What is Positive Psychology?
Unlock the Power of Happiness
Positive Psychology is the scientific study of what makes life worth living, focusing on individual and societal wellbeing. It studies positive subjective experiences, positive individual traits, and, more recently, positive institutions. Its primary aim is to improve the quality of life. The field of study has been growing steadily throughout the last few decades as individuals and researchers look for common ground on increased wellbeing.
Positive Psychology is a relatively new branch of psychology that focuses on the study of positive emotions, well-being, and human flourishing. Unlike traditional psychology, which tends to focus on negative aspects of human behaviour and mental health - moving people from -10 to 0, i.e. suffering to languishing. Positive Psychology seeks to understand and enhance the positive aspects of life - moving people from 0 to +10, i.e. languishing to flourishing, to a life of happiness and positive wellbeing.
The Origins of Positive Psychology
Positive Psychology emerged in the late 1990s when Martin Seligman, a psychologist and former president of the American Psychological Association, called for a shift in focus from studying pathology and mental illness to studying positive emotions and human strengths. Seligman argued that traditional psychology had become too focused on treating mental illness and not enough on promoting mental health and well-being.
Positive Psychology has several key themes and areas of focus, including:
Positive emotions: Positive Psychology seeks to understand the nature and role of positive emotions, such as happiness, joy, contentment, and gratitude, and how they contribute to human wellbeing.
Character strengths: Positive Psychology emphasises the importance of character strengths, such as wisdom, courage, kindness, and creativity, and how these strengths can be cultivated and used to enhance wellbeing.
Resilience: Positive Psychology recognises that people face challenges and adversity in life and seeks to understand how individuals can develop resilience and overcome these challenges.
Positive relationships: Positive Psychology recognises the importance of positive relationships and social connections in promoting wellbeing and happiness.
Meaning and purpose: Positive Psychology seeks to understand the importance of meaning and purpose in life and how individuals can find meaning and purpose in their lives.
Positive Psychology has practical applications in many areas, including education, health care, business, and personal development. For example, Positive Psychology Interventions, such as gratitude exercises, mindfulness practices, and positive self-talk, have been shown to enhance wellbeing and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Positive Psychology has great potential to enhance the lives of individuals and communities.
Read a beginner’s guide to Positive Psychology Basics here