Positive Psychology
What is Positive Psychology?
Positive Psychology is a method of thought that focuses more on how to improve strengths, as opposed to the traditional therapeutic approach of how to cope with negatives. Developed by Martin Seligman at the turn of the twenty-first century, Positive Psychology is a relatively new field that has shown, in experimental trials, to have, well, a positive impact on people’s lives. Seligman focused on the fact that health is not simply the “absence of a negative” but also the presence, acknowledgment, and improvement of the positive. It raises the bar of what we consider to be “good health.” It’s not enough to just not be ill, we also have to work on being healthy. For example, having depression that goes into remission is great (treating the negative), but we also have to make sure the depression doesn’t return and that you continue to flourish as a person (improving the positive).
The Pilars of Positive Psychology
Positive Psychology focuses on character strengths as well as experiences. These character strengths can be both inter-and intra-personal, covering a wide range of attributes. By recognizing your strengths, Positive Psychology helps you construct your day to highlight your strengths and allows you to incorporate your strengths in novel ways. Emphasizing experiences involves "Savoring" the moment but can also mean getting lost and in the zone by accessing “Flow.” Both Savoring and Flow allow you to really evaluate and hone in on what makes you appreciative and grateful, as well as basking in tasks in which you thrive.
What Positive Psychology is Not
It is not Toxic Positivity. Toxic positivity focuses on the positive to the detriment of the person experiencing the emotions; it often involves stifling negative emotions, as they can be uncomfortable. With Toxic Positivity, there seems to be a lack of empathy and a dismissive attitude towards the uncomfortable emotions. Positive Psychology allows for the person to process their negative emotions healthily and does not ignore the benefit of traditional therapy and importance of coping skills. Positive Psychology is an additional tool used to help the patient grow. It is not one or the other, it is simply a complimentary component to improving mental health.
Positive Psychology is not always easy. It involves examining and recognizing the strengths we possess, which for some of us are hard to acknowledge. Throughout evolution, we have been taught to emphasize the negative, as those were the dangerous things that could potentially get us killed. We are not really even wired to remember good things, just mostly the bad. For example, out of three compliments and one insult, we are more likely to remember the insult and let it ruin our day. Though it is not something that comes naturally to everyone, studies have shown that once you start, engaging in positive psychology can be habit-forming.
How Can I Use Positive Psychology?
One simple exercise that many people respond well to is keeping a Gratitude Journal. Every night before bed, write down three things that day for which you are grateful. This can be anything from “the cold breeze felt nice” to “my sandwich at lunch was tasty” Studies have shown that exercises such as this improve overall well being. After a while this will feel less like a chore and you will actually enjoy keeping this journal.
https://positivepsychology.com/what-is-positive-psychology-definition/
https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/well-being/toxic-positivity
