James Fitzgerald Therapy PLLC

An Overview of Positive Psychology

Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living, focusing on strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. It’s a field of psychology that explores positive subjective experiences, positive individual traits, and positive institutions to improve the quality of life and prevent pathologies. 

Here’s a look at the history of the positive psychology movement:

• Early Seeds (Pre-1990s):
  • While the formal field emerged later, the ideas of positive psychology were present in ancient philosophical traditions like Aristotelian eudaimonia (flourishing) and Eastern teachings on mindfulness and compassion.
  • Humanistic psychology, led by Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers in the mid-20th century, emphasized the study of healthy human potential and self-actualization, laying some groundwork for positive psychology.
  • Figures like William James also contributed to early thinking about a more holistic approach to psychology, including positive aspects of human experience. 

• Formal Launch (1998):
  • Martin Seligman, then President of the American Psychological Association (APA), officially launched positive psychology as a new focus within the field during his term.
  • Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi co-authored a foundational piece in the American Psychologist outlining the goals and principles of positive psychology.
  • The movement was partly a response to the field’s historical focus on mental illness and pathology, aiming to give equal attention to human strengths and well-being. 

• Growth and Development (2000s – Present):
  • The field has grown rapidly, with new theories, research, and applications emerging across various domains like therapy, education, business, and community development.
  • Research areas expanded from happiness to include character strengths, resilience, gratitude, meaning, positive relationships, and other elements contributing to flourishing.
  • Seligman’s PERMA model (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment) provides a framework for understanding the key elements of well-being.
  • The VIA (Values in Action) classification system, co-developed by Seligman and Christopher Peterson, identified 24 universal character strengths and their relationship to core virtues. 

• Current Directions:
  • Second-wave positive psychology, championed by figures like Paul Wong, emphasizes the importance of meaning, purpose, and accepting negative emotions in the pursuit of well-being.
  • Researchers are exploring the cultural context of well-being, examining how cultural values and beliefs influence the experience and promotion of happiness.
  • There’s an increasing focus on practical applications of positive psychology interventions to improve individual, organizational, and societal well-being. 

In summary, positive psychology has evolved from a relatively recent movement to a significant force within the broader field of psychology, prompting a more balanced approach to human experience and well-being.