Positive psychology (PP) represented a revolution in terms of the approach and freedom of action of this discipline. Today we talk about its origins and some of its foundations.
Last update: May 21, 2020
In 2000, Martin Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi of the University of Clarenot published a monographic issue titled Positive Psychology: an introduction in the journal American Psychologist. It represented the formal announcement of the birth of a new psychological movement known as Positive Psychology (PP).
According to the authors, Positive Psychology is a science of subjective experience. It proposes to study the phenomena underlying the qualities and positive emotions of the human being in order to improve the quality of life of people (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000).
Furthermore, Positive Psychology would have a lot to say as a science of wellbeing. As such, studies those phenomena that contribute to the optimal functioning of an individual, a group and an institution (Gable & Haidt, 2005).
In terms of commitment and inspiration, it would seek to promote the optimal functioning of subjective experiences (happiness, hope), positive traits (forgiveness, wisdom), and civic virtues (responsibility, selflessness), (Linley and Joseph, 2004). It would also focus on the prevention of psychopathologies through the development of positive traits and qualities.
In his research, positive psychology, as a science of wellbeing, tries not to go beyond the boundaries of scientific methodology, considered the best method to understand the aforementioned phenomena.
Precisely to try to fit into this framework, which delimits a clear way of acting, he attempts valid and reliable methodological strategies, which include experimental, quasi-experimental and correlational projects. We say "test", because it does not always succeed, often working with measurements that are too subjective and influenced by uncontrolled variables.
“Thinking habits don't have to persist forever. One of the most significant discoveries in psychology over the past twenty years is that individuals choose their way of thinking.
-Martin Seligman-
The strategies of positive psychology (PP)
Feeling gratitude, not comparing yourself too much with others, and accepting circumstances that cannot be changed are the strategies of personal well-being according to PP. Scientists at the University of Wisconsin (USA) analyzed brain activity as part of a 12-year study on meditation and compassion.
Through neuroimaging tools, it was possible to verify that the zones associated with happiness are activated with greater intensity and frequency in the three circumstances described. In other words, when the person does not compare himself to others, he feels gratitude and accepts the situations in which he finds himself. In this research, the functioning of the brain was studied with different techniques and tools, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
This study, published in 2004 by the US National Academy of Sciences, constitutes the fifth most consulted scientific reference in history.
Optimism in the face of adversity: a pillar of the science of well-being
The common characteristic of pessimists is that they tend to think that negative events will last over time and that, in turn, will have tragic consequences without them being able to do anything to prevent it.
The conviction of being able to count ondirect access to happiness, joy, well-being and bliss - instead of working on these feelings with the exercise of personal strengths and virtues - he leads legions of people. The same ones who, while living in material wealth, in fact find themselves spiritually hungry.
Pessimists often ignore the existence of a large number of inner circumstances that are under our control. An ability to act, in order to obtain certain effects, which is closely linked to the concept of self-efficacy, coping styles or the tolerance of uncertainty.
When it comes to personal health, we can focus on four fundamental pillars. These are choosing not to smoke, exercising, eating healthily, and increasing levels of personal optimism. In this sense, studies confirm that optimism has no less weight than the other three variables.
We are speaking, in fact, of an optimism based on data, in close contact with reality. Supported by our skills and resources, inspired by the confidence that comes with having considerable freedom, along with the ability to be creative, set our intelligence in motion and flow. Finding universal and perennial causes for bad luck is the practice of despair.
