Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study of positive aspects of human life, such as happiness, well-being, and fulfillment. Introduced by Martin Seligman in the late 1990s, it marks a shift away from traditional psychology’s emphasis on mental illness, dysfunction, and negative aspects of human behaviour. Instead, positive psychology aims to understand and promote factors that contribute to individuals’ life satisfaction and enable communities and individuals to thrive.
This approach is grounded in the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences of love, work, and play. Positive psychology has identified several key areas of human experience and functioning that contribute to a person’s overall well-being, including positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement (often summarized by the acronym PERMA).
Research in the field has led to the development of interventions and practices that can increase an individual’s sense of well-being, such as gratitude exercises, strength-based approaches, and mindfulness. These interventions aim not just to alleviate suffering but to enhance positive feelings, behaviours, and cognitions.
It also explores the concept of resilience—the ability to bounce back from adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress. It investigates how strengths and positive emotions can act as buffers against mental illness and support recovery and thriving in the face of life’s challenges.
Despite criticism for overlooking negative emotions and experiences, positive psychology has significantly influenced various fields, including education, health, and organizational behaviour, promoting strategies that foster positive environments and psychological well-being.
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