The Role of Positive Psychology In Fostering Growth

Abstract

In 1998, Martin Seligman proposed the theory of Positive Psychology in the field of Psychology. Over the years, positive psychology has proved to be an exciting and influential development in the field of psychology. Positive psychology is a study of the traits and habits of fully functioning human beings, which helps psychology experts, mental health professionals, and other human service professionals to understand and make best use of the human potential and to serve as a guide to where psychology can lead to in the foreseeable future. Rather than focus on causation of pathologies originating within the individual, positive psychology focus shifts to the interaction of the individual within their environment and the re-establishment and development of their own growth potential. Following a strengths-based ideology, positive psychology seeks to build and inspire the “good life worth living” rather than repairing the bad. The sequence of this meta-analysis of literature knowledge describes the historical development of positive psychology, its tenets, and their application in fostering growth. Keywords: Positive Psychology, Optimism, Happiness, Broadening, Courage, Self-efficacy, Strength, Subjective Well-being, Peak Performance, Satisfaction, Creativity, Goal-setting, Flourishing, Mindset, Constructs, Hope