You would have probably heard of the term “positive psychology” in health talk shows, TV, radio, or even live speeches. But have you thought of what exactly it is? Or do you remember the last time you had a positive outlook on life or a troubled situation?
New research says that the millennial generation, ages 18 to 33, is reporting more stress, depression, and anxiety, because of financial, career and relationship pressure- persuading them to develop a long-term pessimistic outlook on life.
The talk of viruses, wars, climate disasters, and economic collapses has added to this stress further making worry like an old-trusted friend. So when they don’t know what to rely on, they always lean back on negativity.
This is one of the primary reasons positive psychology has taken widespread preaching by mental health experts, life and emotional coaches, and psychologists. For those hearing this for the first time, here is a brief beginner’s guide on this branch of psychology built on professional insights.
The Concept
Positive psychology, in simple terms, is a science of fostering positive aspects of human life, such as happiness, prosperity, well-being, flourishing, gratitude, and productivity. In the words of its founder, Martin Seligman, “It is the scientific study of positive human functioning and flourishing on multiple levels that include the biological, personal, relational, institutional, cultural, and global dimensions of life.”
It focuses more on the potential of individuals and not their shortcomings. It does not target resolving problems or issues but instead helps you identify and analyze things that can make your life worth living to the fullest with a happy and grateful mindset. In short, positive psychology is not a rapid transformational therapy or concept like making a -8 to -2, but it shows you how to convert a +2 to +8.
The Three Levels of Positive Psychology
Subjective level
Includes the study of positive experiences like well-being, satisfaction, happiness, contentment, joy, optimism, and flow. This level focuses on making you feel good rather than doing good for others or trying to be a good person as what the society perceives.
Individual level
In this second level, the focus is on identifying the constituents of a “good life” and the personal qualities necessary for being a “good person .” This is usually achieved by studying human strengths and virtues, capacity for love and respect, courage, forgiveness, perseverance, future-mindedness, gratitude, wisdom, interpersonal skills, originality, and giftedness.
Group level
At this last stage of the group level, the focus is on social responsibilities, civic virtues, nurturance, altruism, tolerance, civility, work ethics, positive institutions, and other factors that contribute to the development of citizenship and communities.
The Significance
One of the most significant benefits of cultivating positive psychology is that it teaches you the power to shift your perspectives to achieve a positive life. All the exercises, techniques, and strategies used in the entire program will help you make small but sustainable changes that lead to significant shifts in improved well-being and quality of life.
Injecting optimism and gratitude into your life is a simple action that can radically improve a positive outlook on life. Of Course, no respected clinical psychologist will tell you to be positive all the time, but they would show you how having a healthy positive mind balance can make your life more manageable and less stressful.
The right balance of a positive mind can help you approach the downs in life more strategically. This also helps in preventing the development of diseases that have a strong connection with your mental health and outlook on life.
Studies show that pessimistic people had nearly a 20% higher risk of dying over 30 years than optimistic people. Similarly, people who had a good track of gratitude for the things in their life had fewer physical complaints than others and were also able to change unhealthy thinking patterns and keep their minds mentally sharp.
