What Is Positive Psychology?
When most people think of psychology, they think of big, cushy chairs and someone asking them "How does that make you feel?" Indeed, most people associate the science with trauma and maladies, rather than the prevention. Positive psychology focuses on the positive; The good things in life. Or, in the words of U Penn, positive psychology is “The scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive.”
In essence, to study positive psychology means to study the ability to attain a flourishing state. This method is taken according to the Data Continual Model (Keyes & Lopez, 2002). In this data set, we see the impact on mental health and mental wellness on the 4 states of mental wellness, as shown below. There are many different aspects to the study, which can be integrated into everyday life.
In essence, to study positive psychology means to study the ability to attain a flourishing state. This method is taken according to the Data Continual Model (Keyes & Lopez, 2002). In this data set, we see the impact on mental health and mental wellness on the 4 states of mental wellness, as shown below. There are many different aspects to the study, which can be integrated into everyday life.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281538357_Half_Full_or_Half_Empty_The_Measurement_of_Mental_Health_and_Mental_Illness_in_Emerging_Australian_Adults
Aspects
The study of positive psychology consists of several different components, including:
- Happiness Set-Point
- Mindfulness
- Character Strengths
- Flow
Happiness Set-Point
The Happiness Set-Point Theory hypothesizes that our general state of happiness is "fixed" at a certain level on a day-to-day, moment-to-moment basis. These are theorized to be impacted by our genetics and personality traits, thus being ingrained early in our lives. As such, while our momentary happiness may elevate or depress based on certain life events (being in a car accident may lower your happiness, whereas getting married may raise it,) our average happiness level stays the same.
It is our hope that through the study and experience of positive psychology, you can raise your Happiness Set-Point to reach a level closer to a thriving or flourishing state of mental wellness.
It is our hope that through the study and experience of positive psychology, you can raise your Happiness Set-Point to reach a level closer to a thriving or flourishing state of mental wellness.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is largely defined as "a state achieved by being present and aware in the moment" (Mindful.org). Originally found as an ancient Buddhist practice, mindfulness has surged in popularity in recent years. In fact, many supporters believe that nearly everyone can benefit from the practice.
When practicing mindfulness, you are focusing on what is happening in the time being. You are aware of the moment, without thinking of the past or future; Living with 100% focus on what is happening here and now.
The benefits of practicing mindfulness include improved cognitive flexibility and focus, reduced stress and rumination, better memory, and less emotional reactivity (Davis & Hayes, 2012).
When practicing mindfulness, you are focusing on what is happening in the time being. You are aware of the moment, without thinking of the past or future; Living with 100% focus on what is happening here and now.
The benefits of practicing mindfulness include improved cognitive flexibility and focus, reduced stress and rumination, better memory, and less emotional reactivity (Davis & Hayes, 2012).
Character Strengths Identification
Identification of strengths is important for attaining a flourishing state in positive psychology. While there are different ways to identify your strengths, we encourage you to take the Brief Strengths Quiz from UPenn.
Once you have identified your strengths, you can then utilize this information by engaging in activities which build up your strengths. People who are high with a love of learning, for example, may find that they enjoy unearthing new information, either in school or self-taught.
People who understand and build upon their character strengths have higher levels of positivity, better relationships, and are more engaged in the world around them.
Once you have identified your strengths, you can then utilize this information by engaging in activities which build up your strengths. People who are high with a love of learning, for example, may find that they enjoy unearthing new information, either in school or self-taught.
People who understand and build upon their character strengths have higher levels of positivity, better relationships, and are more engaged in the world around them.
Flow
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a great positive psychologist, defines flow as "being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you're using your skills to the utmost." In other words, when one is experiencing flow, they are living entirely in the moment; 100% of their focus is on the task at hand.
References:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281538357_Half_Full_or_Half_Empty_The_Measurement_of_Mental_Health_and_Mental_Illness_in_Emerging_Australian_Adults
Lickerman, A. (2013, April 21). How to Reset Your Happiness Set-Point. Retrieved October 27, 2016, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-in-world/201304/how-reset-your-happiness-set-point
Davis, D. M., & Hayes, J. A. (2012, July/August). What are the benefits of mindfulness. Retrieved October 31, 2016, from http://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/07-08/ce-corner.aspx
Character Strengths, Personal Development: VIA Character. (n.d.). Positive Psychology. Retrieved February 08, 2017, from http://www.viacharacter.org/www/Positive-Psychology
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281538357_Half_Full_or_Half_Empty_The_Measurement_of_Mental_Health_and_Mental_Illness_in_Emerging_Australian_Adults
Lickerman, A. (2013, April 21). How to Reset Your Happiness Set-Point. Retrieved October 27, 2016, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-in-world/201304/how-reset-your-happiness-set-point
Davis, D. M., & Hayes, J. A. (2012, July/August). What are the benefits of mindfulness. Retrieved October 31, 2016, from http://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/07-08/ce-corner.aspx
Character Strengths, Personal Development: VIA Character. (n.d.). Positive Psychology. Retrieved February 08, 2017, from http://www.viacharacter.org/www/Positive-Psychology