Positive Psychology is easier to define, ‘the scientific study of what makes life most worth living’. It is commonly referred to as ‘the science of happiness’, though Positive Psychologists tend to avoid the ‘H’ word (happiness) and talk about subjective well-being and ‘flourishing’. Positive thinking fits well with Positive Psychology in many areas, but Positive Psychology is much more than just how we think about things. There is a lot of ‘doing’ in Positive Psychology and most importantly it is soundly based in scientifically, validated research. The reason I point out the distinction between the two is this. There is a lot we can do to ensure we live ‘our best life’ and Positive Psychology provides a wealth of information about how positive emotions, strengths, hope, resilience, gratitude, engagement, relationships and much more, can lead us to towards it. Positive thinking works well when it is appropriate and authentic, but I wonder whether a thin veneer of positive thinking that masks unhappiness, or discontent, will ever be effective?
Posted on: Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:08:53 +0000