“The aim of positive psychology is to catalyze a change in psychology from a preoccupation only with repairing the worst things in life to also building the best quality things in life.”
Martin Seligman
Positive psychology, a relatively young and developing area of psychology, aims to provide individuals with a practical understanding of the science behind happiness. It has been defined in various ways, but the most recognized and accepted definition is: “Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living.”
To elaborate, positive psychology is a scientific method of researching human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that emphasizes building positive traits rather than merely fixing negative ones. It aims to boost the lives of average people to greatness rather than just helping those who are struggling reach normalcy. Happiness, resilience, well-being, and states of flow and engagement are among the core subjects of positive psychology, led by Martin Seligman, a former president of the American Psychological Association.
Origins of Positive Psychology
To fully understand the origins of positive psychology, it is essential to look back to the period when mechanical psychology first emerged. Although positive psychology has gained prominence recently, its roots can be traced back to the years following World War II.
Pre-World War II Psychological Wave
Before the Second World War, psychology had three main objectives:
- Curing mental illness.
- Making the lives of all people more fulfilling.
- Identifying and nurturing high talent.
Going back further, philosophers like Aristotle and Plato discussed how to live a moral life and attain one’s goals. Aristotle’s account of human nature presented two categories of virtues: virtues of mind and virtues of character. While virtue of character requires habit to grow, virtue of thinking requires time, experience, and instruction to evolve. These discussions offer a foundational root in the understanding of human behavior and development.
Post-World War II Psychological Wave
After World War II, psychology’s primary focus shifted to treating abnormal behavior and mental illness, adopting a disease model. With the establishment of the Veterans Administration in 1946, psychologists began counseling war veterans. The founding of the National Institute of Mental Health in 1947 further solidified psychology’s focus on mental disease.
However, in the years following World War II, a renewed interest in “living” a happy life emerged, thanks to the humanistic approaches of Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. They offered a new perspective on psychology, focusing more on self-actualization and understanding the fundamental urges of human nature. Maslow first coined the term “positive psychology” in his 1954 book “Motivation and Personality.”
A decade later, Martin Seligman began developing positive psychology as a significant field. Upon becoming president of the American Psychological Association in 1988, Seligman made positive psychology the focal point of his administration, encouraging psychologists to focus on improving life quality. Mental health, rather than mental illness, became the main topic. In 2009, the World Congress on Positive Psychology and the inaugural International Conference on Positive Psychology were held.
As Christopher Peterson, a colleague and coauthor of Seligman’s work, said in 2006, positive psychology has “a very deep past and a very short history.”
Pioneers in Positive Psychology
- Abraham Maslow
Abraham Maslow had a significant impact on the development of positive psychology. He is credited with coining the term “positive psychology” in his book “Motivation and Personality” (1954). Maslow argued that psychology’s focus on dysfunction and disorder limited its understanding of human potential. He believed that while previous psychological philosophies revealed much about human failings and mental health issues, they did not explore human virtues and goals. - Martin Seligman
Martin Seligman, an author, researcher, educator, and psychologist, is considered the founder of positive psychology. Elected president of the American Psychological Association in 1996, Seligman focused on positive psychology, asserting that mental health encompasses more than just the absence of disease. He ushered in a new era of research into the causes of happiness and contentment. - Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
As a pioneering researcher in positive psychology, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi worked closely with Seligman and is regarded as one of the founding fathers of the field. - Ed Diener
In 1984, Ed Diener developed a subjective well-being model, which posits that an individual’s thoughts and emotions regarding their existence are significant in determining their well-being.
Takeaways
In conclusion, positive psychology focuses on identifying what maximizes an individual’s happiness and well-being, making it one of the most impactful areas for improving lives worldwide. Professionals in counseling, coaching, education, and related fields can benefit greatly from staying informed about developments in positive psychology. As ongoing research in this field continues, the world will benefit from the insights these studies provide. To enhance our overall happiness and well-being, we must all take an interest in this area.
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