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What Is Positive Psychology?

What Is Positive Psychology?

Positive psychology is relatively new branch of psychology. It aims at helping people become more happy and healthy. Different from other branches that mainly focus on abnormal and dysfunctional behaviors, the main goal of positive psychology is to make humans happier. This would be a great extension and complement to other branches. According to many scientists, by dealing with strength and good things, positive psychology may help fulfil our lives with healing components. [1]

Short History of Positive Psychology

After World War II, the main goal of psychology was to treat mental disorders and abnormal behaviors. But in the 50s, several psychologists developed new theories centered around the positive sides of human nature and happiness. Below are some important timelines in the history of positive psychology:

– 1998: the father of modern positive psychology, Martin Seligman became the American Psychological Association’s president and made this branch of psychology a main focus

– 2002: First International Positive Psychology Summit in Washington D.C.

– 2006: Course on positive psychology was one of the most popular classes in Harvard University

– 2009: First World Congress on Positive Psychology in Philadelphia

Since 1950s, positive psychology has attracted more attentions and interests from both the general public and academia. [2]