By Shannon Bussnick, LSW

You may have encountered the term “positive psychology” in various contexts like self-help literature, academic courses, or social media. This innovative approach to mental health is transforming our understanding of personal challenges and self-perception by addressing the limiting beliefs and behaviors that impact us, even subtly.

Defining Positive Psychology

Positive psychology is a scientific approach that shifts focus from what’s wrong to what’s right with us, emphasizing individual strengths over faults or weaknesses.

This method aims to empower individuals, guiding them towards happiness, success, and fulfillment, fostering a belief in their potential to achieve and excel.

The Core Concepts of Positive Psychology

Pioneered by psychologists Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, positive psychology emerged as a pathway for people to thrive, bringing them closer to an optimal state of health and wellness. This approach is less about problem-solving and more about exploring the scientific impact of optimism, self-confidence, and hope on one’s well-being.

Martin Seligman outlines three paths to happiness: the Pleasant Life, the Good Life, and the Meaningful Life, each offering a unique approach to achieving personal satisfaction:

The Pleasant Life: This path focuses on experiencing positive emotions and maximizing pleasure in one’s life. It involves savoring enjoyable moments, cultivating optimism, and experiencing pleasure whenever possible and appropriate. According to Seligman, this is a crucial component of happiness.

The Good Life: This path emphasizes the use of one’s strengths and talents to engage in activities that bring a sense of flow and accomplishment. It’s about utilizing your unique skills to lead a fulfilling life, which can contribute to long-lasting happiness.

The Meaningful Life: The Meaningful Life centers around finding a purpose or a greater cause beyond oneself. It involves contributing to the well-being of others, making a positive impact on society, and finding a deep sense of meaning and fulfillment through these actions.

Character Strengths in Positive Psychology

The field also emphasizes the importance of cultivating positive character traits, such as gratitude, resilience, and compassion. These traits have been shown to significantly contribute to overall happiness and personal growth.

The PERMA Model

The PERMA model, developed by Seligman, provides a framework for understanding happiness. It includes Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. Each component plays a crucial role in fostering well-being and personal satisfaction.

Positive Psychology in Practice: Real-world Applications

Positive psychology doesn’t aim to replace traditional methodologies but adds a new dimension by focusing on positive outliers and their life-satisfying experiences and traits.

While traditional mental health treatments are crucial for many, positive psychology offers an additional tool, particularly useful when problem-centered therapies don’t yield long-term benefits. It aims to complement existing mental health approaches by focusing on individual strengths and potential.

Addressing Criticism and Skepticism

Despite its growing acceptance, positive psychology faces skepticism. Critics often question its effectiveness and the strength of its research base. However, ongoing research continues to validate its principles and applications in various fields like education and therapy.

A Balanced Approach to Mental Health

Positive psychology isn’t about ignoring life’s challenges, but rather, adding balance and depth to our understanding of mental health. It encourages us to embrace both our strengths and weaknesses, integrating positive approaches with traditional methods for a comprehensive, holistic view of well-being.

---

Disclosure Statement:

Please note that I am not a medical professional. The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concerns.

---

References

1. Ackerman, C. E. (2022, November 26). What is positive psychology & why is it important? PositivePsychology.com. Retrieved December 14, 2022, from https://positivepsychology.com/what-is-positive-psychology-definition/#founder-positive-psychology
2. Azar, B. (2011, April). Positive psychology advances, with growing pains. Monitor on Psychology. Retrieved December 14, 2022, from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/04/positive-psychology
3. Cherry, K. (2021, October 20). Can positive psychology really help you lead a happy life? Verywell Mind. Retrieved December 14, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-positive-psychology-2794902
4. Park, N., Peterson, C., Szvarca, D., Vander Molen, R. J., Kim, E. S., & Collon, K. (2014). Positive psychology and physical health. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 10(3), 200–206. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827614550277
5. Seligman, M. E. P., et al. (2005). Positive Psychology Progress: Empirical Validation of Interventions. American Psychologist.
6. Seligman, M. E. P., and Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive Psychology: A New Approach to Mental Health. American Psychologist.