In a society dominated by negativity, anxiety, and misfortune, the rise of positive psychology provides a welcome perspective that emphasises strengths, positive traits and the quest for happiness. For decades, psychology was concerned with comprehending and dealing with mental illnesses. While this method remains essential, a new generation of research has evolved, focusing on the beneficial components of the human experience. In the late twentieth century, Martin Seligman and colleagues created positive psychology to encourage well-being and thriving lives rather than treating mental illness. It investigates the aspects that contribute to a satisfying living and strives to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. Positive psychology is an investigation of what makes life "worth living," focusing on the elements contributing to happiness, well-being, and optimal performance. Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that investigates the factors and processes that promote the best possible performance of people, communities, and organisations. Rather than focusing on disease and dysfunction, it prioritises the development of positive emotions, abilities and virtues to improve total well-being. The concept of flourishing is central to positive psychology because it includes feelings of purpose, participation, positive relationships, achievements, and personal development. Martin Seligman, president of the American Psychological Association in 1998, is credited for advancing positive psychology. He recommended a shift in emphasis, suggesting that psychology must not just manage diseases but also seek to understand and promote human capabilities and positive experiences. This viewpoint challenged the customary importance of "fixing what's broken" and aimed instead to expand on "what's working."
(Ps- a reminder to smile today)
KEY ELEMENTS
Strength-Based Approach:
Identifying Strengths: This entails recognising your distinct strengths in character, which are the positive characteristics that naturally energise and encourage you. These can be discovered through self-reflection, personality tests, or input from trusted others.
Developing Strengths: Once recognised, strengths can be developed in various ways. This could include rehearsing them regularly, looking for opportunities to utilise them in different contexts, or investigating activities that allow you to communicate them.
Application: By focusing on your strengths, you can increase your enjoyment, motivation, and participation in various facets of life. For example, applying your "creativity" strength at work can result in more innovative problem-solving, whilst your "kindness" strength can improve your relationships.
Optimism and resilience:
Optimism is an optimistic view that emphasises hope and belief in the potential of successful outcomes. It entails anticipating good things that will occur and viewing setbacks as chances for development.
Resilience is the ability to adjust and bounce back from obstacles, disappointments, and challenging situations. It entails keeping a good attitude, establishing coping techniques, and requesting assistance from others during difficult situations.
Developing optimism and endurance: Several ways can be used to cultivate these characteristics. These include practising appreciation, transforming negative ideas into good ones, confronting negative self-talk, and developing an effective support system.
Flow and engagement:
Flow is a state of total involvement in an activity, distinguished by complete immersion, concentrated attention, and an overwhelming feeling of competence and delight. Time appears to fly by, and self-consciousness evaporates as you become fully immersed in the activity.
Engagement is the active participation in meaningful and stimulating activities. It entails applying your abilities and knowledge, feeling a sense of struggle and objective, and feeling linked to something bigger than you.
Cultivating Flow and Participation: Choosing activities that match your interests and talents will boost your chances of getting in the flow. Setting specific goals, breaking down work into small parts, and focusing on the current moment can also improve participation.
Gratitude and Positive Relationship:
Gratitude is gratitude for the beautiful things in life, no matter how great or tiny. It entails recognising and acknowledging positive situations, people, and traits and practising expressing gratitude for them.
Positive relationships are helpful, healthy interactions with others that foster a sense of belonging, affection and acceptance. They entail cultivating positive interactions, encouraging open communication, and demonstrating empathy and compassion.
Benefits: Cultivating gratitude and constructive relationships has many advantages. Gratitude has been associated with enhanced pleasure, well-being, and resilience. Similarly, strong social ties can help with emotional support, stress reduction, and general happiness.
Positive psychology provides valuable insights, but it is not devoid of criticism. Some believe it overemphasises optimism while ignoring the significance of recognising and addressing unpleasant emotions and experiences. Furthermore, critics argue that focusing primarily on individual qualities while ignoring systemic factors contributing to injustice and inequalities can be detrimental. Positive psychology provides a valuable framework for understanding human happiness and well-being. Individuals and groups can create a more happy and successful life experience by concentrating on their talents, developing pleasant emotions, and making meaningful relationships. However, it is critical to recognise the limitations of this discipline and ensure that it supplements, rather than substitutes for, current methods related to mental wellness and health. By adopting a holistic viewpoint that acknowledges both positive and bad aspects of human interaction, we may continue to work towards a future that promotes optimal human flourishing.
REFERENCES
Ackerman, C. E., MA. (2024, January 5). What is positive psychology, & Why is it important? PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/what-is-positive-psychology-definition/
Harvard Health. (n.d.). Positive Psychology - Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/positive-psychology
Chong, J. (2023, June 14). Positive Psychology: 5 key concepts (and how journalling can help with intentional practice). — The Skill Collective. The Skill Collective. https://theskillcollective.com/blog/positive-psychology-concepts
Sutton, J., PhD. (2023, October 13). Martin Seligman’s Positive Psychology Theory. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/positive-psychology-theory/