Positive psychology or well-being, an integrative approach to therapy, can be defined as the science of the study and promotion of happiness, meaning, and strengths. The study of happiness includes basic research on who is happy and why. This research centers on individuals and entire countries as researchers identify the happiest countries in the world. Positive psychologists argue that we should assess “gross happiness level” along with gross national product or wealth to see whether a country is truly successful.

The promotion of happiness refers to positive psychology interventions or treatments designed to help people build happier and more meaningful lives. These interventions are called psychotherapy treatments if applied to clients with a serious and diagnosable mental disorder or psychological disturbance. Well-being treatments are often added ...