Psychology has gotten a bad rap. It seemed that it was always trying to “fix” something that was wrong-treating mental illnesses. While this is certainly a worthwhile, and necessary, endeavor, its main focus was on healing the negative side of people’s emotions and behaviors. But there has been a shift more recently into the study of what makes happy people happy, and how can we all improve our own mental health and become happier too!
“Those who study topics in positive psychology fully acknowledge the existence of human suffering, selfishness, dysfunctional family systems, and ineffective institutions. But the aim of positive psychology is to study the other side of the coin—the ways that people feel joy, show altruism, and create healthy families and institutions—thereby addressing the full spectrum of human experience.” (Gable and Haidt, 2005)
Abraham Maslow first coined the phrase “positive psychology” in 1954. He believed we should also study healthy people to see what made them healthy. Then in 1998, when Martin Selgiman was elected president of the American Psychological Association, he made positive psychology a theme for his term. Mihaly Sikszentmihalyi and Christopher Peterson and others have also made significant contributions to the movement.
One definition of positive psychology is “the study of the conditions and processes that contribute to the flourishing or optimal functioning of people, groups, and institutions” (Gable and Haidt, 2005). I found it very interesting that they would not only include people in the definition, but also groups and institutions, but it makes sense. If you have happy, positive people in the group, it will be a happy, positive group. If the groups (departments, etc.) within the institution (organization, business, etc.) are happy and positive, the whole institution will be happy and positive.
But it all starts with the individual people. What can we do to help ourselves be more happy, positive, joyful, optimistic and grateful so we can lead more fulfilling lives? One approach would be to try Martin Seligman’s theoretical PERMA model of happiness. PERMA is an acronym for Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement. He believes that these five elements can help us lead not only to happier, but more fulfilling lives.
Positive emotions would obviously include happiness and joy, but also enthusiasm, excitement, satisfaction, and so many others. It would also include taking a more optimistic perspective on life. Engagement would involve finding activities that you enjoy. It could be a hobby, sport, or project that you can really get wrapped up in, that engages you. Relationships include your people connections. Family, friends, co-workers, or romantic relationships that have a positive influence are important in good times and in bad times. Finding Meaning or a purpose in your life or even your work can help you continue to try to reach your goals. Find what it is that you want to do and go do it. This can also help you find fulfillment in your life. Accomplishments can be reaching your goals and having a sense of pride. Your accomplishments can bring you back positive emotions!
So try to apply part of this model to your own life. What happened today that made you smile or got you excited? Schedule some time to do that activity that engages you. Visit a friend or call your mom. What do you want to do today? What did you accomplish? Did you reach a goal or take positive steps toward a goal? All these little things can add up. You can be a healthier, happier you!
Resources:
Gable, S. L., & Haidt, J. (2005). What (and why) is positive psychology? Review of General Psychology,9(2), 103-110. doi:10.1037/1089-2680.9.2.103
Positive psychology. (2018, April 18). Retrieved April 24, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/Positive_psychology
Seligman, M. E., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (n.d.). Positive Psychology: An Introduction. In American Psychologist(Vol. 55, pp. 5-14). doi:10.1037//0003-066X.55.1.5 (American Psychologist,55, (2000), 5-14)
Pascha, M. (2017, Feb. 24). The PERMA Model: Your Scientific Theory of Happiness. Positive Psychology Program. https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/perma-model
