Positive psychology shares many similarities with social work. It operates from a humanistic framework with the belief that people can self-actualize while additionally focusing on strengths. This strengths focus has resulted in the application and extensive research utilizing positive psychology interventions across multiple populations including individuals with schizophrenia, college and university student mental health and well-being during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, and as an adjunct to treatments for breast cancer, dialysis, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Positive psychology arose from Seligman’s (2008) work with patients suffering from depression. He realized that merely alleviating his patients’ symptoms did not make them feel better but instead left them feeling rather empty. In addition, Seligman described an epiphany when the man sitting next to him on an airplane flight asked him what he did for a living. When Seligman responded, the seatmate immediately moved away and stopped speaking to him. Seligman realized right then that psychology had become too focused on weaknesses and pathology rather than well-being and helping people live more satisfying and fulfilling lives. After several research studies implementing positive psychology interventions with students diagnosed with depression, Rashid and Seligman (2018) developed the positive psychology framework of positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments (PERMA). Along with this framework, Rashid and Seligman (2018) included 20 positive psychology Interventions and activities (PPIs) focused on amplifying positive emotions such as happiness, contentment, and gratitude, with the first intervention assessing the client for individual strengths. During this time Seligman and over 50 researchers developed the Value in Actions-Inventory Strengths (VIA-IS) which has been normed and taken by millions of participants worldwide. According to Seligman, utilizing one’s strengths in a unique way is just one of many pathways to well-being. For more information about positive psychology and ongoing research please visit the VIA Institute of Character at https://www.viacharacter.org/.
References
Rashid, T., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2018). Positive psychotherapy clinical manual. Oxford University Press.
Seligman, M. E. P. (2008, June 21). The new era of positive psychology [Video]. YouTube.