The Foundations of Positive Psychology

At its core, positive psychology holds that wellbeing is cultivable. Perseverance, optimism, resilience, meaning, and connection can be learned—ideally early—and practiced for life.

At its core, positive psychology is grounded in the belief that well-being can be cultivated. Rather than seeing happiness as a stroke of luck, it views it as the result of developing strengths, meaningful relationships, and the skills that help people navigate life’s challenges with resilience and purpose.

At the heart of positive psychology are several guiding beliefs::

• People who feel happier, more satisfied, optimistic, and resilient are better psychologically equipped to face and manage unpleasant events, emotions, and circumstances. Because of this, they experience life’s challenges with fewer and less lasting negative consequences.

• Qualities such as perseverance, optimism, resilience, the ability to build meaningful relationships, and a sense of satisfaction and purpose can be systematically developed and strengthened — thereby enhancing people’s overall psychological strength and well-being.

• Like any important life skill, these psychological strengths are best cultivated early in life. When learned and internalized in childhood, they become deeply rooted and have the greatest long-term impact on one’s quality of life.

A Complement, Not a Replacement

The goal of positive psychology is not to overlook human suffering. On the contrary, those in distress deserve help in the best possible ways.

Positive psychology also does not claim to replace or discard other branches of psychology. Instead, it complements and builds upon the traditionally problem-oriented approaches that dominated much of the 20th century.

Most importantly, it brings to the forefront the positive potentials, uplifting experiences, and life skills that help people live fuller, happier, and more satisfying lives.

Not “Happiology”

Positive psychology is not “happiology” — it does not seek to create people who are constantly cheerful or smiling all the time.

Illness, hardship, pain, loss, and trauma are — and will remain — inevitable parts of human life, as are fear, anger, anxiety, and other uncomfortable emotions.

Positive psychology does not pretend to eliminate these less pleasant aspects of existence. But it does aim to help people become happier, more satisfied, more optimistic, and better equipped to face life’s difficulties — so that when challenges come, they can meet and overcome them more easily.

Read more:

What is Positive Psychology

Why Did Positive Psychology Emerge

When Did Positive Psychology Emerge

The Myth of Constant Happiness

What is Subjective Well-Being Positive Psychology and Positive Education

At its core, positive psychology holds that wellbeing can be cultivated. #793teaching #growhumans

© dr. Kristijan Musek Lešnik & GrowHumans.

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