Positive psychology
Positive psychology is a scientific branch of psychology that deals not with disorders and deficits, but with human strengths, well-being and a successful life. Founded by Martin Seligman in the late 1990s, it examines what makes people flourish.
What is Positive Psychology?
Positive psychology emerged as a deliberate complement to classical clinical psychology, which traditionally focuses on the treatment of illnesses and dysfunctions. Its core concern: to understand and promote what makes people not only functional, but truly happy and fulfilled.
The PERMA Model
Martin Seligman developed the PERMA model as a framework for human flourishing. It comprises five dimensions:
- P – Positive Emotions: joy, gratitude, hope
- E – Engagement: Immersion in activities, flow states
- R – Relationships: Meaningful relationships
- M – Meaning: Purpose and meaning in life
- A – Accomplishment: Achievement and goal attainment
Distinction from self-help literature
Positive psychology is not a call to always be in a good mood or to suppress negative feelings. It is based on empirical research and emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, realistic optimism, and the conscious use of personal strengths. You can find more on how to integrate strengths into your daily life in the article The 7 Pillars of Personal Development.
Is positive psychology the same as positive thinking?
No. Positive psychology is a scientific field of research with measurable methods. Positive thinking, on the other hand, is a popular concept without a uniform scientific basis. Positive psychology explicitly includes the fact that negative emotions have their place.
What methods does positive psychology use?
The best-known exercises include gratitude journaling, the use of character strengths (according to the VIA classification), benevolence meditation and solution-oriented coaching.