Positive Parenting or Positive Psychology Parenting? Towards a Conceptual Framework of Positive Psychology Parenting

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to highlight the distinctiveness of positive psychology parenting from positive discipline and positive parenting. A second purpose is to frame a positive psychology parenting model adopting the principles proposed by Seligman. The parenting research within the positive psychology approach has been rather inactive. This inactivity could possibly be attributed to the parallel use of the term “positive” concurrently by two additional theoretical frameworks apart from positive psychology, i.e. positive discipline and positive parenting. However, in the case of positive discipline and positive parenting, the term “positive” describes a non-punitive, “firm and kind” parenting style. In the case of Positive Psychology, the term positive refers to the broadening and building effect of positive emotions described by Fredrickson. Additionally, the target population of the positive discipline and positive parenting is mainly (but not exclusively) children of special challenges. Finally, their purpose is mainly prevention and treatment. The target population of positive psychology parenting is normally adjusted children and the purpose is well-being and flourishing of the child and family. These three elements—meaning of the term “positive”, target population and purpose— differentiate positive discipline and positive parenting from the Positive Psychology parenting model proposed by Seligman. The differences are equivalent to the different approach of “psychology as usual” from positive psychology.