Positive psychology, why is it fashionable?
Lately we hear the expression very often positive psychology. We tend to associate this expression with a new fashion, perhaps a miraculous method for well-being, butwhat is really positive psychology? Because it's trendy? How can you help us?
Probably most people, although they have heard the term and have drawn their conclusions, do not really know much about positive psychology, its foundations, its principles and its applications. This new vision of psychology, of the functioning of the mind from a positive point of view, based on the qualities, is assuming a revolution.
Positive psychology, what is it?
What is the positive psychology? There is a general tendency to associate positive psychology with some kind of spiritual current, or miraculous self-help method. However, positive psychology is a branch of psychology, a current that is based on scientific postulates and follows the same rigor as other currents within psychology.
The difference with other currents is not more than its object of study. Traditionally, psychology and its diverse perspectives have dealt with the study of pathology, the negative aspects of the person, seeking to find a solution to these negative notes. Psychology supposes a revolution and a radical change of point of view, since, as its own name indicates, it displaces its interest towards the positive aspects of the mind and the person. Positive psychology focuses its attention on a different field of research and application, focusing on the qualities and positive characteristics of people. It focuses on seeking the development of these positive qualities, on using them as personal strengths that allow us to face adversity.
Positive psychology studies with scientific rigor variables such as optimism and its influence on well-being, analyzes the variables associated with personal improvement, coping with adversity, with the ultimate goal of being able to offer a better quality of life to people, of to be able to achieve well-being.
How can positive psychology help us?
Positive psychology focuses on the positive qualities of the human being. In optimism, in positive emotions. But we could ask ourselves, what good is positive psychology, if what we have are negative emotions? If I feel sadness, pain, or fear, that this current serves me?
Precisely the positive psychology supposes a new approach, not only of study and to understand to the human being, but also of treatment. Knowing the bases of well-being, and the mechanisms of positive emotions, through positive psychology is intended to enhance these to improve negative moods.
1. Positive resources. The discomfort can be caused by various reasons. But it is the absence of positive resources, understood as personal strengths, positive emotions, etc ... which keeps us in discomfort and condemns us to it. Positive psychology helps us by developing these positive resources.
2. Personal growth and self-discovery. Through positive psychology a personal development work is done, developing personal strengths. It is a path of growth and self-discovery.
3. Harmony with oneself. Once the strengths are developed, the path of enjoyment, commitment and meaning is drawn, to achieve harmony with oneself. Develop the ability to enjoy, accept and give meaning to what happens to us, as well as assume a commitment to our well-being.
Positive psychology, why is it so fashionable?
Positive psychology is fashionable, because it is an innovative trend, changing the point of view and offering a protagonist and active role to the person, who has to commit to their own welfare. Positive psychology is a scientific current that stops focusing on pathology, leaves aside victimhood and encourages us to face our problems, to look them in the face and develop them to face them.
Celia Rodríguez Ruiz. Clinical health psychologist. Specialist in pedagogy and child and youth psychology. Director of Educa and Learn. Author of the collection Stimulate Reading and Writing Processes.
