Chapter One Welcome to Positive Psychology Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

What Is Positive Psychology?  The scientific and applied approach to uncovering people’s strengths and promoting their positive functioning. Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

What Is Positive Psychology?  Balancing foci of Applied Psychology: -What is wrong with people? (study of deficits) -What is right with people? (study of assets)  (See “Building Human Strength: Psychology’s Forgotten Mission” by Seligman, p. 4-5) Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Benefits of Focusing on the Positive  In daily life: It feels good!  In psychological research: -balances already developed pathology model - informs us about that which is good and strong in people Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Benefits of Focusing on the Positive  Ultimate Goal = Psychology as an inclusive approach: 1. Individual Strengths 2. Individual Weaknesses 3. Environmental Stressors 4. Environmental Resources Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Balancing, not Replacing  Avoid pathology versus positive debate  Avoid “us-versus-them” thinking  Focus instead on the common goal of both camps: - to understand and help people Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

History of Positive Psychology  Martin Seligman - University of Pennsylvania - President of the APA in To further “knowledge about what makes life worth living” - Science as the backbone Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Personal Mini-Experiment: What You Want to Experience (p. 11)  You have control over your mental agenda (thoughts)  Choose to focus on the positive  Goal of doing Personal Mini-Experiments: - bring positive psychology to life - similar to research or clinical applications Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Overview of Course Text  Part I: Looking at Psychology from a Positive Perspective  Introduction  Eastern and Western Perspectives  Classifications and Measures of Strengths and Positive Outcomes Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Overview of Course Text  Part II: Positive Psychology in Context  Development of Strengths and Living Well within a Cultural Context  Living Well at Every Stage of Life Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Overview of Course Text Part III: Positive Emotional States and Processes  The Principles of Pleasure  Making the Most of Emotional Experiences Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Overview of Course Text  Part IV: Positive Cognitive States and Processes  Self-Efficacy, Optimism, & Hope  Wisdom and Courage  Mindfulness, Flow, & Spirituality Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Overview of Course Text  Part V: Prosocial Behavior  Altruism, Gratitude, & Forgiveness  Attachment, Love, & Flourishing Relationships Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Overview of Course Text  Part VI: Understanding and Changing Human Behavior  Balanced Conceptualizations of Mental Health & Behavior  Interceding to Prevent the Bad and Enhance the Good Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Overview of Course Text  Part VII: Positive Environments  Positive Schooling  Gainful Employment  Building Better Communities Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Overview of Course Text Part VIII: A Positive Look at the Future of Psychology  Going Positive Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE