What is Positive Psychology?

KEY POINTS

• What and Why Positive Psychology
• Key Concepts in Positive Psychology
• How to Apply Positive Psychology

Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study of positive emotions, character strengths, and psychological well-being. It is concerned with the things that allow individuals and communities to thrive, rather than just the absence of pathology or mental illness.

The origins of positive psychology can be traced back to the early 20th century, with pioneers such as William James and Martin Seligman. However, it was not until the late 1990s that positive psychology began to gain widespread recognition and acceptance within the field of psychology.

Why is Positive Psychology Important?

Positive psychology can benefit individuals by helping them to identify and cultivate their strengths, and by providing them with strategies for enhancing their well-being and happiness. It can also benefit society as a whole by promoting a more positive and healthy culture.

Positive psychology can be applied in various settings, including education, the workplace, and healthcare. For example, it can be used to create more positive and engaging learning environments in schools, to improve employee satisfaction and productivity in the workplace, and to enhance the quality of life for patients in healthcare settings.

What are the Key Concepts in Positive Psychology?

There are several key concepts in positive psychology, including:

• Positive emotions: Positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, and love can enhance well-being and happiness. They can also broaden our perspective and encourage us to engage in more positive behaviors.
• Character strengths: Character strengths are personal qualities that enable us to thrive and flourish. Examples of character strengths include creativity, kindness, and perseverance.
• Psychological well-being: Psychological well-being refers to the overall satisfaction and contentment that an individual experiences in their life. It encompasses both positive emotions and the presence of positive relationships, personal accomplishment, and meaning in life.
• Resilience: Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back from adversity and cope with challenges. Developing resilience can help individuals to better handle stress and setbacks, and to experience greater well-being.
• Flow: Flow is a state of optimal experience in which an individual is fully immersed in an activity and feels a sense of enjoyment and accomplishment. Engaging in activities that promote flow can enhance well-being and satisfaction.

How Can Positive Psychology be Applied?

There are several ways in which positive psychology can be applied to improve well-being and happiness. Some examples include:

• Cultivating positive emotions: Engaging in activities that bring joy and gratitude, such as spending time with loved ones or engaging in hobbies, can enhance well-being.
• Identifying and using character strengths: By identifying our own character strengths and using them in our daily lives, we can increase our sense of meaning and purpose, as well as our well-being.
• Practicing mindfulness: Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment with openness and curiosity. It can help us to cultivate positive emotions and to respond more effectively to stress.
• Building positive relationships: Having strong and supportive relationships with others can enhance well-being and happiness.
• Engaging in activities that promote flow: Finding activities that we are passionate about and that challenge us in a meaningful way can lead to a sense of enjoyment and accomplishment, and can enhance well-being.

In conclusion, positive psychology is a valuable field that can help individuals and communities to thrive and flourish. By identifying and cultivating our positive emotions and character strengths, and by engaging in activities that promote well-being and happiness, we can lead more fulfilling and satisfying lives.

Braco Pobric is an Internationally Recognized Positive Psychology Expert, Executive Coach, and Corporate Trainer. He is the bestselling author of Habits and Happiness: How to Become Happier and Improve Your Wellbeing by Changing Your Habits. Braco is a founding member and Chief Happiness Officer of the Life Success Academy, Certified Positive Psychology Master Coach and Trainer, and former globally Certified Trainer and Business Coach for Dale Carnegie Training. His unique approach to integrated learning in Positive Psychology Coaching (PPMC) program let him train over 60,000 Students in 172 countries.