Positive psychology is a relatively new orientation in the field of psychology that focuses on human strengths and virtues. This discipline was introduced by Martin Seligman in 1998 to provide a different approach to psychology i.e. The shift from a negative approach to positive aspects of human life. Since its introduction, positive psychology has continued to experience significant growth and development that is mainly attributed to the increased attention on positive aspects of life.
Based on the specific components of positive psychology, I have identified my personal psychological strengths. These strengths were identified through the use of VIA Classification of Strengths from Pennsylvania State University. The identification and assessment of personal psychological strengths was also based on existing literature on positive psychology. Through the use of the tool, my personal psychological strengths include the character strengths of hope, transcendence, creativity, open-mindedness, and love of learning. I identified these personal psychological strengths though the use of the scoring methods in the VIA Inventory of Strengths, which contain psychometric properties that are crucial in determining behavior. The process also entailed discussions with my family and friends regarding my personal positive attributes.
These personal psychological strengths have a considerable impact on my life with regards to health, career, education, and relationships. Generally, these strengths contribute to improved physical, psychological, and emotional health and well-being. Despite the impact on improved well-being and health, these psychological strengths can be developed through various ways. The development is fueled by the fact that character strengths are not fixed attributed for every setting and time. The development would occur through assimilative efforts, play activities, and participation in character development programs.
Positive Psychology
Positive psychology is an emerging discipline that was introduced by Martin Peterson Seligman in 1998 when he was the president of the American Psychological Association. Seligman introduced this concept at a time when he was encouraging psychologists to remember the mission of the field of psychology is to nurture genius and develop human strength. This essay evaluates personal psychological strengths based on the results of VIA Classification of Strengths from Pennsylvania State University. Firstly, the paper examines the field of positive psychology in light of its emergence and development. Secondly, psychological strengths are discussed based on existing literature on positive psychology. Thirdly, personal psychological strengths are identified based on various methods available in this field. Fourth, a discussion regarding the impact of the identified strengths on personal life is examines. Finally, the author provides an evaluation of specific activities that may be used to develop these personal psychological strengths.
Emergence and Development of Positive Psychology
As previously mentioned, positive psychology is relatively new orientation in the field of psychology that was introduced by Martin Peterson Seligman in his attempts to increase research on human strength and psychological well-being of individuals. He developed this orientation following initiatives to encourage psychologists to remember the mission of this discipline i.e. building human strength and developing genius. During this period, psychologists had largely omitted this mission, which created in a new focus in the field of psychology (Compton & Hoffman, 2012, p.1). Actually, psychology was largely shifting towards emphasis on the study of weakness and damage and treatment of what is broken. Seligman introduced the new concept by arguing that psychology also entails studying virtue and strength as well as developing what is best within an individual.
In summary, the emergence and development of this discipline can be considered as an initiative to encourage psychologists to embrace a more open and grateful view of human potential, abilities, and intentions. As a result, this discipline examines the potential for doing the right thing that every individual has access to and can become a reality in their lives. In a nutshell, positive psychology can be defined as the scientific evaluation of what contributes to the growth and development of individuals and communities. It is characterized with three major dimensions i.e. The subjective level, individual level, and societal level. Under the subjective level, this study examines positive subjective states or emotions whereas it looks at positive individual traits or behavioral patterns at the individual level. At the societal level, positive psychology examines the creation, growth, and maintenance of positive institutions.
Psychological Strengths
Having established that positive psychology focuses on the positive aspect of human functioning, the strengths of positive experiences and character like a fulfilling life are among the core concerns of this discipline. According to Fredrickson (2009), personal psychological strengths focus on positivity in light of how it transforms lives (p.37). In this case, these strengths relate to positive...
Another near-contemporary of Rogers and Maslow is Albert Bandura, whose social learning theory is more part of the behaviorist school than the humanist, though these are not as dissimilar as is often thought (Bandura 2010; Ricks & Wandersman 1982). Ultimately, though Bandura's work is most famous for explaining aggression and other behavior developments, it is truly concerned with how people develop into functioning and satisfied human beings (Bandura 2010; Bandura
Canadian Psychology entitled "Expanding Opportunities for Diversity in Positive Psychology" presents the results of a systematic review of literature. The review of literature covers the years between 1998 and 2014, spanning the bulk of the duration of the field of positive psychology. The purpose of the systematic review was to examine how issues related to race, class, and gender were addressed in literature on positive psychology because of what
Fear of Success through Positive Psychology Perhaps we are blinded to the survival value of positive emotions precisely because they are so important. Like the fish who is unaware of the water in which it swims, we take for granted a certain amount of hope, love, enjoyment, and trust because these are the very conditions that allow us to go on living. They are the fundamental conditions of existence, and
Family Genogram Synopsis Me = Female, 20 yrs old. One older brother = 25 yrs old, named Eduardo (Eddie). Lives in Los Angeles. Mother = named Estrella. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1949, grew up in Buenos Aires and Panama City. Her father, my grandfather Abraham, was born in 1915 in Malaga, Spain to two Sephardic Jewish parents. My mother's mother, named Donna, was born in Buenos Aires in 1924. Donna's mother was
Implicit in Rogers' belief system was that clients must be in control of the therapy, and the therapist merely functioned as the guide. Major School4: Cognitive-behavioral psychologists Cognitive behavioral psychology is often a very time-sensitive type of therapy, with a specific goal, such as the elimination of a phobia or behavior. In contrast to humanistic or Rogerian therapy, the cognitive-behaviorist directly challenges the client about his or her irrational belief systems. The
On a personal level, I have tried to condition myself with negative behavior by trying to encourage myself to lose weight by posting an unflattering picture of myself on the refrigerator, to discourage in-between meal snacking. I have to admit that this was initially motivational for me, given that the vision was so unpleasant. However, to condition one's own behavior through negative reinforcement requires a great deal of zeal for
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