The Detriment of Dwellin on the Positive in Psychology
The statement “positive psychology is not good” for us according to psychology may mean that human being should not dwell on optimistic factors for mental well-being. Instead, a person should be in a position to demonstrate resiliency and survive during adversity. The overcoming of adversity is critical both in humanistic and positive psychology. To a great extent, dwelling on the positive aspect of factors is detrimental. The detriment arises because resiliency process and personality is not reinforced. As a result, in the instance where there arises an adversity a person demonstrates a lot of difficulty in coping with the negative aspect. As a result of the inability to cope with the positive aspects, there is the development of psychological issues. Importantly, because of the role played by resiliency, the trait is treated as a virtual. The article, The Nagative Shadow Cast by Positive Pyschology Contrasting Views and Implications of Humanistic and Positive Psychology on Resiliency
The Negative Implications of Positive Psychology
vividly addresses this topic. In the article, there is demonstration through presented research why positive psychology is not good.
Research Findings on the Negative Aspects of Positive Psychology
According to the study conducted by Harris L. Friedman of the Walden University and Brent Dean Robbins of Point Park University, the authors present their findings on the topic positive psychology is not good. The authors argue that the humanistic and positive psychology exhibit great similarities, but the positive aspect of psychology tends to distance itself from the humanistic approach. Instead, the positive psychology is taken as a radical approach that aims at alleviating the negative aspects that characterize the mental wellness. In as much as positive psychology tries in alleviating the negative aspects of life, there is the creation of a lot of negative. For instance, research indicates that positive psychology tends to cripple the resilience aspect which is demonstrated by a person behavior and conduct during adversity. As a result, the humanistic approach has been criticized on the basis that it lacks scientific rigor and consequently fails to contribute in finding resolutions for the social problems (Friedman & Robbins, 2012).
The Ignorance of Reality in Positive Psychology
Through a close examination of the article authored by Friedman and Robbins, the authors argue that exposure to positive psychology removes sticky complexities that are inherent to a human being. The emphasis on the positive psychology aspects leads to the ignorance of reality. Instead, the author argues that there should be a balance between the competing perspectives which is essential in the elimination of inclination towards the positive or negative psychology. As a result, the authors see both the negative and positive psychology as part of a human being that represents a larger harmonious value. Although negative psychology might cause discomfort in people’s lives, the author sees it as necessary to aid in coping during periods of adversity.
Erosion of Important Aspects by Positive Psychology
The article by Friedman and Robbins supports the topic positive psychology is not good by demonstrating how the positive psychology erodes important aspects that ought to characterize the life of a human being. Through the presentation of research evidence conducted by different studies, the authors showcase how positive psychology leads to the creation of social problems. For example, the authors highlight that aspects of resiliency are eroded through exposure and focus on positive psychology. In another example, the authors present evidence from research studies that positive psychology impedes human beings from realizing their full potential. Importantly, the authors further argue that positive psychology is comprised of isolated factors that to a great extent strive towards the negative aspects.
References
Friedman, H. L., " Robbins, B. D. (2012). The negative shadow cast by positive psychology: Contrasting views and implications of humanistic and positive psychology on resiliency. The Humanistic Psychologist, 40(1), 87.
