Studying Happiness
U N PA C K I N G POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY Is positive psychology about thinking positively? Can we actually boost our own happiness? Let’s investigate the latest hot topic in psychology and see how it could work for us
H
earing the phrase “positive psychology” may prompt visions of rainbows and sunshine. “Think positive” might be ringing in your ears, and if you’ve ever struggled with your mental health, this could make you recoil. But is this really what positive psychology is about? Expert Dottie Woods says no. “Positive psychology is deep and meaningful,” explains Dottie. “It enables people to look into their inner selves, acknowledging their weaknesses and celebrating their strengths without bias, and allowing us to challenge our perceptions. “It asks the question, why do some people languish, and fail to thrive, while others flourish? Can we learn from those who flourish?” Historically, psychology has focused on what can go wrong with our mental health, and what we can do when the worst happens. This work is essential, but looking into what helps our mental health thrive is, arguably, just as important.
26 • happiful • November 2018
Writing | Kat Nicholls
IN THE BEGINNING
Initiated in 1998 by Martin Seligman and a collection of psychologists (including Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Ed Diener and Ray Fowler), positive psychology was officially introduced in 1999 during Seligman’s presidential address at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association. While traditional psychology had not delved deeply into the science of happiness before, Seligman doesn’t believe it is a new field, but is instead “based on work that was started as far back as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, who questioned what the good life was,” explains Dottie. Breaking it down, positive psychology looks at positive events and influences in life, such as: • Positive experiences like joy, love, and inspiration. • Positive traits and states like gratitude, resilience, and compassion. • Applying positive principles within organisations and institutions. The aim is to learn what it is we need in order to thrive and flourish. Having
Good mental wellbeing is at the heart of everything that matters – from our health and relationships, to our decision-making and productivity this knowledge is not only incredibly powerful, it’s inherently needed.
HAPPINESS CAN HELP
“Two of the biggest challenges facing modern society are mental health issues and loneliness,” Dr Mark Williamson, director of Action for Happiness tells us. “Good mental wellbeing is at the heart of everything that matters – from our health and relationships, to our decision-making and productivity. Yet anxiety and depression are on the rise, especially for young people.” Continues >>>