General considerations about positive psychology

Positive psychology is an area of scientific study of human happiness. The premises of its service involve the focus on positive experiences and aspects such as gratitude and resilience, in addition to the application of concepts in more complex groups and environments. Contrary to what many imagine, positive psychology is not simply the choice for positive thoughts.

Since it is backed by science, positive psychology works like any other branch of the field. Therefore, there are methods to be followed, and its perspective is the big difference. Here, the goal is to make individuals happier, based on the assumption that happiness is an attractive factor for other situations of equal satisfaction, and this concept can be taught.

Therefore, positive psychology works on the need for human dedication to their own constant happiness. Paying attention to potentialities is the way to live better, according to the theory. Learn more about it in the course of the article!

Positive psychology, purpose, emergence and benefits

The notable emphasis of psychology on negative aspects of patients was the beginning of the discovery of a new front of studies. Scientifically, it was discovered the power of conscious conduction of thoughts and actions, in order to root more satisfying experiences and attract others. Check below, how this psychology strengthens the potential of people and helps them to live better!

What is positive psychology

In practice, positive psychology is a branch of study that directs its focus to what is good and satisfying in life. For individuals, throughout the process, the pillars of the theory involve specific practices of attention to strengths. In addition, chemically, the nervous system also corresponds to the production of certain substances.

The proposal of positive psychology that makes it different from other fields of action is the conscious choice of placing the attention on strengths. Thus, instead of focusing on conflicts, problems and weaknesses, the patient finds resources to condition thoughts and perspectives. The appreciation of the potential of each person is one of the foundations of the theory.

What is the goal of positive psychology

The main goal of positive psychology is to bring more happiness and good feelings into individuals' daily lives. In this way, the goal is to find individualized ways to provide each person with the tools to bring out positivity. Although it is a personal journey, the foundations of positive psychology apply to all cases, breaking the connections with negative experiences.

With the practice of specific approaches, the goal of positive psychology is to use the mental commands of focus on positivity as a support for meaningful experiences. Each experience with an emphasis on success, achievement, and accomplishments creates space for other situations of the same quality to happen. Positive psychology is an area of science that advocates the promotion of well-being.

What positive psychology teaches us

Positive psychology teaches the value of daily building human happiness. It also translates satisfaction as a result of happiness, since the happier one is, the more reasons to be grateful and to celebrate. The good in life is as genuine and strong as adverse situations, and the outlook on situations can be trained in order to lead to fulfillment and wholeness.

How positive psychology came about

The emergence of positive psychology dates back to the last century, after studies related to depression and other disorders in the 60s and 70s. The understanding of the theoretical basis related to the imbalance involved in cases like these drew the attention of professionals. Among them was Martin Seligman, one of the biggest pillars of positive psychology.

Soon, precepts that discussed the impacts of resilience and positivity began to gain strength amid therapeutic approaches. In the late 1990s, Seligman pushed the change of psychological concepts strengthened until then, stimulating the look for what truly matters in the search for a happier life.

Who is Martin Seligman

Martin Seligman is a renowned psychologist born in the United States in the 1940s. Throughout his career, he has won several awards and contributed significantly to the consolidation of positive psychology on the international scene. In addition to being a psychologist, he is a professor and director of the Center for Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.

His main contribution to psychology is due to the concept that the good life and happiness can be learned and worked on by people. Seligman's theory of learned helplessness has to do with depression and other mental health conditions. Understanding human control over the phenomena that occur, the author also began to study the value of resilience.

How to benefit from positive psychology

The practice of actions related to positive psychology brings benefits to patients in follow-up, such as the experience of good humor intentionally cultivated. The discovery of the real value of money and experiences is another positive point, as well as the certainty that favorable situations attract others of the same quality. Positivity becomes, therefore, contagious, as long as it is not forced.

How it works, the concept of happiness and good life

Theoretically, the references of positive psychology highlight the significance of the emphasis given to some aspects of life instead of others, such as the use of enthusiasm to achieve goals. More than the absence of problematic issues, the essence of this aspect is the appreciation of wholeness itself, in an integral way. Next, learn more about the subject and some approaches of psychologypositive!

How positive psychology works

Positive psychology works by observing the relationship between personal aspects and positive experiences that surround the individual. In this way, it is a field of study that relates the emotions felt in different contexts, promoting more awareness in everyday life. By putting its principles into practice, people can find more well-being and fulfillment.

What is happiness for positive psychology

According to the theory of positive psychology and its main author, Martin Seligman, happiness is an extremely personal feeling. It is something of a subjective nature, but happiness can be driven from experiences that awaken positive feelings in the individual. Therefore, experiences that are synonymous with satisfaction can lead to happiness.

Likewise, it is necessary for a person to evaluate their responses in order to find the components that together translate to them as happiness. Situations that bring out feelings like engagement, sense of purpose, and fulfillment are some ways to be happier.

However, there is no magic formula to achieve happiness, due to its singularity for each individual. So, the fuller and more motivated in his activities a being feels, the happier he is.

What defines a good life

For positive psychology, a good life is one that provides situations in which subjective well-being is high and constant. But, after all, what is this specific well-being about? It all depends on how a person sees his life, that is, his thoughts and feelings about it. Therefore, the better a person feels, the better his life is.

The importance of positive psychology

The importance of positive psychology is due to its scientific basis as a support to mental well-being. In times in which mental health is increasingly gaining prominence, even in the workplace, the promotion of practices that prevent disorders and diseases is of vital relevance in all parts of the world.

In addition, in the case of existing pathologies, positive psychology is a pillar of support in treatments. In practice, it is scientific knowledge that reinforces individual values and qualities, in positive approaches that stimulate feelings beneficial to mental health.

The focuses of positive psychology

Generally speaking, psychological fields of study focus on identifying disorders and problems related to mental health. Positive psychology, on the other hand, works by making space for individuals to maintain satisfactory levels of emotional well-being.

This means that it works by looking at the individual elements that promote positive emotions and happiness. In addition, the emphasis on skills and abilities helps to maintain positive feelings about life.

Ideas that underpin positive psychology

Some of the main ideas that support positive psychology in practice concern the focus on the positive. From it, it is possible to avoid health problems and make the body healthier, since the cognitive states and emotions become favorable. Thus, the concept of positive psychology as a foundation for quality of life is one of the most important.

The theories of positive psychology reinforce that by practicing its pillars, the individual becomes able to promote more well-being to body and mind. After all, although happiness is subjective, the positive feelings that lead people to the well-being they seek so much are essentially the same. The key is to put into practice what awakens engagement, fulfillment and optimism.

Some books on positive psychology

In bookstores and libraries, there are several titles on positive psychology. With different approaches, they all talk about self-knowledge and the power of positive emotions in people's daily lives. Therefore, by understanding the feelings and situations that act as triggers, it is possible to consciously work on focusing on the positive.

Some well-known titles are "Authentic Happiness" (Martin Seligman), "The Optimistic Bias" (Tali Sharot), "Emotional Intelligence" (Daniel Goleman) and "Is Your Bucket Full? The Transformative Power of Positive Emotions" (Donald Clifton). Each of these works reinforces the value of positivity from emotions, since emotions drive human actions.

Applications at work, for companies, PERMA and criticism of positive psychology

Since positive psychology is based on scientific pillars for building a happy and full life, the application of its principles is feasible in all segments. Therefore, even in large groups of people, its foundations and elements can be considered as a means to expand the possibilities of personal and collective achievements. See more below!

How to apply positive psychology at work

To put positive psychology into practice in companies, the path is to invest in development opportunities. Appreciative feedbacks are one example, as well as analyzing the possibilities for business progress and making leadership positive. The strand also brings resources that allow managers to understand the behavioral and personal value of the team.

Valuing each professional is part of a broad process of creating a differentiated culture in institutions. Mistakes exist and should be seen, but with a focus on learning and growth. Highlighting the potential of each employee helps to keep their emotional state high, significantly impacting the performance of those who work on site.

How positive psychology can help businesses

In the corporate environment, positive psychology is a great ally for a better professional performance. What we see is more ability to solve problems, more willingness, engagement and productivity. The differential of positive psychology at work is the use of the tool as a support for employees to find their real skills and strengths.

The more motivated and recognized a professional is, the more he or she is dedicated to their work. As a result, production levels rise and so does the quality of the service provided. Feeding positive emotions, therefore, benefits all hierarchical levels in companies, boosting profits from more efficient contributions from workers.

PERMA, the elements of a happy life

For Martin Seligman, one of the main advocates of positive psychology, there are pillars that lead the individual to experience a happier and more satisfying life. Thus the PERMA model arose, which corresponds to positive emotion (Positive emotion), commitment (Engagement), relationships (Relationship), meaning (Meaning) and achievements (Accomplishment).

According to the mentioned elements, a happier life comprises effectively pleasurable experiences, the achievement of goals, the construction of genuine relationships and the practice of actions with will and purpose. In everyday life, by experiencing the described situations, it is possible for the being to have more plenitude and happiness.

Thus, the manifestation of a more positive reality is due to daily openness and dedication to integrating the aspects that enhance quality of life. After all, favorable perspectives and moments boost brain chemistry and put the focus on the strengths of the situation.

Criticism of positive psychology

The most common criticisms of positive psychology are those that consider the exacerbated aspect of positive actions and thoughts. This is because human nature consists of the duality of positive and negative, and there are professionals who consider the overvaluation of strengths a way to relativize conflicts. However, all pillars are healthy for emotional health.

Experts who criticize positive psychology also highlight the destructive capacity of focusing only on the positive. There are also those who advocate the idea of building a cycle of self-responsibility, blaming those who do not achieve the expected results. In this way, the process may not unfold in the desired way, stimulating uncomfortable feelings.

The benefits of positive psychology

In everyday life, positive psychology connects to actions related to immaterial experiences, giving resources to other people and the relationship with money. Thus, moods and perceptions can be taught and built, so that they are part of the achievement of greater goals. Hormones, likewise, are an important part of the process. Check out details below!

The change in perspective

Positive thinking by itself, according to some theories, is the basis for a happier life. Positive psychology uses this premise in a scientific way, bringing important changes in people's perspective. This is because the construction of a positive foundation depends on how you see your own life and situations.

When the focus is placed on what is positive and already working, possibilities expand. High levels of gratification are the action that brings even more joy as a result. Within the therapeutic approach, such a shift occurs with an emphasis on positive capabilities and outcomes.

Overestimating the money

The act of overestimating money is common in society. With positive psychology, the attention can flow freely to aspects that really influence the levels of happiness of the being. Therefore, it is indicated to think less in financial resources, so that the experiences are more meaningful, essential factor for those who want to use scientific studies in the search for satisfaction and plenitude.

Spending money on experiences that provide a boost to happiness

The way one invests his or her own money, according to positive psychology, is the starting point for more happiness. Therefore, spending money on personal experiences and with other individuals has ample potential to bring feelings of fulfillment and well-being. The purchase of material items tends to bring momentary satisfaction, while the therapeutic approach seeks quality of life and meaning.

The practice of gratitude

The secret about gratitude is that it works like a magnet, so the more you give thanks, the more reasons you have to be grateful. This is one of the main benefits of positive psychology, since attention to the positive aspects and the potential of the self in various spheres leads to ever greater achievements. Chemically, positivity also releases feel-good hormones.

Oxytocin in trust, empathy and morality

Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and has several functions in the human body. Among them is the reduction of stress levels, causing an improvement in mood and enhancing social interactions. Therefore, it is a substance that acts minimizing the effects of disorders such as anxiety and depression in individuals.

In relation to positive psychology, part of its approach refers to quality relationships and the experience of pleasurable moments. Situations such as hugs and physical contact, for example, release more oxytocin in the body and promote a complete sense of well-being. With this, aspects such as confidence stand out in individuals.

Positive mood and contagious happiness

It is no secret that intentionally maintaining a good mood influences the feeling of physical and emotional well-being. Furthermore, when considering the relevance of the people around us in the construction of the sensations felt, it is worth being close to happy people. With this, happiness finds room to settle in more and more individuals, attracting positive experiences and achievements.

Doing well is good and volunteer time

Experiences with a focus on the individuals around them, such as giving and volunteering, awaken positive feelings in themselves. Such responses promote wholeness and acceptance of self and others, bringing a sense of belonging within larger groups. Therefore, the emphasis on positive situations and their unfolding stimulates more physical and emotional health.

Positive emotions in performance and at work

The power of positive emotions acts as an impulse to drive projects. In daily life, stimulating and letting positivity flow triggers mechanisms that optimize performance at work and in personal processes. To do so, it is necessary to focus on what is positive and what can be improved in order to awaken favorable feelings instead of unfavorable ones.

Examples of positive psychology in practice

It's time to get to know some practical examples of positive psychology approaches. By looking for what is positive in various situations, including the capabilities of each individual, positive psychology strengthens favorable beliefs. The search for more well-being begins with the point where efforts are concentrated, as will be shown below. Check it out!

Experience sampling method

The analysis of the individual's routine provides precious information when thinking about making positive psychology a practical approach. The secret is to transform daily living into a methodology for identifying patterns of thoughts and sensations, which indicates the existence of positive triggers. Thus, the goal of the method is to understand what can be initiated or done more often to bringhappiness.

Gratitude journal and gratitude visit

The practice of gratitude increases the feeling of fullness and brings more quality of life to those who perform it. The gratitude diary is a daily exercise of identifying at least three reasons to be grateful every day. With this, the emphasis automatically shifts to favorable and more encouraging aspects, which are the starting point for personal achievements and a happier life.

Similarly, the gratitude visit can be an in-person visit or even a phone call, letter or video call to someone you have a reason to thank. Both exercises have the same basis, exercising the positive view regarding one's own existence and what has already been conquered. Thus, it is a practice that the more constant it is, the more it becomes functional.

Build strengths, not weaknesses

If what stands out among the capacities of individuals are their weak points, they will stand out before their qualities. When the potentials of each being are observed in an encouraging way, the construction of unique personal strengths is born, which determine a cycle of personal development. The result is a lighter life, confident and with a high capacity of achievement.

Wellness therapy

Wellness therapy works on essential pillars for a real sense of feeling in everyday life. For this, enhancing the positive is one aspect, while minimizing negative aspects. The highlight of this therapy is the strengthening of personal power and life purpose, as well as building high value-added relationships.

What are the differences between traditional psychology and positive psychology?

Traditional psychology is probably much better known by people when compared to its positive side. Both are based on scientific studies conducted over decades and differ in the emphasis they give to aspects of the mind and daily life of patients. But the basis, in both cases, concerns the question: how to make life fuller and happier?

In this case, the focus of traditional psychology is problem solving, always from the identification of behavioral and emotional dysfunctions. Thus, the starting point is the solution of conflicts and issues. For positive psychology, the central issue is happiness itself, highlighting positive aspects and experiences in the life of the being.

Although they have the same purpose, the proposals of traditional and positive psychology work with very different perspectives. Therapeutic processes can always be successful, provided that the particularities of each case are considered.