Positive psychology

This article is about psychology. For the positive mental attitude, see Optimism.
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Positive psychology is a field of psychological theory and research of optimal human functioning of people, groups, and institutions.[1][2] It studies "positive subjective experience, positive individual traits, and positive institutions... it aims to improve quality of life."[3]

Positive psychology began as a new domain of psychology in 1998 when Martin Seligman chose it as the theme for his term as president of the American Psychological Association.[4][5] It is a reaction against past practices that tended to focus on mental illness and emphasized maladaptive behavior and negative thinking. It builds on the humanistic movement of Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, which encourages an emphasis on happiness, well-being, and purpose.[5][6]

Positive psychology largely relies on concepts from the Western philosophical tradition, such as the Aristotelian concept of eudaimonia,[7] which is typically rendered in English with the terms "flourishing", "the good life," or "happiness".[8] Positive psychologists study empirically the conditions and processes that contribute to flourishing, subjective well-being, and happiness,[2] often using these terms interchangeably.

Positive psychologists suggest a number of factors that may contribute to happiness and subjective well-being, for example, social ties with a spouse, family, friends, colleagues, and wider networks; membership in clubs or social organizations; physical exercise; and the practice of meditation.[9] Spiritual practice and religious commitment is another possible source for increased well-being.[10] Happiness may rise with increasing income, though it may plateau or even fall when no further gains are made or after a certain cut-off amount.[11]

Positive psychology has practical applications in various fields related to education, workplace, community development, and mental healthcare. This domain of psychology aims to enrich individuals' lives by promoting well-being and fostering positive experiences and characteristics, thus contributing to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

  1. ^ "APA Dictionary of Psychology". dictionary.apa.org. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
  2. ^ a b Gable, S. L.; Haidt, J. (2005). "What (and why) is positive psychology?". Review of General Psychology. 9 (2): 103–110. doi:10.1037/1089-2680.9.2.103. S2CID 15186098.
  3. ^ Jenkinson, Crispin (2020-05-06). "Quality of Life". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  4. ^ Tal, Ben-Shahar (2007). Happier: Learn the secrets to daily joy and lasting fulfillment. New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0071510967. OCLC 176182574.
  5. ^ a b Al Taher, Reham (2015-02-12). "The 5 Founding Fathers and A History of Positive Psychology". Positive Psychology. Retrieved 2022-12-06.
  6. ^ Peterson, Jordan (29 April 2019). "Jordan Peterson explains Rogers' concept of 'incongruence'". YouTube.
  7. ^
  8. ^ Nyabul, P.O.; Situma, J.W. (2014). "The Meaning of Eudemonia in Aristotle's Ethics". International Journal of Philosophy and Theology. 2 (3): 65–74.
  9. ^ Le Nguyen, Khoa D.; Lin, Jue; Algoe, Sara B.; Brantley, Mary M.; Kim, Sumi L.; Brantley, Jeffrey; Salzberg, Sharon; Fredrickson, Barbara L. (2019-10-01). "Loving-kindness meditation slows biological aging in novices: Evidence from a 12-week randomized controlled trial". Psychoneuroendocrinology. 108: 20–27. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.05.020. ISSN 0306-4530. PMID 31185369. S2CID 159041646. (Erratum: doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104440, PMID 31526525,  Retraction Watch. If the erratum has been checked and does not affect the cited material, please replace {{erratum|...}} with {{erratum|...|checked=yes}}.)
  10. ^ Day, J.M. (2010). "Religion, spirituality, and positive psychology in adulthood: A developmental view". Journal of Adult Development. 17 (4): 215–229. doi:10.1007/s10804-009-9086-7. S2CID 144563162.
  11. ^ Seligman, Martin E. P.; Steen, Tracy A.; Park, Nansook; Peterson, Christopher (2005). "Positive Psychology Progress: Empirical Validation of Interventions". American Psychologist. 60 (5): 410–421. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.465.7003. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.60.5.410. PMID 16045394. S2CID 6262678.