Relevance of positive psychology in today’s society Flashcards
Introduction
Linley et al (2006) suggest that positive psychology can illuminate previously unexplored areas of scientific inquiry. Positive psychology promotes productive and fulfilling lives for all, yet many still lack happiness despite improved wealth and health, despite the belief that wealthier individuals should lead happier lives.
Positive psychology is RELEVANT in today’s society: Education
Seligman, a prominent advocate of the positive psychology movement, proposed that a positive psychology curriculum (PPC) that could:
1. promote skills and strengths that are valued by most, including parents.
2. produce measurable improvements in students’ well being and behaviour.
3. facilitate students’ engagement in learning and achievement (Seligman et al, 2009)
The Penn Resiliency Program(PRP), a positive psychology curriculum, students on this programmes showed reduced symptoms of depression compared to control group (Gillham et al.), supporting Seligman’s claims. Also Seligman et al compared 347 randomly assigned 9th grade students to PPC and non-PPC classes. They found that PPC students were more cooperative and had better social skills, seen through questionnaires completed by students, parents, and teachers.
Positive psychology is NOT RELEVANT in today’s society: Education
The lack of empirical evidence for most positive psychology programmes is a significant issue. Spence and Shortt (2007) emphasised the need for more long-term research to effectively spread positive psychology in schools, as existing research primarily focuses on small-scale interventions. Seligman et al. even acknowledged the need for further research to ensure the effectiveness of these programmes with students from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. The Financial Times (2007) editorial also suggests that incorporating positive psychology into the curriculum could lead to schools dropping essential courses due to limited budgets and curricular demands, potentially resulting in increased societal costs for students with lower academic achievements.
Positive psychology is RELEVANT in today’s society: Work
Csikszentmihalyi’s research reveals that work is a significant source of happiness, with his ‘flow’ theory suggesting that positive experiences are most enriched when both challenges and skills are high, allowing individuals to enjoy the moment, learn new skills, and boost self-esteem. Also, Csikszentmihalyi and LeFevre (1989) found that most people experience ‘flow’ situations more than three times more at work than during leisure, suggesting that working environments provide more positive experiences, which is probably contrary to what many people claim. They commented that if workers can admit work can be just enjoyable as leisure time. they could work effectively and improve their personal quality of life.
Positive psychology is NOT RELEVANT in today’s society: Work
Positive psychology suggests that choosing a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life, which is not a new idea with some attributions to Chinese sage Confucius in 551 BC. However, it’s questionable whether positive psychology in the workplace offers more than empirical support for this concept. Work may bring happiness, but having more money does not necessarily correlate with happiness. For example, Diener et al (1993) found a modest correlation of +.12 was found between income and happiness. However, in poor societies, money is more important, and work may be more important for money than happiness. The Western, developed world may have the luxury of seeking happiness through work, but it is not available everywhere.
Positive psychology is RELEVANT in today’s society: Leisure and lifestyle advice
Csikszentmihalyi and Le Fevre (1989) suggested that individuals enhance their life quality and experience of flow by being more active in their leisure time. Positive psychology concepts are evident in online ‘projects’ that aim to make life in UK society better like Action for Happiness. Action for Happiness claims they are a movement for positive social change, aiming to create a happier society for everyone. They provide support for those struggling with problems and depression, majority of the site offering content like “10 keys to happier living.”
Positive psychology is NOT RELEVANT in today’s society: Leisure and lifestyle advice
Many people may be hesitant to engage in leisure activities that could enhance flow experiences due to lack of dedicated time or financial burdens. The impact of movements like Action for Happiness on UK society is challenging to evaluate, as controlling all variables is necessary for objective research. For example, wealthier individuals may be attracted to such movements, potentially leading to beneficial outcomes due to their wealth rather than the program itself causing happiness.
Positive psychology is RELEVANT in today’s society: Health
Kubzansky and Thurston’s (2007) study that surveyed over 6,000 men and women aged 25-74 for 20 years. She found that those with high levels of ‘emotional vitality’ this includes enthusiasm, hopefulness, engagement, and emotional balance with life stresses, had a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Medical professionals may provide patients with advice on enhancing their happiness and other lifestyle changes.
Positive psychology is NOT RELEVANT in today’s society: Health
The cause and effect relationship between happiness and health is challenging to establish. It’s unclear whether healthy individuals are happy or healthy because they are happy. Positive psychology could have a significant impact on the health sector. However, conducting research that clearly demonstrates cause and effect conclusions is often overlooked in this field.
Conclusion
Positive psychology focuses on improving people’s lives and society they live in, rather than focusing on negative aspects like aggressive behaviour and addiction, leading to innovative research and new programs in schools, work, and leisure. The positive approach to health may have limited impact due to its small scope. The positive approach may be somewhat relevant to the Western, developed world, but its relatively new nature, may take time for its effects to be felt.
