PSYC FPX 4100 Assessment 4 History and Influence of the New School of Thought PSYC FPX 4100 History and Modern Systems of Psychology

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History of Positive Psychology

In 1998, the American Psychological Association elected Martin Seligman as its President, during which he made positive psychology his central theme. Before this, positive psychology had not been formally recognized as a distinct branch of psychology. Seligman aimed to shift the focus toward understanding what contributes to happiness and fulfillment in individuals. He is often referred to as the father of contemporary positive psychology. As an educator, author, and psychologist, Seligman is best known for his research on learned helplessness, a condition where individuals or animals feel powerless in certain situations despite having the ability to change them. His interest in alleviating depression led him to explore the factors that prevent individuals from becoming depressed. Seligman recognized that he and other psychologists had primarily concentrated on the disease model of psychology, prompting him to investigate the positive aspects of life.

While Seligman is a prominent figure in positive psychology, he is not the sole contributor to the field. Christopher Peterson collaborated with Seligman to incorporate positive psychology into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Their research examined various cultures, leading to the development of a list of valued traits included in the Character Strengths and Virtues section of the DSM, which encompasses wisdom/knowledge, courage, transcendence, justice, humanity, and temperance. Other influential psychologists who contributed to positive psychology include William James, Abraham Maslow, and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. William James was the first to teach a psychology course in the United States and advocated for the integration of positivistic and phenomenological methodologies, a concept now known as radical empiricism. Humanistic psychology laid the groundwork for positive psychology, with Abraham Maslow being one of its most influential figures. Maslow was the first to use the term “positive psychology” and criticized the field’s focus on disorders and dysfunctions.

PSYC FPX 4100 Assessment 4 History and Influence of the New School of Thought

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is also regarded as a founding figure in positive psychology. He emphasized the importance of the creative process over the final product, introducing the concept of the “flow state” and dedicating significant time to exploring methods for achieving this state. Notable researchers in positive psychology include Albert Bandura, Donald Clifton, Edward Deci, Richard Ryan, Ed Diener, Carol Dweck, and Barbara Fredrickson. Bandura’s self-efficacy theory has been instrumental in positive psychology, while Clifton is often referred to as the father of strength-based psychology and has been called the grandfather of positive psychology by many. Deci and Ryan developed the self-determination theory, which updated Maslow’s hierarchy of needs by identifying three fundamental needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

Dr. Ed Diener introduced the concept of subjective well-being to psychology and has collaborated with Seligman, currently serving as a senior scientist for the Gallup Organization. Carol Dweck’s research on growth versus fixed mindsets has become a valuable tool in positive psychology, helping to engage individuals with the field. Barbara Fredrickson was the first psychologist to contribute to positive psychology through her research on positive emotions, proposing that such emotions can broaden individuals’ perspectives, leading to enhanced well-being and resilience during challenging times.

Positive psychology focuses on the factors that contribute to human happiness. Rather than addressing disorders and sources of unhappiness, this approach seeks to identify what motivates individuals. The topic of happiness has garnered significant interest, and positive psychology serves as a means to foster positive social change. An example of this is the Gallup World Poll, which provides insights into well-being, health, law and order, and other critical issues relevant to policymakers, governors, and community developers.

References

Al Taher, R. (2021). The 5 founding fathers and a history of positive psychology. Retrieved from https://positivepsychology.com/founding-fathers/

Biswas-Diener, R., Govindji, R., Linley, P. A., & Woolston, L. (2011). Positive psychology as a force for social change. In Designing Positive Psychology: Taking Stock and Moving Forward. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195373585.003.0027

PSYC FPX 4100 Assessment 4 History and Influen