Positive Psychology

While psychology has a history of focusing on understanding and treating problems, recent research has pushed for a focus on human flourishing. 

positive psychology: the scientific study of human flourishing, with the goals of discovering and promoting strengths and virtues that help individuals and communities thrive

Positive psychologists use scientific methods to study human flourishing, with the goals of discovering and promoting strengths and virtues that help individuals and communities to thrive.

  • Subjective well-being is your perception of being happy or satisfied with life. Happiness is relative to our own experiences and to others’ success.

  • A good mood brightens people’s perceptions of the world. Happy people tend to be healthy, energized, and satisfied with life, which makes them more willing to help others (the feel-good, do-good phenomenon).

  • The moods triggered by good or bad events seldom last beyond that day. Even significant good events, such as sudden wealth, seldom increase happiness for long.

Resilience: the capacity to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties

Studies of people with an optimistic outlook show that their immune system is stronger, their blood pressure does not increase as sharply in response to stress, their recovery from heart bypass surgery is faster, and their life expectancy is longer.

Social support promotes health by calming us, by reducing blood pressure and stress hormones, and by fostering stronger immune functioning. We can significantly reduce our stress and increase our health by building and maintaining relationships with family and friends, and by finding meaning even in difficult times.

"Broaden-and-build theory" of positive emotions, proposed by psychologist Barbara Fredrickson

experiencing positive emotions like joy, interest, and contentment temporarily "broadens" a person's cognitive and behavioral repertoire

allowing them to explore new ideas and actions, which in turn leads to the "building" of personal resources like social connections, physical health, and resilience over time

6 Values of Positive Psychology

  • Wisdom: Represents intellectual strengths like curiosity, love of learning, and good judgment. 

  • Courage: Encompasses bravery, perseverance, and the ability to face challenges. 

  • Humanity: Focuses on kindness, compassion, and love towards others. 

  • Justice: Represents fairness, leadership, and taking responsibility for the well-being of the community. 

  • Temperance: Relates to self-control, humility, and moderation. 

Transcendence: Captures spiritual aspects like appreciation for beauty, gratitude, and hope for the future.

Aerobic exercise is sustained, oxygen-consuming activity that increases heart and lung fitness. It increases arousal, leads to muscle relaxation and sounder sleep, triggers the production of neurotransmitters, and enhances self-image. It can relieve depression and is associated with longer life and better cognitive functioning in later life.

Relaxation and meditation have been shown to reduce stress by relaxing muscles, lowering blood pressure, improving immune functioning, and lessening anxiety and depression. Mindfulness meditation is a reflective practice of attending to current experiences in a nonjudgmental and accepting manner. Massage therapy also relaxes muscles and reduces depression.

Practicing gratitude focusing on the good things in life and expressing thankfulness. It can help you feel happier and healthier. 

Faith can help mental health

Research on faith and mental health

  • A large WHO study found that people who identified as religious had lower levels of mental health problems. 

  • A meta-analysis of university students found that religious affiliation was a protective factor against poor mental health. 

  • Research has also found that religiosity and spirituality can have a positive impact on depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior, and alcohol dependence and drug abuse

Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is a psychological phenomenon where individuals experience positive changes and transformations after enduring a traumatic event:

  • Positive Transformation:
    PTG involves significant positive changes in one's worldview, values, relationships, and sense of self. 

  • Resilience:
    The ability to cope with and overcome adversity and emerge with enhanced well-being. 

  • Appreciation for Life:
    PTG often leads to a deeper appreciation for life, a heightened sense of gratitude, and a renewed focus on what matters most. 

  • Personal Growth:
    Individuals may experience increased personal strength and self-awareness.

  • Spiritual Growth:
    Some individuals report a sense of spiritual transformation or a deepened connection to something larger than themselves.