Positive Psychology

Definition

Positive psychology is the study of the processes and conditions that contribute to optimal functioning and flourishing in human beings. It is the study of positive experiences, positive traits, and positive communities. Examples of topics in positive psychology include the study of positive emotions, such as hope, curiosity, and love; the study of individual strengths, such as wisdom and courage; and the study of positive practices in institutions, such as school policies that foster students' intrinsic motivation to learn. Although interest in such topics has been around since the beginning days of psychology, the term positive psychology is quite recent and was coined as part of a concentrated effort by psychologists who saw a need to highlight these relatively neglected areas of research.

History and Background

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