
a speaker’s stance (Appiah et al., 2007). To the extent 
that proverbs form apart of the everyday discourse in 
much of Africa, they stand as viable pathways for inform-
ing the creation of interventional messages that can 
appeal to the African peoples. Across Africa, proverbs, 
in various forms and nature, have been central in dis-
courses to express, summarize, and emphasize one’s 
views and stance. The Rwandan proverb, ‘When the 
occasion arises, there is a proverb that suits it’, similar to 
the Ethiopian proverb, ‘Speech without proverb is like 
food without salt’, as well the Ghanaian proverbs, 
‘Proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten’; 

THE JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 3



‘Without sleep there is no dream, without proverbs there is 
no discourse’ highlight the relevance and place of pro-
verbs in the daily engagements of the African people 
(Dei et al., 2018).

Psychologically speaking, many African proverbs 
incite careful reflection and analysis to decipher their 
cultural meaning and practical significance, consistent 
with the approaches adopted by transformative learning 
theory and the humanistic psychology to education and 
learning (Dei et al., 2018; Girardi, 2010). The significance 
of proverbs in African communities cannot be overem-
phasized. Firstly, the African people use proverbs to 
enrich and sophisticate speech, despite its brevity 
(Appiah et al., 2007; Dei et al., 2018; Gyekye, 2002). 
Secondly, a person who skillfully interweaves proverbs 
into their speech, appropriately reflecting each proverb’s 
social context, is regarded as wise and enhances their 
credibility and social status (Appiah et al., 2007; Dei et al.,  
2018; Wiredu, 2009). Proverbs are not only used to 
shorten potentially long ideas and statements, but also 
serve as a form of entertainment. For instance, presently, 
a growing number of radio and television stations in 
Ghana (e.g., Peace FM, Kingdom FM, Agoo FM, 
Nyansapo TV, and Ampa TV) offer time slots for indivi-
duals and groups to compete in showcasing their knowl-
edge and prowess in using proverbs, or as a phone-in 
session where callers are asked to complete an uncom-
mon proverb and explain its literal and metaphorical 
meanings. Proverbs are also commonly used in news-
paper reviews, news, and advertisements on local radio 
and television stations in Ghana (Agyekum, 2000; Wiafe- 
Akenten, 2021). Thirdly, people rely on the complexity 
and completeness of proverbs to address complex 
human needs and experiences, and are resorted when 
initiating a difficult discussion, such as when breaking 
bad news or during a conflict resolution (Dei et al., 2018).

Proverbs hold promise as a strategy for improving 
mental well-being and positive behavior. However, cri-
tical knowledge gaps on the values that proverbs offer 
hold us back, and we have not explored whether and 
how they can be integrated into the design of context- 
tailored, potentially effective PPIs. Such effort could have 
important implications for public mental health: 
a successful incorporation of widely used, context- 
specific, and value-laden proverbs into positive interven-
tions may resonate with, and appeal to, the local popu-
lation and can potentially lead to positive behavioral 
changes and functioning. Values – both cultural and 
ethical – vary across contexts and influence people’s 
behavior (Prinzing, 2021; Schwartz, 2017). Much of the 
so-called universal human values have emerged from, 
and are informed by, the Western-individualistic cultural 
orientation and value systems (Schwartz, 2006). 

However, empirical research from other contexts, parti-
cularly relatively collectivistic, non-Western settings, 
such as Africa and Asia, have revealed different set of 
values and what individuals conceive as the good life 
(Bardi & Goodwin, 2011; Wilson Fadiji et al., 2021), chal-
lenging the long-held notion that some cognitive and 
epistemic values (e.g., individual autonomy), previously 
considered as universal, are not necessarily held in high 
esteem across all contexts. To the extent that there are 
possible variations in what is considered valuable vir-
tues, a one-size-fits-all approach to promoting a set of 
so-called universal values and virtues, is inappropriately 
narrow (Appiah, 2022a; Ng & Lim, 2019). Psychologically 
speaking, sub-Saharan Africa, more generally, has 
unique sets of rich values that make the region viable 
for positive psychology research and practice.

There have been vociferous calls to design and scale- 
up context-specific, community-based mental health 
promotion programs to bolster (positive) mental health 
and build capacities and strengths of individuals and 
communities to thrive and flourish (Eaton et al., 2011; 
Patel et al., 2018). These calls necessitate a reclaim of 
indigenous cultural knowledges, values/virtue, sages, 
norms, and maxims to inform research and practice in 
Africa and the Global South, more generally. Given that 
proverbs shape people's conception of self, community, 
and social responsibility and accountability (see Dei 
et al., 2018), and underpin the social values system and 
serve as repository of knowledge and epistemology 
(Appiah et al., 2007; Gyekye, 2002), they are potentially 
a viable medium and mechanism for facilitating (posi-
tive) behavioral changes. Some work exists that chroni-
cles proverbs and their localized understanding and 
significance (Appiah et al., 2007; Dei et al., 2018). 
I contend that it is feasible and important to draw on 
these repositories to explore embedded knowledge and 
cultural values that are critical for positive and strengths- 
based behavior change intervention programs. An 
important caution, however, is that although proverbs 
are typically used in private and public discourses across 
the African context, they speak to specific local contexts 
and thus may not hold the same meaning and value 
across the region.

Potentiality of proverb-driven PPIs

In the paragraphs that follow, I explicate the potential 
epistemological, pedagogical, theoretical, and practical 
utility of African proverbs in informing the design of 
context-tailored, strengths-based PPIs to foster (mental) 
well-being and flourishing in Africa. Altogether, 18 pro-
verbs, grouped under six themes (i.e., positive relation-
ships, kindness and empathy, teamwork and 

4 R. APPIAH



collaboration, gratitude, truthfulness and honesty, and 
patience and humility), are used as a proof of concept to 
demonstrate the potential utility of proverbs in driving 
context-informed mental health and (positive) behavior 
change intervention programs in Ghana and Africa, 
more generally (see Table 1: Supplementary material). 
I proffer suggestions to illustrate how the proverbs can 
be harnessed to amplify the acceptance and effective-
ness of PPIs in African communities. This paper draws 
from the proverbs chronicled in the works of Appiah 
et al. (2007) and Dei et al. (2018), both of which provide 
comprehensive catalogues and interpretations of hun-
dreds of Ghanaian and African proverbs.

Relationships/community

Fostering a mutual, positive relationship is a highly 
prized goal of positive psychology (van Agteren 
et al., 2021). Current empirical research and PPIs 
emphasize the importance of building positive, 
healthy relationships among individuals and groups; 
positive relationships have shown, for instance, to con-
tribute to greater well-being and overall life satisfac-
tion (Lyubomirsky et al., 2005). In the African context, 
relationships are often conceptualized within 
a communal framework, emphasizing interdepen-
dence, communal values, social connections, and col-
lectivism (Wissing et al., 2020). Generally, family and 
community are central to relationship dynamics, with 
an emphasis on shared responsibilities, mutual sup-
port, and kinship ties (Logan, 2018). Traditional values 
such as Ubuntu, which highlights human interconnect-
edness, serve as guiding principles for the promotion 
of relationships, cultural norms and rituals; and the art 
of storytelling are instrumental in nurturing relation-
ships that transcend generations (Murove, 2020). 
Proverbs and maxims founded on these traditional 
norms and values are potentials for fostering commu-
nal harmony, intergenerational respect, and for main-
taining social cohesion (Etieyibo, 2022). In the analysis 
that follows, I employ three specific proverbs to illus-
trate the multifaceted, literal, and metaphorical inter-
pretations, as well as to explore the moral, 
epistemological, pedagogical, and practical implica-
tions and potentials of these proverbs in advancing 
positive relationships and nurturing a sense of com-
munity in the African context.

“The eyes don’t cry while the nose sits; the trouble 
of your kin is your own trouble”

This proverb emphasizes the importance of empathy, 
compassion, and interconnectedness in fostering 

positive relationships and communication. It conveys 
the idea that when someone close to you is experiencing 
difficulties or challenges, it is your responsibility to offer 
support and assistance. In essence, we should not 
remain indifferent to the suffering of those close to us, 
because their problems and challenges are intertwined 
with our own. This proverb harbors important insight for 
PPIs in the African context. Firstly, it can be used to 
encourage program participants to recognize and 
empathize with the challenges faced by their loved 
ones. Possibly, this proverb can be integrated into activ-
ities that enhance empathy skills, such as perspective- 
taking exercises, to help participants to develop 
a deeper understanding of others’ experiences, thereby 
fostering compassion towards their struggles. Secondly, 
because the proverb highlights the importance of being 
present for our kin and offering support during difficult 
times, it can inform interventions that focus on building 
and maintaining strong social support networks by 
encouraging participants to actively engage with their 
family and friends, fostering a sense of interconnected-
ness and a willingness to lend a helping hand. Thirdly, by 
emphasizing the idea that the problems of our loved 
ones are our own problems as well, the proverb can be 
utilized to encourage participants to take responsibility 
for their actions and their impact on others, thus creat-
ing a sense of accountability and promoting positive 
behavioral changes in relationships. Because some peo-
ple in the relatively collectivistic, often patriarchal, con-
texts of Africa may be reluctant to share their woes with 
others so not to bother them (Appiah, 2022b), this pro-
verb can be leveraged to provoke an open and honest 
communication within families and close relationships, 
thereby promoting a sense of belonging and 
connectedness.

“When you gather firewood, you invite others to 
light their fire”

This proverb underscores the importance of generosity, 
community, and sharing resources. It suggests that 
when one takes the initiative to gather firewood, sym-
bolizing meeting one’s own needs or pursuing personal 
goals, it creates an opportunity for others to benefit and 
fulfil their own desires or aspirations. Thus, when people 
engage in activities that are beneficial to themselves, 
they present an opening for others to also benefit and 
succeed. This proverb offers important lessons for PPIs 
intended for the African context. Firstly, it highlights the 
positive impact of generosity on both individuals and 
the community. Inherently, the proverb could stimulate 
and encourage participants to develop a mindset of 
giving and sharing, encompassing not just material 

THE JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 5



resources but also time, support, and kindness, fostering 
a sense of interconnectedness and strengthening rela-
tionships. Further, the proverb suggests that when one 
takes the initiative, it invites others to follow suit. This 
message could serve to create an environment where 
participants feel encouraged and supported in pursuing 
their goals and aspirations, hence instilling a sense of 
collaboration. Thirdly, by symbolizing and equating the 
gathering of firewood with pursuing personal goals and 
aspirations, interventionists can leverage the proverb to 
help participants to identify and pursue their passions, 
values, and strengths. Lastly, by encouraging partici-
pants to align their actions with their sense of purpose 
and meaning, the proverb can be used to inspire and 
motivate participants to find and pursue their own 
paths.

“A single broomstick cannot sweep the floor”

This proverb highlights the importance of collaboration, 
teamwork, and interdependence in achieving a goal or 
solving a problem. It suggests that individual efforts 
alone are not sufficient to accomplish a task or create 
meaningful change. Instead, it highlights the need for 
collective action and cooperation to achieve success. 
This proverb, although short, has several potential appli-
cations for promoting positive behavioral changes and 
flourishing. Firstly, the proverb emphasizes the power of 
working together towards a common goal. This reso-
nates with a cardinal goal of positive psychology – to 
foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration. The pro-
verb can be integrated into group activities, team- 
building exercises, and cooperative problem-solving 
tasks to help participants to develop a greater apprecia-
tion for collaboration and to recognize the value of 
working together. Secondly, the proverb inherently 
implies that each person contributes something unique 
to the collective effort, thus effectively conveying that 
every individual brings a distinct and valuable element 
to a group or collective endeavor. This acknowledge-
ment can be a foundation of a PPI that aims to encou-
rage participants to recognize and appreciate the 
strengths, skills, and perspectives of others, conse-
quently encouraging inclusivity and cooperative 
behavior.

Another important prospective utility of this proverb 
is its capability to cultivate a sense of interdependence. 
The proverb, for instance, underscores the idea that 
individuals rely on each other to achieve a common 
objective, thereby emphasizing the interdependence of 
individuals in various aspects of life. This insight, to some 
degree, can be incorporated into activities that highlight 
interconnectivity, such as discussing the impact of 

actions on others or exploring the concept of shared 
responsibility. Of note, the proverb, with its self-implied 
suggestion that the collective effort is essential for suc-
cess, can be emphasized in collaborative-driven beha-
vior change intervention sessions to help participants to 
recognize and value the contributions of each team 
member. This can spark a sense of pride and unity, and 
reinforce positive behavioral changes and encourage 
continued collaboration.

Kindness/empathy

Kindness and empathy – much like relationships – are 
important constructs of positive psychology research 
and intervention. Positive psychology research, shows, 
for instance, that practicing kindness and empathy has 
numerous benefits, including enhancing well-being 
and happiness (Passmore & Oades, 2015), improving 
social connections and reducing stress (Hutcherson 
et al., 2008), and inspiring others to engage in proso-
cial behavior (Aknin et al., 2019). Overall, fostering 
kindness and empathy promotes positive emotions 
and strengthens interpersonal relationships 
(Lyubomirsky et al., 2005). In the African context, kind-
ness and empathy are conceptualized as integral com-
ponents of communal relationships and societal well- 
being (Mugumbate & Nyanguru, 2013). Acts of kind-
ness are encouraged to promote social cohesion and 
harmony (Kumar & Epley, 2023). Empathy, more 
broadly, involves understanding others’ experiences 
and showing compassion (Gyekye, 2002). Various 
methods, including cultural practices (e.g., proverbs), 
community-driven initiatives, and participatory 
approaches are used to promote kindness and empa-
thy at diffrent levels (i.e., individual, family, and socie-
tal) by transmitting values and shared experiences 
(Gyekye, 2002, 2014). The subsequent discussion uti-
lizes three selected proverbs as vehicles for unpacking 
the literal and metaphorical connotations, in addition 
to examining the moral, epistemological, pedagogical, 
and practical dimensions and potentials of these pro-
verbs in nurturing and facilitating kindness and empa-
thy within the African context.

“The good you do for others, you do for yourself”

This proverb emphasizes the interconnectedness of 
kindness and empathy and suggests that when indivi-
duals engage in acts of goodness and show kindness 
towards others, they also benefit themselves. The pro-
verb highlights the reciprocal nature of positive actions 
and the positive impact they have on both the giver and 
the recipient. Essentially, the proverb suggests that acts 

6 R. APPIAH



of goodness benefit both the giver and the recipient. 
This has several important implications for PPIs. Firstly, 
this notion can be utilized to emphasize the importance 
of participating in acts of kindness and altruism. This can 
be used to encourage program participants to proac-
tively seek opportunities to help others, whether 
through volunteering, random acts of kindness, or pro-
viding support to those in need. Secondly, by implying 
that through acts of kindness individuals can develop 
empathy and a deeper understanding of others’ needs 
and experiences, the proverb can be used to encourage 
program participants to empathize, consider different 
perspectives, and strive to connect with others on 
a deeper level. Thirdly, the proverb highlights the inter-
connected nature of our actions and their impact on 
ourselves and others. This aligns with the goal of positive 
psychology to advance a sense of interconnectedness 
among individuals. In this instance, the proverb can be 
utilized to encourage participants to recognize that their 
actions influence the well-being of others and the 
broader community.

“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only 
compassion can heal”

This proverb expresses the profound impact of kindness 
and empathy in addressing emotional pain and suffer-
ing. It suggests that acts of kindness have the power to 
provide comfort and healing to those who are hurting, 
even when words or solutions may not be enough. It 
further highlights the importance of compassion and 
understanding in promoting positive emotional well- 
being. By conveying the significance of kind gestures, 
this proverb can be used to encourage participants to 
engage in small acts of kindness towards others, such as 
offering a listening ear, providing support, or performing 
acts of service. The proverb also underscores the role of 
compassion in healing emotional wounds, making it 
a potentially viable medium to encourage program par-
ticipants to develop their empathy skills by seeking to 
understand others’ experiences, perspectives, and emo-
tions. Lastly, the proverb highlights the positive impact 
of kind gestures and compassion on emotional healing. 
This insight can be used to educate individuals on the 
psychological benefits of kindness and compassion, 
such as reduced stress, increased well-being, and 
improved relationships.

“The hand that gives is never empty”

This proverb accentuates the perspective that acts of 
giving and kindness are not depleting; instead, they 

are enriching and rewarding. The proverb suggests 
that when we extend generosity and compassion 
towards others, we create a cycle of abundance and 
fulfilment, experiencing the benefits of our giving 
nature. The central message of this proverb is that 
the hand that gives is never empty, implying that 
giving leads to receiving. This is an important con-
cept that can be leveraged to encourage participants 
to reflect on, and express gratitude for, the opportu-
nities they have to give and the positive experiences 
and connections that result from their acts of gener-
osity. Further, the proverb infers that giving is 
a source of fulfilment and purpose. This inference 
can serve as a foundation for PPIs assisting partici-
pants to explore their values and passions, to identify 
causes or areas where they can make a meaningful 
impact. This proverb can be used to nurture a culture 
of reciprocity by encouraging participants to embrace 
the concept of giving and receiving and to encou-
rage them to reflect on the positive emotions and 
personal growth that arise from acts of giving. By 
focusing on the inherent benefits of giving, this pro-
verb can inspire individuals to engage in positive 
behavioral changes.

Teamwork/collaboration

Positive psychology research explores and promotes the 
positive outcomes of teamwork and collaboration. 
Effective teamwork has been associated with job satisfac-
tion, productivity, and organizational performance (Driskell 
et al., 2018). Collaboration enhances creativity, problem- 
solving, innovation, fosters positive relationships and com-
munication, and contributes to individual well-being and 
a positive work environment (Salas et al., 2017). Within the 
African context, teamwork and collaboration are concep-
tualized as essential for collective progress and community 
development. African philosophies such as Ubuntu empha-
size interdependence, cooperation, and shared responsibil-
ity (Madise & Isike, 2020). Communal values of solidarity 
and inclusivity (e.g., communal work) promote collabora-
tive efforts and foster teamwork by pooling resources and 
labor for community projects (Ikuenobe, 2016). Indigenous 
knowledge systems and oral traditions also encourage 
collaborative problem-solving and knowledge sharing 
(Gyekye, 2002, 2014). Much of Africa adopts collaborative 
leadership approaches, such as consensus-building and 
participatory decision-making, to foster teamwork and col-
lective action (Madise & Isike, 2020; Salas et al., 2017). The 
ensuing three proverbs serve as vehicles to elucidating 
both the literal and metapharical interpretattions, along 

THE JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 7



with the moral, epistemological, pedagogical, and practical 
facets of the proverbs in promoting teamwork and colla-
boration in the African context.

“One hand does not tie a bundle”

This proverb conveys the importance of collaboration, 
cooperation, and collective effort in achieving success, 
suggesting that individuals working together can 
achieve more than they could on their own. The proverb 
illustrates the value of teamwork and the idea that col-
lective action is necessary to accomplish significant tasks 
or overcome challenges. By reinforcing the need for 
multiple individuals to work together, the proverb can 
be applied to foster teamwork and collaboration among 
individuals. For instance, it can be harnessed to encou-
rage group activities, team-building exercises, and coop-
erative projects that require participants to work 
together towards a shared goal. In addition, the proverb 
implies that the task at hand cannot be accomplished by 
a single person, spurring a sense of shared responsibility 
within a community or group. Moreover, the proverb 
suggests that every individual has unique strengths 
that contribute to the collective effort. This understand-
ing can be utilized to encourage participants to identify 
and appreciate their own strengths and the strengths of 
others. Lastly, the proverb infers that the combined 
effort of many can achieve greater results, underscoring 
the collective impact that can be made through colla-
boration. This proverb, by drawing attention to the 
power of collective action, can be employed to motivate 
program participants to engage in behaviors that pro-
mote teamwork, cooperation, and positive change.

“One hand washes the other, and together, they 
wash the face”

This proverb illuminates the idea of mutual cooperation 
and support. It proposes that by working together and 
assisting one another, positive outcomes can be 
achieved for everyone involved. Fundamentally, the pro-
verb exudes the importance of working together 
towards a common goal, provoking a sense of collabora-
tion and cooperation among individuals or groups. This 
belief can be used to encourage teamwork and to 
emphasize the benefits of collective effort. Additionally, 
the proverb spotlights the value of interdependence and 
the strength that comes from working together – this 
perspective can inform the design of PPIs aimed at 
building social connections and networks, providing 
opportunities for program participants to come together 
and collaborate. Another embedded epiphany is that by 
combining efforts, individuals can achieve better results; 

a useful insight for developing problem-solving and 
decision-making skills within a collaborative context. 
Lastly, the proverb insinuates that people are intercon-
nected and have a responsibility towards each other. 
This is another important assertion that can be lever-
aged to emphasize the importance of collective respon-
sibility and the impact of individual actions on the 
collective well-being.

“When you help another up a hill, you get to the 
top yourself”

This proverb stresses the mutual benefits of helping and 
supporting others, suggesting that by assisting others in 
their journey or challenges, individuals also uplift them-
selves and achieve personal growth and success. 
Specifically, the proverb underscores the value of selfless 
acts of kindness, and can be integrated into PPIs aimed 
at cultivating participants’ altruistic behaviors, thereby 
encouraging them to help and support others selflessly. 
Further, with its emphasis on the importance of colla-
boration and teamwork in achieving common goals, the 
proverb can be leveraged to inspire people to work 
together, share resources, and support each other’s pro-
gress. This can promote positive behavioral changes that 
enhance cooperation, synergy, and shared success. Of 
note, the proverb also reinforces the idea that helping 
others can lead to personal growth and achievement. 
The proverb, therefore, can be used to help program 
participants to develop skills and knowledge that enable 
them to support others effectively.

Gratitude

A wealth of evidence from the positive psychology lit-
erature has shown that practicing gratitude is associated 
with increased life satisfaction, positive emotions, and 
decreased depressive symptoms (Cunha et al., 2019). 
Gratitude interventions, such as gratitude journaling 
and gratitude letters, have been found to enhance sub-
jective well-being and improve mental health outcomes 
(Lomas et al., 2014). Empirical evidence suggests that 
grateful individuals also experience better physical 
health, improved sleep quality, and stronger social con-
nections (Boggiss et al., 2020), highlighting the impor-
tance of incorporating gratitude practices into 
interventions to promote overall flourishing. In most of 
Africa, gratitude is conceptualized as a fundamental vir-
tue deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual traditions. 
Gratitude, more broadly, involves acknowledging bles-
sings, expressing appreciation, and showing humility 
(Ameka, 2006). African cultural practices, such as libation 
ceremonies or prayers of thanksgiving, reinforce 

8 R. APPIAH



gratitude by recognizing the interconnectedness of indi-
viduals and their relationships with ancestors, commu-
nity, and the natural world (Gyekye, 2002, 2014). 
Promoting gratitude in the African context involves fos-
tering a sense of interconnectedness, cultivating an atti-
tude of appreciation, and emphasizing the importance 
of reciprocity and giving back (Gyekye, 2010). To shed 
light on the subject at hand, I have selected three pro-
verbs for in-depth examination, aiming to unveil their 
literal and metaphorical interpretations, and to delve 
into the moral, epistemological, pedagogical, and prac-
tical aspects and potentials of these proverbs in the 
advancement of gratitude within the African milieu.

“When you rise, remember those who helped you 
climb”

This proverb intimates the importance of expressing 
gratitude and acknowledging the support and contribu-
tions of others on one’s journey to success. The proverb 
encourages individuals to recognize and express grati-
tude towards those who have aided and played a role in 
their achievements. By highlighting the value of grati-
tude towards those who have supported us, the proverb 
can be used to encourage program participants to 
reflect on and express appreciation for the people who 
have helped them along their journey and urge them to 
develop a positive outlook, thereby enhancing their 
well-being and strengthening their relationships. 
Further, with its emphasis on the interconnectedness 
of individuals and the impact of supportive relation-
ships, the proverb can be leveraged to promote 
a sense of connectedness by encouraging individuals 
to recognize and honor the contributions of others. 
This proverb fundamentally fosters a sense of belonging 
and interconnectedness and can be utilized to enhance 
social connections and promote positive behavioral 
changes that strengthen relationships and foster 
a supportive community. Another important potential 
utility of this proverb is that it can be leveraged to 
emphasize the importance of reciprocity and encourage 
individuals to extend support to others as they have 
received it. To some degree, the proverb can be used 
to help program participants to focus on cultivating 
humility by encouraging them to recognize their own 
limitations and the contributions of others.

“The rain that beats you also waters your 
neighbor’s farm”

This proverb expresses the idea that challenges or set-
backs faced by one individual can have positive effects 
on others. It suggests that while one may experience 

difficulties, there can be indirect benefits or opportu-
nities that arise from those challenges. Firstly, this pro-
verb conveys the message that even in challenging 
times, there can be positive aspects or opportunities 
for others, thus fostering a sense of appreciation for 
the interconnectedness of experiences. This belief can 
be integrated into PPIs intended to promote gratitude 
and perspective-taking to encourage participants to 
reflect on the interconnectedness of their experiences 
with those of others. Secondly, the proverb implies that 
adversities can have silver linings. Similarly, this perspec-
tive can be used to formulate PPIs focused on building 
resilience by helping program participants to reframe 
challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth 
and learning, thereby helping them to nurture 
a positive mindset and the ability to find hidden benefits 
in difficult situations. Lastly, the proverb implies that 
setbacks can lead to growth and development, thus 
emphasizing the belief that abilities can be developed 
through effort and experience. This notion can be lever-
aged to encourage participants to view challenges as 
opportunities for learning and improvement.

“An orphan who expresses appreciation in the 
evening receives more in the morning”

This proverb illuminates the value of expressing grati-
tude and appreciation. It suggests that acknowledging 
and showing gratitude for what one has, even in difficult 
circumstances, can lead to receiving more blessings and 
support in the future. By drawing attention to the impor-
tance of expressing gratitude for the blessings and sup-
port one receives, the proverb can be used to encourage 
participants to retrospect and appreciate the positive 
aspects of their lives, even in challenging situations. 
Moreover, the proverb stresses the role of expressing 
appreciation in building positive relationships and com-
munication. This concept can be utilized to emphasize 
the importance of positive communication skills, such as 
expressing gratitude, kindness, and appreciation 
towards others. Lastly, the proverb implies that expres-
sing appreciation can contribute to a sense of self-worth, 
and lead to more positive experiences, making it viable 
for nurturing self-worth and self- 
esteem. This could involve encouraging program parti-
cipants to recognize and value their own contributions 
and strengths.

Truthfulness/honesty

Positive psychology research and interventions have exam-
ined the constructs of truthfulness and honesty and their 
role in promoting well-being and positive relationships. 

THE JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 9



Honesty interventions, such as promoting ethical behavior 
and emphasizing the value of honesty, have shown positive 
outcomes, including increased subjective well-being and 
improved psychological functioning (Rivera et al., 2019; 
Weziak-Bialowolska et al., 2021). Truthful communication 
is associated with better psychological health, higher rela-
tionship satisfaction, and enhanced overall life satisfaction 
(Le et al., 2022), highlighting the significance of truthfulness 
and honesty in promoting personal well-being and cultivat-
ing positive social connections. Truthfulness and honesty 
are highly esteemed concepts in Africa and are promoted 
through cultural, religious, and educational channels. The 
Ubuntu philosophy, for instance, emphasizes integrity and 
trustworthiness, fostering a sense of communal responsi-
bility (Mbiti, 1990). At the national levels, traditional systems 
like Rwanda’s Gacaca courts prioritize truth-telling for heal-
ing and reconciliation (Clark, 2010). Overall, truthfulness 
and honesty are deeply rooted in African cultures and 
play a pivotal role in facilitating social cohesion and pro-
gress. The forthcoming trio of proverbs serves as a conduit 
for unraveling the dual interpretations - both literal and 
metaphorical - as well as the moral, epistemological, peda-
gogical, and practical applications of proverbs in fostering 
truthfulness and honesty in African communities.

“A witness dies because of his belly”

This proverb echoes the idea that remaining silent or with-
holding important information can have negative conse-
quences. It suggests that failing to speak up or testify 
truthfully can lead to harmful outcomes, both for oneself 
and others. This belief can be used to ideate a PPI focused 
on promoting honesty and integrity by encouraging parti-
cipants to speak up, share their perspectives, and commu-
nicate truthfully. A central theme of the proverb is that the 
witness’s silence or dishonesty leads to negative outcomes, 
an important belief that can be used in designing an inter-
vention program aimed at promoting ethical decision- 
making by encouraging participants to consider the con-
sequences of their actions and to act in ways that align with 
their values. Furthermore, by urging individuals to take 
responsibility for their actions and to speak up when neces-
sary, the proverb can be utilized to encourage participants 
to take ownership of their words and actions, thereby 
enhancing responsibility, courage, and the willingness to 
address important issues.

“The truth may be bitter, but it lasts longer than 
a lie”

This proverb conveys the enduring value of truthfulness 
and honesty. It suggests that although the truth may be 
difficult to accept or convey, it is ultimately more 

beneficial and long-lasting compared to deception or 
falsehood. By echoing the importance of being truthful 
and authentic in our words and actions, the proverb can 
potentially be utilized to foster honesty and authenticity. 
For instance, it can be incorporated into an assertive-
ness-focused PPI to encourage participants to commu-
nicate truthfully, even when it is challenging. By 
promoting authenticity, interventions can facilitate posi-
tive behavioral changes that enhance trust, transpar-
ency, and genuine connections with others. The 
proverb also suggests that truthfulness is aligned with 
integrity and ethical conduct – another important 
dimension that can be harnessed to encourage partici-
pants to align their actions with their values and princi-
ples. Lastly, the proverb inherently invites individuals to 
reflect on their own behavior and motivations. This is an 
important concept that can be used to encourage self- 
reflection and self-honesty by providing tools and prac-
tices for introspection, self-awareness, and self- 
compassion.

“If a liar has a thousand-year head-start on 
a journey, a truthful man can pursue and catch 
him in a single day”

This proverb accentuates the inherent strength and 
power of truthfulness. It suggests that even if dishonesty 
may prevail temporarily, truthfulness will eventually pre-
vail and triumph over falsehood, showcasing the signifi-
cance of being truthful and acting with integrity. This 
perspective can inform a PPI that is focused on cultivat-
ing honesty by encouraging participants to prioritize 
truthfulness in their words and actions. In addition, the 
proverb invites individuals to reflect on their own beha-
vior and the alignment with truthfulness. This is a useful 
precept that can be used to inspire self-awareness and 
introspection, and can allow participants to evaluate 
their own honesty and integrity. Lastly, with the proposi-
tion that truth will eventually prevail over falsehood, the 
proverb can be utilized to promote critical thinking skills 
by enabling participants to discern and evaluate infor-
mation critically, thereby equipping them with the abil-
ity to identify falsehoods, challenge misconceptions, and 
seek the truth.

Patience/humility

Positive psychology research and interventions have 
underscored the significance of patience and humility 
in promoting well-being and positive outcomes. 
Empirical studies have shown that cultivating patience 
is associated with greater life satisfaction, reduced 
stress, and improved interpersonal relationships 

10 R. APPIAH



(Lavelock et al., 2017; Wright et al., 2017). Patience 
interventions, such as mindfulness meditation and 
delayed gratification exercises, have demonstrated 
positive effects on patience and overall well-being 
(Cuthbert et al., 2018). Similarly, humility interventions, 
including perspective-taking exercises and gratitude 
practices, have been linked to increased psychological 
well-being, prosocial behavior, and improved relation-
ships (Kesebir & Kesebir, 2012). Within the African con-
text, the concepts of patience and humility are deeply 
ingrained in cultural values and belief systems, shaping 
interpersonal relationships and societal harmony. 
African societies embrace the virtue of patience as 
a means to navigate life’s challenges and maintain 
inner calm (Gyekye, 2002). Humility is regarded as 
a sign of wisdom and respect, emphasizing the impor-
tance of modesty and selflessness (Gyekye, 2002,  
2010). African communal values and extended family 
structures also encourage patience and humility in 
fostering cooperation and social cohesion (Gyekye,  
2002, 2014). Through oral traditions, storytelling, and 
role modeling, African communities nurture the culti-
vation of patience and humility as essential qualities 
for personal growth and harmonious coexistence. The 
following three proverbs are instrumental in explicat-
ing the dual nature of proverbs, encompassing both 
literal and metaphorical interpretations. They also pro-
vide insight into the moral, epistemological, pedagogi-
cal, and practical utility of proverbs in nurturing 
patience and humility in African societies.

“If you work slowly and carefully skinning the ant, 
you see its intestines”

This proverb highlights the value of patience, attention to 
detail, and thoroughness in accomplishing tasks. It sug-
gests that taking time and being meticulous can lead to 
a deeper understanding and awareness of the intricacies of 
a situation or task. Firstly, the proverb encourages indivi-
duals to work slowly and carefully, implying the importance 
of being fully present in the task at hand. This standpoint 
can be utilized to teach participants to engage in tasks with 
heightened attention and focus. Secondly, the proverb 
emphasizes the value of working slowly and not rushing 
through tasks – an important mindset that can be used to 
encourage participants to develop patience and persis-
tence in their endeavors. Thirdly, the proverb implies that 
the process of working slowly and carefully is as important 
as the final outcome. This proverb would be particularly 
beneficial for PPIs seeking to teach participants to shift their 
focus from solely seeking outcomes to embracing the 
process of engaging in tasks.

“To learn, you must be willing to listen”

This proverb underscores the importance of active lis-
tening and openness to acquiring new knowledge. It 
suggests that in order to gain understanding and learn 
from others, one must be receptive and attentive to 
what is being said. By highlighting the value of active 
listening, which involves giving full attention to the 
speaker and seeking to understand their perspective, 
the proverb can be leveraged to enhance active listening 
skills, such as paraphrasing, asking and clarifying ques-
tions, and showing empathy. Further, the proverb sug-
gests that listening requires an open mind and a humble 
attitude. This conception can be applied to encourage 
participants to embrace diverse viewpoints and be 
receptive to feedback and new information, thereby 
facilitating positive behavioral changes that enhance 
perspective-taking, empathy, and constructive colla-
boration. Lastly, the proverb implies that active listening 
involves self-awareness and the ability to set aside per-
sonal biases or assumptions. This notion can be used to 
encourage participants to reflect on their own listening 
habits and biases, thereby promoting self-awareness 
and self-improvement.

“The one-eyed man should not laugh at the blind”

This proverb lays prominence on empathy and the 
importance of treating others with respect and under-
standing, regardless of their shortcomings or limitations. 
It cautions against ridiculing or belittling those who are 
less fortunate or facing challenges. Firstly, the proverb 
highlights the need to understand and share in the 
feelings of others. This can be relevant for a PPI that 
aims to develop empathy – by encouraging participants 
to understand the experiences and challenges of others. 
Secondly, the proverb suggests that no one is free from 
limitations or challenges, an important tenet that can be 
used to emphasize the importance of humility and 
recognizing one’s own imperfections. Thirdly, the pro-
verb underlines the importance of treating others with 
respect, regardless of their circumstances. PPIs aiming to 
promote a culture of respect and inclusivity can use this 
proverb to inspire participants to value diversity, 
embrace differences, and avoid judgment or ridicule.

Incorporating (African) proverbs into PPIs: the 
‘CAPPI’ framework

I contend that the incorporation of (African) proverbs 
into the design and implementation of PPIs represents a 
robust avenue for promoting well-being and flourishing 
in Africa. African proverbs are deeply rooted in the 

THE JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 11



cultural heritage of the continent, and they often encap-
sulate wisdom, resilience, and communal values (Appiah 
et al., 2007; Dei et al., 2018). They can be utilized in 
group-based PPIs, for instance, to provide program par-
ticipants with practical guidance, encourage positive 
thinking, and foster a sense of connection to their cul-
tural identity. Interventionists and practitioners can 
leverage these cultural resources in their program 
design efforts to help participants to connect with local 
values and foster a sense of empowerment and resili-
ence in their communities. Given the dearth of research 
dedicated to the integration of African proverbs into 
PPIs, I propose a practical framework that draws on 
existing knowledge and practices in both positive psy-
chology and African cultural traditions. I outline a five- 
step, iterative practical framework (CAPPI: Customization 
and Application of Proverbs in Positive Interventions) that 
can guide researchers and practitioners to integrate 
(African) proverbs into positive psychology research 
and interventions.

Step 1: Identify relevant positive psychology themes: 
African proverbs cover a wide range of topics, including 
community, family, wisdom, resilience, spirituality, and 
several other concepts of importance. The first step 
towards integrating proverbs into PPIs is for researchers 
to identify the specific themes and domains within posi-
tive psychology that they intend to promote in 
a population group. I would argue that much of African 
proverbs align with common themes and domains of 
positive psychology, including gratitude, resilience, 
social connections, spirituality, communal well-being 
hope, compassion, perseverance, and several others. 
Since there are often several hundreds of proverbs in 
specific geographically and ethnically diverse contexts, 
a useful start-off point is to identify a set of positive 
psychology themes of interest, a priori. To ensure that 
the intended positive psychology themes are akin to 
existing proverbs and values, researchers can conduct 
a systematic analysis of the proverbs, consult with cul-
tural experts, and consider existing research that 
explores how the target population conceptualizes and 
expresses well-being.

Step 2: Proverb selection, interpretation, and transla-
tion: In the second step, researchers embark on the 
critical tasks of handpicking, providing comprehensive 
explanations for, and effectively translating a set of pro-
verbs that bear a strong resemblance to the chosen 
positive psychology construct. Because proverbs often 
contain metaphoric language and cultural nuances, 
a practical strategy to identifying relevant and applic-
able proverbs for a chosen PPI theme is to consult with 
local experts, linguists, and native speakers. This consul-
tation will also ensure accurate translation of the 

selected proverbs into local African languages while 
also preserving their intended meanings, particularly if 
the program intervention sessions will be delivered in 
the local dialects of the participants. Using a research- 
committee approach, the researcher and the local 
experts explore the underlying meaning, cultural nuan-
ces, and intended import and value of the proverbs and 
how they can be applied to promote well-being and 
positive behavioral changes in the local context.

Step 3: Integrate proverb into PPI: Working together 
with local experts and informants, the researcher incor-
porates the selected proverbs into the PPI, using creative 
and culturally appropriate methods. This can include 
written materials, storytelling, visual aids, digital plat-
forms, group discussions, art, music, or even drama. For 
instance, a proverb emphasizing the importance of com-
munity could be incorporated into a group-based grati-
tude exercise, where program participants express 
gratitude to others in their community. It is important 
to ensure that each proverb is aligned with the specific 
positive psychology theme or attribute that resonates 
with its core message and that the proverb, the inter-
vention content, and the delivery strategy are culturally 
sensitive and resonate with the target population. 
Specifically, proverbs can be used in a group-based 
intervention program to introduce a new lesson, to 
help explain the theoretical underpinnings of the ses-
sion’s theme or construct, and to facilitate discussions of 
their practical applications. In breakout sessions, pro-
verbs can also be leveraged to guide further discussions 
of a theme and to explore lessons embedded in a role 
play. Lastly, proverbs can be useful in the recap and 
conclusion of an intervention program session. Here, 
session facilitators can use specific proverbs to summar-
ize the overarching lesson and message of a session 
theme.

Step 4: Pilot and evaluate interventions: Because 
the therapeutic effects of proverbs are partly based 
on the meanings that people ascribe to them, it is 
necessary to pilot-test the proverb-integrated pro-
gram sessions to determine whether and how people 
understand the proverbs, the meanings they ascribed 
to the proverbs, and potential of the proverbs for 
enhancing well-being. One strategy for piloting 
a draft proverb-based program is through focus 
group discussions with a sample of the target popu-
lation group. During group activity and discussion 
sessions, participants can be asked to share their 
understanding of the proverb, assess its cultural rele-
vance, suggest related proverbs, and to provide prac-
tical example situations in which the proverbs can be 
applied to promote well-being and positive beha-
vioral changes. Findings from this formative, pilot 

12 R. APPIAH



study can serve as valuable resource for scaling up, 
using mixed-method research designs including pure 
or quasi randomized controlled trials. A potentially 
practical strategy to boost interest in the program 
activities and reduce attrition is to ensure that the 
delivery format is suited to the local context, such as 
through group-based discussion and activities. This 
could enhance participation and practicalization of 
skills, especially when working with groups and com-
munities in the rural, socioeconomically disadvan-
taged settings where a significant proportion of the 
population may not have attained formal education 
(Appiah, 2022a, 2022b, 2023; Appiah et al., 2022). It is 
important and laudatory to evaluate the impact of 
the interventions on the target population’s well- 
being and flourishing, considering both individual 
and community-level outcomes, and using measures 
that are adapted to the context (Appiah etal., 2020; 
Appiah, 2022b). Of note, it may also be useful to 
adopt stringent, but context-suitable designs in the 
program implementation and evaluation. For 
instance, a quasi- or cluster- rather than pure rando-
mized controlled trial design, may be an appropriate 
approach when working in close-knitted, relatively 
collectivistic communities in order to minimize con-
tamination effects by clustering communities, instead 
of recruiting both intervention and controlled groups 
from the same communities. Qualitative data can be 
collated to explore participants’ experiences and 
impressions of the program, post- 
intervention (Appiah et al., 2021).

Step 5: Long-term sustainability and dissemination: 
Researchers should endeavor to share the results of 
the program evaluations and the lessons from the 
implementation with relevant stakeholders, including 
researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. If their 
studies suggest a positive and promising results, this 
would provide evidence to advocate for the integra-
tion of (African) proverbs into PPIs in policy and pro-
grammatic initiatives. In this regard, there would be 
need to collaborate with local organizations and insti-
tutions to ensure the sustainability and long-term 
implementation of proverb-driven, co-developed 
strengths-based PPIs for specific contexts. A probably 
feasible approach to doing this would be to empower 
local practitioners and community leaders to generate 
and facilitate the interventions, ensuring the transfer of 
knowledge and skills. Additionally, researchers would 
need to partner with local organizations and policy-
makers to integrate the interventions into existing 
health and well-being initiatives (Appiah, 2022b; 
Hendriks & Graafsma, 2019; Schick et al., 2021; Van 
Zyl & Rothmann, 2019).

Conclusions

This paper sheds light on the unexplored capacity of 
African proverbs to enrich PPIs aimed at fostering the 
well-being and flourishing in the African context. I argue 
that many of the themes and attributes of interest to 
positive psychology, such as positive relationships, kind-
ness, truthfulness, patience and humility, and honesty 
and integrity align closely with the African values and 
norms, often finding expressions through proverbs. 
I contend that African proverbs, in a broad sense, are 
repositories of ancient and widely acknowledged set of 
wisdom, which have the potential to contribute to the 
advancement of positive psychology research and inter-
ventions in Africa. If successfully integrated, proverbs 
could further enrich existing PPIs, most of which are 
based on Western perspectives and values systems and 
may therefore not fully capture the cultural nuances and 
values of African communities (Appiah, 2022b).

This paper sets out to demonstrate the inherent 
strengths and profound wisdom encapsulated within 
these age-old sayings. Using a set of proverbs, 
I elaborate the literal and metaphorical meanings and 
potential applications to demonstrate how (African) pro-
verbs could offer valuable insights into promoting posi-
tive relationships, gratitude, patience, humility, kindness, 
empathy, teamwork, collaboration, and truthfulness. 
I assert that the inherent richness of proverbs can serve 
as a powerful tool for fostering well-being and flourish-
ing within African communities. I propose the CAPPI 
framework (Customization and Application of Proverbs 
in Positive Interventions) to guide researchers and practi-
tioners in this endeavor. This framework encourages 
customization and thoughtful application of (African) 
proverbs in positive interventions, ensuring their align-
ment with specific cultural contexts and desired out-
comes. The CAPPI framework can help researchers and 
practitioners to unlock the full potential of African pro-
verbs to enhance the effectiveness of their strengths- 
based, behavior change PPIs. As clearly articulated in the 
third wave of positive psychology (Lomas et al., 2021; 
Wissing, 2022), it is crucial for positive psychology to 
broaden its scope and methodology to embrace diverse 
cultural wisdom and traditions. Proverbs and maxims 
that align with the goals of positive psychology can be 
leveraged to create a more inclusive and holistic 
approach to promoting well-being and flourishing 
across different cultures of Africa, propelling the disci-
pline beyond its WEIRD foundations and become truly 
universal in its impact. I would argue that by integrating 
(African) proverbs into positive psychology research and 
interventions, we tap into a wealth of cultural wisdom 
that resonates deeply with African communities, thereby 

THE JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 13



enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of these 
interventions. This paper is intended to spark further 
research and inspire practitioners to embrace the rich-
ness of African proverbs, ultimately contributing to the 
advancement of positive psychology and the well-being 
of African peoples.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Funding

The author received no direct funding for this research.

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https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2016.1167940
https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2016.1167940

	Abstract
	Effective, but WEIRD PPIs
	Proverbs as a (epistemological) repository for PPIs
	Potentiality of proverb-driven PPIs
	Relationships/community
	“The eyes don’t cry while the nose sits; the trouble of your kin is your own trouble<italic>”</italic>
	“When you gather firewood, you invite others to light their fire<italic>”</italic>
	“A single broomstick cannot sweep the floor<italic>”</italic>

	Kindness/empathy
	“The good you do for others, you do for yourself<italic>”</italic>
	“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal<italic>”</italic>
	“The hand that gives is never empty<italic>”</italic>

	Teamwork/collaboration
	“One hand does not tie a bundle<italic>”</italic>
	“One hand washes the other, and together, they wash the face<italic>”</italic>
	“When you help another up a hill, you get to the top yourself<italic>”</italic>

	Gratitude
	“When you rise, remember those who helped you climb<italic>”</italic>
	“The rain that beats you also waters your neighbor’s farm<italic>”</italic>
	“An orphan who expresses appreciation in the evening receives more in the morning<italic>”</italic>

	Truthfulness/honesty
	“A witness dies because of his belly<italic>”</italic>
	“The truth may be bitter, but it lasts longer than a lie<italic>”</italic>
	“If a liar has a thousand-year head-start on a journey, a truthful man can pursue and catch him in a single day<italic>”</italic>

	Patience/humility
	“If you work slowly and carefully skinning the ant, you see its intestines<italic>”</italic>
	“To learn, you must be willing to listen<italic>”</italic>
	“The one-eyed man should not laugh at the blind<italic>”</italic>

	Incorporating (African) proverbs into PPIs: the ‘CAPPI’ framework
	Conclusions
	Disclosure statement
	Funding
	References