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Positive psychology is a branch in the psychology field particularly interested in the health aspect and Martin Seligman is seen as the father of positive Psych.  In this months videos we will be discussing what is meant with the term Positive Psychology, how to develop some of these practises in our lives, as well as discussing another relatively new term in the Positive Psychology field namely Grit.

Positive psychology is the scientific study of human flourishing, and an applied approach to optimal functioning.  It has also been defined as the study of the strengths and virtues that enable individuals, communities and organisations to thrive (Gable & Haidt, 2005, Sheldon & King, 2001).

Positive Psychology is grounded in the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within them, and to enhance their experiences of love, work, and play (Positive Psychology Centre, 2016).

Robert Biswas-Diener explains it as follows – “Positive Psychology is not a self-help movement or a re-packaging of “the power of positive thinking.”  It is not American-style “happy-ology,” and it is not a passing fad (fashion).  Positive Psychology is a science focusing on the question of how and when people flourish.”

The field is intended to complement, not to replace traditional psychology.  It does not seek to deny the importance of studying how things go wrong, but rather to emphasize the importance of using the scientific method to determine how things go right.