Give a historical perspective on positive psychology.

 Positive psychology is a relatively new field of psychology that emerged in the late 20th century as a response to the predominance of the traditional deficit-focused model of psychology. While traditional psychology focused on identifying and treating mental illness, positive psychology shifted the focus to studying positive aspects of human experience such as well-being, happiness, and flourishing.

The roots of positive psychology can be traced back to the humanistic psychology movement of the 1950s and 1960s, which emphasized the study of human potential and growth rather than mental illness. Humanistic psychologists such as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow emphasized the importance of self-actualization and personal growth in human life.

In the 1980s and 1990s, several psychologists began to challenge the traditional deficit-focused model of psychology and to focus on the study of positive emotions, traits, and behaviors. One of the pioneers of positive psychology was Martin Seligman, who served as the president of the American Psychological Association in 1998 and founded the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania in 2003.

Seligman's work focused on studying positive emotions such as happiness, gratitude, and optimism, as well as the concept of human flourishing. He also developed the concept of "learned helplessness," which describes the belief that individuals who experience repeated negative events come to believe that they are helpless to change their circumstances.

Another important figure in the development of positive psychology was Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who studied the concept of "flow," which is a state of complete absorption in a task or activity that leads to a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment.

Since its emergence, positive psychology has continued to evolve and expand, with researchers studying a wide range of topics related to human well-being and flourishing. Some of the key areas of research in positive psychology include resilience, positive relationships, character strengths, and mindfulness.

In recent years, positive psychology has gained increasing recognition and acceptance within the field of psychology and beyond. Many universities now offer courses in positive psychology, and the concept of well-being and positive emotions has become increasingly mainstream in popular culture.

Overall, positive psychology represents a significant shift in the field of psychology towards a more balanced and holistic approach that emphasizes both the prevention of mental illness and the promotion of positive aspects of human experience. By studying the factors that contribute to human flourishing, positive psychology has the potential to help individuals lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

Subcribe on Youtube - IGNOU SERVICE

For PDF copy of Solved Assignment

WhatsApp Us - 9113311883(Paid)