POSITIVE

PSYCHOLOGY
M.A. PART - I SEMESTER - II (CBCS)

PSYCHOLOGY PAPER-COURSEVIII (CORE COURSE)

SUBJECT CODE : PAPSY204

Rashmi Sawant
Evaluation Overview
This section outlines the evaluation structure for the Positive Psychology course, detailing both internal and external
assessment components. Understanding the evaluation method is crucial for students to prepare effectively and gauge
their progress throughout the semester.

Internal Evaluation Semester End Examination Paper Pattern

25 marks 75 marks 7 questions of 15 marks each, out of
which 5 are to be attempted.
• Continuous assessment • Comprehensive final exam
• Assignments and quizzes • Covers all course units One of these could be a short notes

• Class participation • Assesses overall understanding question which could combine more
than one unit, requiring students to
synthesize information from various
topics.
Unit 1: Introduction to Positive Psychology
This unit provides a foundational understanding of positive psychology, exploring its origins, core concepts, and
fundamental principles. It delves into the shift from a deficit-based model to one that emphasizes human strengths and
virtues.

Need for a Science of Human Strengths and Deconstruction of Illness Ideology and
Virtues Inclusion of Human Strengths
Exploring why there is a growing necessity to Understanding the historical shift from solely
scientifically study what makes individuals and focusing on pathology to integrating the study of
communities thrive. human capabilities and positive traits.

Positive Psychology: Assumptions, Goals and Three Pillars of Positive Psychology

Definitions Identifying the key areas that form the structural
Defining the core beliefs, objectives, and basis of positive psychology: positive experiences,
foundational definitions that underpin the field of positive traits, and positive institutions.
positive psychology.
Unit 1: Introduction To Positive
Psychology - I
This initial unit serves as a critical entry point into the field of positive psychology. It lays the
groundwork by introducing the historical context, defining key terms, and outlining the
primary areas of focus. Students will gain an appreciation for the paradigm shift from
traditional psychology to one that actively investigates human flourishing.

1 2
Historical Context Core Concepts
Learn about the intellectual journey leading Understand the fundamental ideas and
to the formalization of positive psychology. principles that differentiate positive
psychology.

3
Paradigm Shift
Explore the transition from a
problem-focused approach to a
strengths-based perspective in psychology.
The Genesis of Positive
Psychology
Positive psychology began gaining widespread academic and practical relevance in the 1990s, though its conceptual roots extend further
back. It has since developed into a distinct and recognized branch of psychology, moving beyond merely treating mental illness.

1954: Maslow's Coining

The term "positive psychology" was first used by Abraham Maslow in his book
Motivation and Personality. Maslow emphasized self-actualization, human potential,
and the study of mentally healthy individuals to understand optimal human
functioning.

1 2

1998: Seligman's Re-launch

Martin Seligman re-launched the field in a modern context during his presidential
address to the American Psychological Association (APA). He defined positive
psychology as the scientific study of strengths and virtues that enable individuals and
institutions to thrive, shifting the focus from pathology to flourishing.
A Paradigm Shift in Psychology
Instead of focusing on mental illness or dysfunction, positive psychology emphasizes human strengths and optimal functioning.
This represents a significant departure from traditional psychology's historical focus on "what is wrong" with a person, such as
disorders and symptoms. Positive psychology proposes a transformative shift to "what is right" with the person, encompassing
their aspirations and capabilities, and aiming to enhance well-being for everyone, not just those with diagnosable illnesses.

Traditional Psychology Positive Psychology

Historically, psychology largely focused on the diagnosis, Positive psychology shifts the focus to cultivating strengths
treatment, and prevention of mental illness. Research and and fostering flourishing. It explores factors that contribute to
practice were heavily oriented towards identifying and a meaningful and fulfilling life, promoting well-being beyond
alleviating suffering, with an emphasis on deficits and the absence of illness.
dysfunctions. • Focus on strengths and optimal functioning
• Focus on pathology and dysfunction • Emphasis on happiness, hope, purpose, gratitude,
• Emphasis on disorders and symptoms resilience
• Goal: alleviate suffering and restore normal functioning • Goal: enhance well-being and promote human flourishing
Core Applications of Positive Psychology
Positive psychology encourages psychologists to help people identify and set meaningful goals, develop personal
strengths, and find purpose and fulfillment in life. This proactive approach aims to build a richer, more engaged existence
rather than simply addressing psychological distress. The field's research and application areas are broad, encompassing
individual experiences, character traits, and the environments that foster well-being.

Positive Emotions and Character Strengths and Positive Institutions

Experiences Virtues Exploration of how social
Research into fleeting states such The study of enduring individual structures and environments—like
as joy, happiness, inspiration, and differences in traits that contribute schools, workplaces, and
comfort. This includes concepts to well-being, such as courage, families—can be designed to
like "flow," where individuals are kindness, integrity, wisdom, and support and foster human
completely absorbed in an activity, perseverance. These are seen as flourishing, promoting ethical
leading to deep engagement and pathways to a fulfilling life. behavior and community
satisfaction. well-being.
Contemporary Relevance and Long-Term Impact
Positive psychology has made a profound and lasting impact on the field, leading to the development of practical tools and frameworks that extend
beyond academic research. It continues to bridge the gap between mental health treatment and human flourishing, influencing not only psychological
practice but also broader policy and life skills education across various sectors.

PERMA Model
Seligman's comprehensive framework for well-being, encompassing Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and
Accomplishment.

Character Strengths Surveys

Tools like the VIA Survey of Character Strengths help individuals identify their inherent virtues, fostering self-awareness and personal
growth.

Interventions for Enhancing Happiness and Resilience

Development of evidence-based practices designed to cultivate positive states, build coping mechanisms, and promote emotional
well-being.

Broad Applications
Its principles are now applied in diverse fields including education, clinical therapy, workplace wellness programs, coaching, and community
development initiatives worldwide.
The Historical Imperative for Strengths and Virtues
It is widely believed that positive psychology originated from humanistic psychology in the 20th century, notably flourishing during the
1990s with Martin Seligman's contributions. Despite its growing influence, positive psychology is still a developing discipline, constantly
evolving with ongoing empirical research and theoretical expansion. However, the need for a science of human strengths and virtues has
much deeper roots, tracing back to ancient Greek philosophy.

Greek Philosophy
Aristotle emphasized that all human beings are born with the potential to be good,
virtuous, and moral.

Humanistic Psychology
Mid-20th century, focused on self-actualization and human potential.

Positive Psychology
Modern scientific study of strengths and virtues, re-launched in
the 1990s.
Aristotle's Enduring Wisdom in Positive Psychology
Aristotle, a foundational figure in Western thought, rejected the notion that humans are naturally selfish. Instead, his philosophy proposed
that humans thrive through virtue, ethics, and community involvement. This ancient perspective deeply aligns with modern positive
psychology's emphasis on human potential and growth, moral and ethical living, and the crucial importance of social connections for
overall well-being.

Aristotle's View on Human Nature The Consequence of Isolation

Aristotle believed humans are inherently social and rational According to Aristotle, social isolation diminishes the quality of life,
beings, designed to live in communities. He argued that true as humans are inherently social beings who find meaning and
flourishing, or eudaimonia, is achieved not through hedonistic purpose in their interactions and contributions to the collective.
pursuits but through living a virtuous life in alignment with one's This resonates strongly with contemporary research on social
highest potential. support and its impact on mental health.
• Humans thrive through virtue These ancient ideas align with modern positive psychology's
• Ethics and community involvement are key emphasis on:

• Egoistic behavior leads to social isolation • Human potential and growth

• Moral and ethical living
• The importance of social connections and well-being
The Emergence of Positive Psychology: A Scientific
Pursuit of Human Flourishing
Positive psychology, a field dedicated to understanding human strengths and virtues, emerged from early philosophical inquiries into
happiness and well-being. While thinkers like Aristotle explored the concept of flourishing, these ideas lacked scientific validation. The
formal study of human flourishing began to take shape in the 1950s with humanistic psychologists such as Abraham Maslow, Carl
Rogers, and Erich Fromm, who advocated for focusing on mentally healthy individuals rather than just those with mental illness.
However, humanistic psychology often lacked the empirical evidence and scientific rigor necessary for widespread acceptance within
mainstream scientific psychology.
Despite psychology's long-standing emphasis on empirical validation and systematic methodologies, positive psychology did not gain
significant traction for many decades. It was only in the early 2000s that the field began to flourish, driven by a growing understanding of
the critical importance of subjective well-being. Psychologists increasingly recognized that fostering positivity and well-being not only
enhances individual lives but also strengthens communities and institutions, leading to greater productivity, resilience, and overall life
satisfaction. This shift spurred a keen interest in empirically testing concepts like happiness, gratitude, resilience, meaning, and purpose,
culminating in the development of evidence-based frameworks within positive psychology.
by Rashmi Sawant
Laying the Groundwork: Scientific Methods and Broader
Impact
Emphasis on Scientific 21st Century Acceptance Realization of Broader Scientific Testing of
Methods Positive psychology began to gain Impact Concepts
Psychology, as a scientific discipline, significant momentum in the early Psychologists increasingly A pivotal moment for positive
has always prioritized empirical 2000s. This resurgence was fueled recognized that positivity and psychology was the growing interest
validation and systematic by a growing realization that well-being extend their benefits in empirically testing abstract
methodologies. This rigorous understanding and promoting beyond individual lives, profoundly concepts like happiness, gratitude,
approach, while crucial for credibility, subjective well-being were not impacting communities and resilience, and meaning. This
initially limited the widespread merely philosophical pursuits but institutions. Promoting well-being scientific rigor led to the creation of
acceptance of positive psychology vital components of human has been shown to foster greater evidence-based frameworks and
concepts, as early humanistic experience. The field’s renewed productivity, enhance resilience in validated measurement tools,
theories often lacked the robust focus on empirical research and the face of adversity, and transforming these ideas from
scientific evidence required by the evidence-based practices allowed it significantly increase overall life philosophical notions into tangible
mainstream. The demand for to integrate more effectively into the satisfaction. This understanding constructs that could be studied and
scientific rigor meant that the field broader scientific community, paving highlighted the societal value of applied. This shift cemented positive
needed to develop measurable the way for its modern influence. positive psychology's contributions, psychology's place within
concepts and testable hypotheses to making it relevant for public health mainstream scientific psychology.
gain traction. and organizational development.
Pioneering Subjective Well-Being: Contributions of Diener and Suh

Tripartite Model of Subjective Well-Being (1984)

Ed Diener and Shigehiro Suh significantly advanced positive psychology by proposing that Subjective Well-Being (SWB) comprises three core components: frequent positive affect, infrequent
negative affect, and cognitive evaluations of life (life satisfaction). This model provided a clear framework for understanding happiness beyond just the absence of negative feelings, emphasizing
the importance of positive emotional experiences and rational assessments of one's life.

Emphasis on Subjective Experience

A key contribution was their focus on how individuals think and feel about their own lives, highlighting the importance of internal perceptions. This perspective underscored that true well-being is
not just about objective circumstances but how those circumstances are personally interpreted and experienced. This subjective lens allowed for a more nuanced understanding of individual
happiness, recognizing that different people may find well-being in different ways.

Differentiated Affective and Cognitive Components

Diener and Suh clearly distinguished between the affective (emotions and moods) and cognitive (life satisfaction and judgments) aspects of well-being. This distinction helped researchers to study
the different dimensions of happiness separately, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of how emotions and rational evaluations contribute to overall life satisfaction. This separation
also allowed for more precise measurement of each component.

Cultural Context and Well-Being

Their work also emphasized that well-being is heavily influenced by cultural, societal, and economic contexts. This recognition was crucial for developing a global understanding of happiness, as it
suggested that what constitutes well-being can vary significantly across different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. This cultural sensitivity prevented a one-size-fits-all approach to
studying and promoting well-being.

Empirical Research and Measurement Tools

Diener and Suh developed empirical research methods and measurement tools, such as the widely used Satisfaction with Life Scale. These tools allowed for the systematic and scientific
measurement of subjective well-being, providing the empirical rigor that early humanistic psychology lacked. This innovation was essential for establishing positive psychology as a credible
scientific discipline.
Beyond Happiness: Carol Ryff and Psychological Well-Being
Positive Relations with
Purpose in Life Others Autonomy
Personal Growth Possessing goals and a sense Having warm, trusting, and Demonstrating
Recognizing ongoing of direction that give meaning to satisfying interpersonal self-determination,
development, openness to new one's life. This involves believing relationships. This includes independence, and resistance to
Self-Acceptance experiences, and a sense of that one's life is purposeful and empathy, affection, and the social pressures. This Environmental Mastery
Having a positive attitude realizing one's potential. This contributes to something larger capacity for intimacy, indicating dimension reflects confidence The ability to manage life
toward oneself, acknowledging dimension reflects a continuous than oneself. successful social connections. in one's own opinions and effectively, choose or create
and accepting multiple aspects journey of self-improvement and choices, acting according to environments suitable for one's
of oneself, including good and learning. personal convictions. needs, and feel competent in
bad qualities, and feeling managing daily affairs. This
positive about past life shows competence in
decisions. navigating one's surroundings.

Carol Ryff's Model of Psychological Well-Being, introduced in 1989, significantly broadened the scope of positive psychology by emphasizing eudaimonic well-being. Unlike hedonic happiness, which focuses on
pleasure and satisfaction, eudaimonia emphasizes fulfilling one's potential and finding meaning in life. Ryff proposed six key dimensions: Self-Acceptance, Personal Growth, Purpose in Life, Positive Relations with
Others, Autonomy, and Environmental Mastery. To support empirical research, she developed the Scales of Psychological Well-Being (PWB Scale) in 1995, providing a standardized tool for measurement. Her
work shifted the field's attention beyond mere happiness to include concepts like meaningful engagement, virtue, and self-realization, offering a more holistic perspective on human flourishing and contributing
significantly to the academic rigor of positive psychology.
From Illness to Flourishing: Corey Keyes' Mental Health Continuum

Flourishing
High well-being, characterized by positive emotions, meaningful relationships, and purposeful lives. This is the optimal state of mental health.

Emotional Well-Being
Presence of positive emotions, overall life satisfaction, and a sense of happiness, forming the hedonic aspect of well-being.

Psychological Well-Being
Encompasses autonomy, personal growth, purpose in life, and self-acceptance, reflecting the eudaimonic dimension of mental
health.

Social Well-Being
Includes social integration, acceptance, contribution, actualization, and coherence, highlighting an individual's positive
functioning within their community.

Languishing
Low well-being, where individuals feel empty, stagnant, and disconnected, though not necessarily mentally
ill. This state is far from optimal health.

Corey Keyes significantly contributed to positive psychology by conceptualizing mental health as a continuum in 2002, moving beyond the traditional view that mental health is merely the absence of illness. His model
ranges from Flourishing (high well-being, characterized by positive emotions, meaningful relationships, and purposeful lives) to Languishing (low well-being, where individuals feel empty, stagnant, and disconnected, though
not clinically mentally ill). Keyes further developed a Tripartite Model of Mental Well-Being, consisting of emotional well-being (hedonic happiness), psychological well-being (eudaimonic aspects like personal growth and
purpose), and social well-being (one's functioning within society). He also created the Mental Health Continuum – Short Form (MHC-SF) for empirical research and measurement. Keyes' work was instrumental in shifting the
focus within positive psychology from solely treating illness to proactively promoting holistic wellness, emphasizing that mental health is a positive state to be cultivated, not just a deficiency to be corrected.
Deconstructing the Disease Model: Shifting Focus in
Psychology
1 Focus on Mental 2 Rooted in Medical 3 Limited Scope of Mental Health
Illness
The traditional "Disease Model" in psychology Tradition
This model is deeply rooted in the medical The Disease Model tends to define mental
primarily emphasizes diagnosing, treating, tradition, where a patient presents with health narrowly as the absence of mental
and curing mental disorders. This approach symptoms, a diagnosis is made, and a illness, limiting the scope of psychological
views psychological problems as diseases or treatment plan is implemented to alleviate inquiry to pathology. It often neglects positive
pathologies, mirroring the medical tradition those symptoms. While effective for many psychological states, such as resilience,
where health is defined by the absence of physical ailments, its application to mental creativity, and joy, which are central to a
illness. It often leads to a deficit-oriented health can sometimes overlook the broader comprehensive understanding of human
perspective, concentrating on what is wrong context of an individual's strengths and well-being and flourishing.
with an individual. environmental factors.
4 Treatments Emphasize Symptom Reduction 5 Criticized by Positive
Treatments under this model largely focus on reducing or eliminating Psychology
Positive psychology offers a significant critique of the Disease Model,
symptoms of mental disorders. While essential for alleviating suffering, arguing that it creates an incomplete picture of human experience. It
this symptom-focused approach may not necessarily lead to optimal advocates for a more balanced approach that not only addresses
functioning or true flourishing. It can leave individuals stable but not psychological distress but also actively cultivates strengths, virtues, and
thriving, highlighting the need for additional positive interventions. well-being, ultimately promoting a more complete and flourishing life for
individuals.
The Evolutionary Roots of Negativity Bias
Survival and Wired for Threats Natural Negativity Bias Instant Judgment
Reproduction
From an evolutionary perspective, human Since ancient times, humans have been This evolutionary wiring has led to a natural We often judge others instantly, typically
primary goals have always been survival and inherently wired to focus on threats and negativity bias, meaning we tend to notice within the first few seconds of an encounter.
reproduction. This fundamental drive shaped negative stimuli as a means of staying safe. and remember negative events more vividly This rapid assessment is another evolutionary
our cognitive and emotional responses, This hardwired response allowed our and for longer durations than positive ones. relic, designed to quickly determine if
making us highly attuned to potential dangers ancestors to quickly identify dangers like This bias explains why criticism can sting someone is a friend or foe. While adaptive in
and threats in our environment. This ingrained predators or hostile tribes, enhancing their more than praise, or why a single failure might dangerous environments, it can lead to biases
focus on self-preservation has profound chances of survival. This vigilance often overshadow multiple successes. It’s a and superficial evaluations in complex social
implications for how we perceive and react to translates into a tendency to overemphasize mechanism designed to help us learn from interactions.
the world, favoring caution over complacency. potential problems in modern contexts. mistakes and avoid future harm.

Lasting Negative Self-Critical

Memories
Negative memories, such as failures, criticism, or disappointments, tend to stick with us longer Tendency
Many people are inherently self-critical, often overlooking their own strengths and
and exert a more powerful influence than positive ones. This emotional stickiness ensures that accomplishments. This self-critical lens, while sometimes motivating, can be a byproduct of the
lessons learned from painful experiences are not easily forgotten, reinforcing caution and risk negativity bias, leading to unnecessary self-doubt and an underappreciation of one's capabilities.
avoidance in future situations. It reflects a protective mechanism, always seeking areas for improvement or potential pitfalls.

Evolutionarily, being alert and cautious has consistently increased chances of survival, making negativity bias an adaptive trait. This inherent tendency to prioritize threats and negative information, while
vital for ancient survival, continues to shape our modern psychological landscape, influencing our perceptions, memories, and self-evaluations.
The Rise of Behaviorism: Learning and Consequences
Rejected Free Will Learning Through Behavior as Learned Emphasized
Behaviorism, a school of Consequences Disorders Observable Behavior
thought emerging in the A central tenet of Within the behaviorist Behaviorism strictly focused

early 1900s, fundamentally behaviorism is that learning framework, mental on observable behavior,

rejected the concept of free occurs primarily through disorders are viewed not as advocating that psychology

will. Pioneers like J.B. consequences and internal pathologies but as should only study what can

Watson and B.F. Skinner reinforcement. Behaviors learned behaviors. This be seen and measured,

emphasized that behavior is that are rewarded or perspective suggests that rather than subjective

not a product of internal followed by positive maladaptive behaviors, mental states. This

desires or intentions, but outcomes are more likely to phobias, or anxieties are emphasis on empirical,

rather is learned and be repeated, while those acquired through objective data contributed

determined by that lead to negative conditioning processes and to psychology's push for

environmental factors. This consequences are less can therefore be unlearned scientific rigor, moving away

was a radical departure likely to recur. This principle or modified through new from introspective methods

from psychoanalysis, which forms the basis of operant conditioning experiences. that were difficult to verify. It

focused on unconscious conditioning, a key concept This opened the door for aimed to make psychology

motives and internal states. in behavioral therapy. systematic therapeutic a more predictive science.
interventions.
The Social Deconstruction of the DSM
Evolving Diagnostic Guide Lack of Universal Criteria
Since its initial publication in 1952, the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of A significant critique of the DSM is its perceived lack of concrete, universal criteria for
Mental Disorders) has served as a guide for clinical diagnosis. However, it has distinguishing between normal and abnormal behavior. This ambiguity suggests that
undergone multiple revisions, reflecting ongoing debates and evolving understandings diagnostic labels are often based on subjective interpretations rather than purely
within the field. This iterative process highlights that diagnostic categories are not objective, biological markers, leading to variations in diagnosis across different
static but subject to change based on new evidence and societal perspectives. clinicians and settings.

Socially Constructed Concepts Reflecting Social Values

Concepts of normality and abnormality are deeply rooted in social constructs, heavily The DSM is not merely a scientific document but also reflects the prevailing social
shaped by prevailing culture, institutions, and historical eras. What is considered a values and political beliefs of its time, rather than pure scientific objectivity. This
disorder in one society or time period might be seen as normal or even valued in influence is evident in how certain behaviors become pathologized or de-pathologized
another, underscoring the non-universal nature of mental health diagnoses. over time, aligning with societal norms and moral perspectives.

Clinicians' Sociocultural Influence Homosexuality Example

Clinicians' judgments are often influenced by their own sociocultural and political A prominent example of the DSM's social deconstruction is the removal of
beliefs, further complicating the objectivity of diagnosis. This human element in the homosexuality as a mental disorder. Once listed as a psychiatric condition, it was
diagnostic process means that personal biases and cultural backgrounds can delisted due to significant societal change, advocacy, and evolving understanding of
inadvertently shape how symptoms are interpreted and classified. sexual orientation. This illustrates how social and political movements can directly
impact diagnostic categories.
Critics argue that even physical diagnoses are socioculturally influenced, suggesting that the medical model itself is not immune to societal biases. The ongoing deconstruction of the DSM
highlights the complex interplay between science, culture, and power in defining mental health and illness.
Unit 2: Introduction to Positive Psychology - II
This unit explores the critical deconstruction of the illness ideology in psychology, focusing on how the traditional emphasis on
pathology has shaped our understanding of mental health. We delve into the evolutionary perspective, examining how our innate
negativity bias and survival instincts have influenced human behavior and perception. The advent of behaviorism is also explored,
highlighting its focus on observable behaviors and learned responses as alternatives to purely internal explanations.
Furthermore, this unit critically analyzes the social deconstruction of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM), revealing how diagnostic categories are not fixed biological entities but are continually shaped by cultural, social, and
political influences. By understanding these shifts, we can appreciate the profound need for integrating human strengths and virtues
into psychological science. This comprehensive approach allows for a more holistic view of well-being, moving beyond the mere
absence of illness to actively promote flourishing in individuals and communities.
Positive Psychology:
Assumptions, Goals, and
Definitions
Positive psychology is a scientific field dedicated to understanding and fostering
human flourishing. Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (2002) defined it
as "the scientific study of positive human functioning and flourishing on multiple
levels that include the biological, personal, relational, institutional, cultural, and
global dimensions of life."
The American Psychological Association further elaborates that positive
psychology focuses on psychological states such as contentment and joy,
individual traits like integrity and wisdom, and social institutions that enhance
subjective well-being, making life more fulfilling. This field aims to shift the focus
from pathology to promoting optimal human experience and potential.
Positive Psychology: Assumptions, Goals, and Definitions
Assumptions and Goals
Positive psychology emerged from the observation that the field of psychology,
particularly clinical psychology after World War I, had become imbalanced. It
primarily focused on human dysfunction, illness, and what was "missing"
rather than on the positive aspects of life.
A core assumption is that human beings possess an inherent potential for
goodness and are fundamentally motivated to pursue a fulfilling life (Linley &
Joseph, 2006). This perspective challenges the historical emphasis on
pathology by highlighting innate human strengths and virtues.

Seligman's View on Human Nature (2002)

• All human beings share a fundamental human nature.
• Human behavioral responses are deeply rooted in their character.
• There is an equal possibility for human beings to develop either good or
bad character traits.
Components of a Good Life and Forms of Happiness
Positive Connection to Others
This refers to positive subjective experiences, such as feelings of joy, contentment, and optimism, often derived from meaningful
relationships and social bonds. It emphasizes the importance of social well-being and emotional connections.

Positive Individual
Traits
These encompass character strengths and virtues that contribute to an individual's flourishing. Examples include resilience, courage,
wisdom, and the capacity for love and work, which are fundamental to psychological health.

Life Regulation Qualities

This component involves the ability to manage one's life effectively, setting goals, and navigating challenges. It includes
self-regulation, mindfulness, and the capacity to engage with life in a purposeful and meaningful way.

According to Seligman (2002), a good life integrates these three components. He also suggested that happiness can be nurtured through
four different forms of a good life: the Pleasant Life (focusing on positive emotions), the Good Life (engaging strengths in activities), the
Meaningful Life (contributing to something larger than oneself), and the Full Life (a combination of all three).
Key Goals of Positive Psychology
Shift Psychological Focus
To move psychology's primary attention from merely repairing afflictions and addressing "worst things" to actively building and nurturing the "best things" in life.

Foster Fulfillment and

Talent
To make the normal lives of people more fulfilling and to foster high talent, in addition to healing pathology.

Balance Research Focus

To improve the understanding of positive human behaviors, balancing the historical negative focus of much mainstream psychological research and theory (Sheldon &
King, 2001).

Develop Empirical Understanding

To develop an empirically-based conceptual understanding and language for describing healthy human functioning, paralleling the classification and understanding of
mental illness (Keyes, 2003).

Enhance Present Well-being

To enhance an individual's current well-being and happiness.

Positive psychology does not deny the existence of negative aspects or human character but rather aims to build on human strengths and virtues to create a more balanced and
comprehensive understanding of the human experience.
Continued Goals of Positive
Psychology
Enhance Strengths for Future Challenges Make Life Meaningful
To bolster individual strengths and virtues, enabling To help individuals cultivate a sense of meaning and
people to effectively face and prevent future purpose, making their lives truly worth living and deeply
psychological problems or adversities. satisfying.

Boost Character Strengths and Virtues Integrate Positive Elements

To identify, concentrate on, and amplify the specific To identify and integrate the elements of positive
character strengths, virtues, and positive personality psychology from various branches and sub-disciplines
traits that directly contribute to a person's overall within psychology, creating a more holistic approach to
well-being and happiness. human understanding.
These goals collectively highlight positive psychology's commitment to moving beyond pathology and focusing on human thriving.
By understanding and cultivating positive aspects, the field aims to equip individuals with the tools for a resilient, meaningful, and
joyful existence, contributing to a more flourishing society.
Three Pillars of Positive Psychology
Positive Social Institutions
Encompasses elements like justice, good parenting, fairness, cohesiveness, teamwork, generosity,
and a sense of safety, all of which contribute to flourishing communities and societies.

Positive Individual Characteristics

Focuses on personal strengths and human virtues, such as curiosity, creativity,
self-awareness, courage, resilience, wisdom, compassion, emotional intelligence, and
gratitude. These promote mental health and personal growth.

Positive Subjective Experiences

Refers to positive emotions and states such as joy, happiness,
contentment with the past, optimism, hope for the future, and feelings of
inspiration and gratitude in the present.

These three pillars form the foundational framework of positive psychology, guiding its research and practical applications. By addressing well-being at the
individual, experiential, and societal levels, the field provides a comprehensive approach to understanding and promoting a flourishing life.
Recommended Books for Study
Handbook of Positive Psychology
Authors: Snyder, C. R.; & Lopez, S. J.

Year: 2002

Publisher: Oxford University Press, New York

This handbook serves as a comprehensive resource, offering an in-depth exploration

of the core theories, research, and applications within the field of positive
psychology. It is an essential text for students and researchers seeking a
foundational understanding.

Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of

Human
Authors: Snyder, C. R.; Lopez, S. J.; & Pedrotti, J. T.

Year: 2011

This textbook provides a thorough examination of both the scientific underpinnings

and practical applications of positive psychology. It bridges theory with real-world
implications, making it accessible for students exploring the field.
Books for References
1991 1
Seligman, M. E. P. (1991). Learned Optimism. NY: Knopf.

A seminal work exploring how optimism can be learned and its profound impact
on well-being and resilience. 2 2000
Seligman, M.E.P. & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive Psychology: An
Introduction. American Psychologist, 55(1), 5-14.
2004 3 This article is widely considered the foundational piece that launched the formal
Carr, A. (2004). Positive Psychology: A Science of Happiness and Human field of positive psychology.
Strengths. NY: BR Publishers.
A comprehensive overview of positive psychology as a science, focusing on 4 2005
happiness and human strengths. Seligman, M. E. P.; Steen, T. A.; Park, N.; & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive
Psychology Progress: Empirical Validation of Interventions. American
Psychologist, 60(5), 410-421.
2006 5 This article presents empirical evidence validating various positive psychology
Peterson, C. (2006). A Primer in Positive Psychology. Oxford: Oxford University
interventions.
Press.
A concise yet thorough introduction to the field, ideal for students and those new
6 2013
to positive psychology.
Lopez, S. J. (Ed). (2013). The Encyclopedia of Positive Psychology. UK: Blackwell
Publishing Ltd.
A comprehensive reference work covering a vast array of topics within positive
psychology.
Key Takeaways and Future
Directions

Strengths & Virtues Well-being & Flourishing Positive Institutions Empirical Research

Positive psychology stands as a vital field that rebalances the traditional focus of psychology. It champions the scientific study of human strengths, optimal functioning, and the conditions that enable
individuals and communities to flourish. Its goals extend beyond alleviating suffering to actively cultivating well-being, meaning, and a full life.

The field is continuously evolving, with ongoing research validating interventions and expanding our understanding across biological, personal, relational, institutional, cultural, and global dimensions.
Future directions for positive psychology include deeper explorations into neurobiology of positive emotions, personalized well-being interventions, and the role of positive psychology in global
challenges like climate change and social justice. This field is poised to continue making significant contributions to human happiness and societal thriving.