Explore the core concepts of Positive Psychology, its historical background, definitions, and its relevance in psychotherapy, tailored for a 22-year-old audience.
To begin with, let's break down the concept of Positive Psychology (PP). According to Richard Gross (2009), PP is defined as the scientific study of the positive aspects of human subjective experience, individual traits, and institutions that contribute to overall well-being.
This discussion focuses on the individual’s perspective, especially regarding psychotherapy. An existing issue with Gross’s definition is the reliance on the scientific method for studying subjective experiences or qualia—our personal experiences of consciousness. This method traditionally studies the objective or natural world, which sometimes overlooks the nuanced experiences unique to human beings.
While Gross provides several definitions including the study of human strengths, flourishing, and optimal functioning, there's an important debate about whether psychology should be positioned as a human science—the study of humans as inherently subjective and complex—rather than a life science which can reduce these rich experiences to mere biological processes.
Positive Psychology is a relatively new field, founded in 1998 by Martin Seligman, who highlighted a historical bias in psychology that has predominantly focused on mental illness. Seligman’s vision involves broadening the scope of psychology to facilitate greater mental health, productivity, and fulfillment. This shift is crucial as it opens up avenues for studying happiness, strengths, and overall well-being rather than purely focusing on pathology.
Psychology’s history goes back to 1879 with Wilhelm Wundt’s establishment of the first psychological laboratory. The roots of PP can also be traced back to humanistic psychology, emphasizing personal growth and self-actualization. This historical perspective shows that many concepts underlying PP were already present but had been sidelined.
PP shares common ground with Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow’s humanistic psychology, mainly the focus on healthy individuals. However, there are methodological and philosophical differences. Some humanistic psychologists criticize PP for adopting a medical model approach, which can lead to the “medicalization” of human experiences, contrasting with humanistic ideals of viewing individuals in a more holistic way.
The debate on suffering and happiness highlights an important point made by Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh: that suffering and well-being are interconnected, promoting a perspective called ‘the strength perspective.’ This framework emphasizes identifying and fostering strengths rather than solely treating weaknesses.
Happiness, a central theme in PP, can be traced back to philosophical discussions by the Ancient Greeks, particularly Aristotle's distinction between eudaimonic happiness (which is more cognitive and purpose-driven) and hedonic happiness (affective and pleasure-oriented). While Gross acknowledges the challenges in measuring eudaimonia, this concern reflects a broader issue within psychology regarding the best methodologies to gauge subjective well-being.
As we delve deeper into how PP applies within therapy, particularly through the lens of different models, we can appreciate the evolution of psychology and its ongoing journey. Positive Psychology not only enriches our understanding of mental health but also provides valuable insights for therapeutic practices aimed at enhancing well-being in individuals.