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Positive Psychology is ”An umbrella term for the study of positive emotions, positive character traits and enabling institutions” Seligman
Positive Psychology operates at three levels
- Subjective–about feeling good rather than doing good or being a good person
- Individual–
- Group
Seligman now believes the topic of positive psychology’s well-being and the ‘gold standard’ for measuring well-being is flourishing. Well-being according to Seligman has five measurable elements that count towards it they are:
- positive emotion (of which happiness and life satisfaction are elements)
- engagement
- relationships
- meaning
- achievement
According to Seligman’s revised theory of positive psychology, happiness which was previously its centerpiece is now only part of a wider construct of well-being. The goal of well-being is to increase the amount of flourishing in one’s life and on the planet. To flourish an individual must have all of three ‘core features’:
- positive emotions
- engagement and interest
- meaning and purpose
An individual must also have three of six additional features:
- self-esteem
- optimism
- resilience
- vitality
- self-determination
- positive relationships
Character Strengths Peterson & Seligman
Positive Psychology’s Character Strengths in Addiction Spirituality Research
