Principles of Positive Psychology
Positive psychology does not only focus short-lived happiness. It puts more importance on deep satisfaction and meaning. Martin Seligman has outlined many ideas of what a happy life should be. It includes a meaningful life, a good life with personal engagement and strengths, and a pleasant life. There is also a range of behaviors and concepts in this branch of psychology, which is covered in the next sections, such as the sense of purpose or meaning, flow states, flourishing, and specific positive feelings. [3]
Important Findings in Positive Psychology
Below is a list of some major findings from research on positive psychology over the past decades:
– In general, most people are happy and relatively resilient
– It is possible to teach people a good life
– Social relationships, character strengths, and happiness can help fight against upsets and disappointments
– While you cannot necessarily purchase well-being, spending money on others would make you happier
– It is possible to learn how to be happier
– Work plays an important part in well-being, particularly for those who can have meaningful and purposeful work [4]
