When the word psychology is brought up, 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 stands on three main pillars, 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 for what is to come. In 1998, Martin Seligman first introduced the concept of positive psychology. However, the concept is believed to have been pre-existent and mildly mentioned by Abraham Maslow in ‘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. suggests that 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 a study conducted by Diener (2000, p.34); 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 " Deci (2000, p.68) investigates 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 Lee, Steen, " 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, Professor Keltner, Marsh, and Smith (2010, p.67) explains that study on 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 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 the wealthier people tend to lead happier lives than the 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. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11392863
Haidt, J. (2006). The happiness hypothesis: Finding modern truth in ancient wisdom. Basic Books.
Keltner, D., Marsh, J. and Smith, J.A. eds., 2010. The compassionate instinct: The science of human goodness. WW Norton " Company.
Lee Duckworth, A., Steen, T. A., " Seligman, M. E. (2005). Positive psychology in clinical practice. Annu. Rev. Clin. Psychol., 1, 629-651. Retrieved 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. 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. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11392867
