Positive Psychology

Definition

Positive psychology is the scientific study of the strengths, well-being, and optimal functioning of individuals and communities. It focuses on understanding and promoting the factors that allow people to thrive and lead fulfilling lives, rather than just treating mental illness or dysfunction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Positive psychology emphasizes the study of what makes life worth living, rather than just the treatment of mental disorders.
2. The field of positive psychology was founded in the late 1990s by Martin Seligman and colleagues, who sought to shift the focus of psychology from a disease model to a wellness model.
3. Positive psychology research has identified several key components of well-being, including positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment.
4. Interventions in positive psychology, such as gratitude exercises and mindfulness practices, have been shown to increase well-being and life satisfaction.
5. Positive psychology principles can be applied to various domains, including education, the workplace, and healthcare, to promote flourishing and optimal functioning.

Review Questions

• Explain how positive psychology differs from the traditional disease-focused approach in psychology.
  • Positive psychology shifts the focus of psychology from just treating mental illness and dysfunction to understanding and promoting the factors that allow individuals and communities to thrive. Rather than solely addressing what is wrong, positive psychology emphasizes the study of human strengths, well-being, and optimal functioning. This represents a fundamental paradigm shift in the field, moving away from a disease model and towards a wellness model that seeks to cultivate the best of the human condition.
• Describe the key components of well-being as identified by positive psychology researchers.
  • Positive psychology has identified several key components of well-being, including positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment (often referred to as the PERMA model). Positive emotions encompass feelings of joy, gratitude, and contentment. Engagement refers to being fully absorbed and immersed in an activity. Relationships involve strong, meaningful connections with others. Meaning is the sense that one's life has purpose and significance. Accomplishment involves the achievement of goals and a sense of mastery. These five elements are believed to be essential for individuals to lead fulfilling and flourishing lives.
• Evaluate how positive psychology principles can be applied to promote well-being in different domains, such as education, the workplace, and healthcare.
  • Positive psychology principles can be widely applied to various domains to enhance well-being and optimal functioning. In education, positive psychology interventions can focus on cultivating student strengths, fostering engagement and meaning in learning, and promoting a growth mindset. In the workplace, positive psychology can be used to design jobs that are intrinsically motivating, build positive relationships among employees, and create a culture of appreciation and accomplishment. In healthcare, positive psychology approaches can complement traditional treatments by helping patients develop coping strategies, find meaning in their experiences, and engage in activities that promote overall well-being. Across these diverse settings, the application of positive psychology principles can empower individuals, organizations, and communities to thrive and reach their full potential.

Related terms

Subjective Well-being: A person's cognitive and emotional evaluations of their own life, including factors such as life satisfaction, positive emotions, and a sense of meaning and purpose.

Eudaimonia:

A form of well-being that goes beyond just feeling happy and focuses on the realization of human potential and the pursuit of a life well-lived.

Signature Strengths: Unique personal qualities, talents, and abilities that an individual can use to achieve optimal functioning and fulfillment.