When the word psychology appeared, the first thing in mind may be an area of study dedicated to solving the gloomy side of life characterized by anxieties, addictions, phobias, etc. In a world struck by a flux of natural, social, economic and financial challenges, the study and understanding of happiness and positive psychology is of keen interest. Positive psychology has taken the forefront, capturing the attention of not only the academic community, but the entire community as a whole.
Positive psychology consists of the following claims: positive experiences, positive self-qualities, and real societies. It encompasses the study of one's satisfaction with the past, their joy in the current and faith in what is to come. In 1998, Martin Seligman first introduced the concept of positive psychology. However, the first mild mentioning of the concept appeared in Abraham Maslow’s “Motivation and Personality” in 1954. This research digs into the study of new psychological science, positive psychology; which primarily purposes to examine, discern, comprehend and uphold the elements that allow people to flourish.
Literature Review
Positive psychology implies a study of well-being and ideal functioning. It is a methodical study of the things that enhance the quality of life, rendering it worth living. Positive psychology puts an emphasis on welfare, bliss, strong personal suits, intelligence, imagination, as well as the features of positive groups and associations. It focuses on flourishing, happiness and joy on group levels, as well as on an individual level.
Haidt (2006, p.47) suggests that there is an existing relationship between happiness and moral good. In the studies conducted by Diener (2000, p.34) and Myers (2000, p.56), it was found out that four traits contribute to happiness, for instance, well-being, optimism, happiness as well as self-determination. Diener concentrated on subjective well-being whereas Myers reviewed happiness as well as life satisfaction, although both of them addressed the things that make individuals feel positive about life.
Peterson (2000, p.44) investigates dispositional optimism as well as explanatory style. The study aims at highlight one of the mediator processes between external events. The research states that the people who use external, specific, as well as unstable attributions to explain negative events, generally have better moods, are more motivated, and are more prosperous.
In their study, Ryan and Deci (2000, p.68) consider the role played by self-determination in positive psychology. Further, they examine intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. The applications suggested by the study encourages behavioral change which promotes professional satisfaction. For instance, the applications can promote the adherence of physicians to treatment protocols. In the presence of internal motivators, it is easy to predict professional satisfaction.
In an investigation carried out by Duckworth, Steen and Seligman (2005, p.629), they suggest that positive psychology is relevant to clinical counselors. For instance, the technique offered by the field can be used together with the theoretical approaches already being used. Additionally, counselors use the strengths-based approach of positive psychology with their clients.
To understand human happiness, Keltner, Marsh and Smith (2010, p.67) explain that study of human happiness can be broken down into four categories. First is observation, where there is an assessment of individuals' feelings concerning their day to day activities. Second is correlation studies, where surveys on how people feel are conducted. The third is longitudinal studies, where individuals' lives are studied over a particular period. Finally, experimental studies, where there is a comparison between happiness and other sources.
Research on human happiness has shown some major elements that contribute to making life as happy as can be. First, a happy childhood has been seen to greatly influence the quality of life that an adult would have. However, this does not mean entire doom for individuals who have had traumatic childhood, as they can create a turn-around by their middle ages. Secondly, one's ability to cope appropriately with stressful situations has an abundant reward regarding happiness. It is through the use of adaptive mechanisms such as a redirection, altruism or suppression. Finally, socializing with other individuals has a shielding effect on troubles of life.
Research has also been carried out on social conditions of human happiness, showing considerable disparities in average happiness across nations. Some of the factors that directly correspond to human happiness include wealth; it would be no surprise that wealthier people tend to lead happier lives than slightly less fortunate individuals. It is due to an effect of material prosperity. Investigation of modification over a period shows that commercial progression stays hand in hand with escalating human contentment; equality, and more so gender equality, institutional equity, and economic equality mainly contribute to human happiness; freedom, individuals, also lead happier lives with economic, democratic and financial freedom. It is recommended that human nature entails independence and modernity
Conclusion
The study of positive psychology is crucial since, most of the time, individuals face physical, emotional, as well as psychological problems. Additionally, it helps people improve their lives. Human happiness and positive psychology mostly correlate, and hence the extensive research on human happiness has dramatically influenced a better understanding of positive psychology.
References
Diener, E. (2000). Subjective well-being: The science of happiness and a proposal for a national index. American Psychologist, 55(1), 34-43. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11392863
Haidt, J. (2006). The happiness hypothesis: Finding modern truth in ancient wisdom. New York, NY: Basic Books.
Keltner, D., Marsh, J. and Smith, J.A. eds., 2010. The compassionate instinct: The science of human goodness. WW Norton " Company.
Duckworth, L.A., Steen, T. A., " Seligman, M. E. (2005). Positive psychology in clinical practice. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 1, 629-651. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.1.102803.144154
Myers, D. G. (2000). The funds, friends, and faith of happy people. American Psychologist, 55(1), 56. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11392866
Peterson, C. (2000). The future of optimism. American Psychologist, 55(1), 44-55. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11392864
Ryan, R. M., " Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11392867
