Positive Psychology Theoretical Framework

[Page 2598]The positive psychology theoretical framework focuses on embracing and promoting individuals’ valued subjective, positive experiences, such as happiness, thriving, and overall well-being. This framework does not disregard but instead builds on traditional psychological models, which primarily focus on identifying and reducing symptomatology to improve quality of life. Clinicians who practice from the positive psychology theoretical framework views mental health as existing on a continuum, in which the absence of symptoms does not necessarily indicate complete well-being. A clear, concise definition of positive psychology remains absent in the literature. This may be due to the fact that the positive psychology theoretical framework encompasses a vast array of constructs. Overall, it is considered to be the study of happiness (which comprises positive emotion, engagement in positive ...