POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY Meaning and
Definition
-
Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study of human strengths, flourishing, and optimal functioning. It examines how individuals can cultivate positive emotions, navigate challenges, and lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. Unlike traditional psychology, which primarily focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, positive psychology seeks to uncover and understand what makes life worth living.
At its core, positive psychology aims to promote the well-being and happiness of individuals, as well as their personal growth and development. It examines various factors that contribute to positive mental states, including positive emotions, character strengths, resilience, gratitude, forgiveness, and mindfulness.
Positive psychology incorporates evidence-based research and psychological interventions to increase subjective well-being and improve psychological health. Its proponents argue that by understanding and nurturing positive aspects of our lives, individuals have the potential to enhance their overall well-being and life satisfaction.
Through the application of positive psychology principles, individuals can cultivate positive emotions, such as joy, gratitude, hope, and love. By leveraging their character strengths and engaging in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment, individuals can also experience a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Overall, positive psychology seeks to provide individuals with tools and strategies to thrive, build resilience, and contribute positively to their communities and society as a whole. By focusing on strengths, positivity, and personal growth, positive psychology aims to enhance individuals' ability to lead happier, more fulfilling lives.
Etymology of POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
The term "positive psychology" was first coined by the American psychologist Abraham Maslow in 1954, but it did not gain significant attention until it was reintroduced by Martin Seligman in the late 1990s.
The word "positive" in positive psychology refers to the focus on the positive aspects of human experience, such as happiness, fulfillment, strengths, and well-being. It is derived from the Latin word "positivus", meaning "constructive" or "definite".
The word "psychology" comes from the Greek word "psukhē" meaning "breath, spirit, soul", and "logia" meaning "study of" or "treatise". Therefore, psychology is the study of the mind, behavior, and processes that occur in an individual or a group.
