What is Positive Psychology?
“Positive Psychology is the scientific study of what makes life worth living.” (Peterson, 2008)
It is a scientific approach that attempts to study the thoughts, feelings and behaviour of humans having the main focus on strengths rather than weaknesses.
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Builds self-confidence
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Self- esteem
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Highly encourages looking at the positives in life instead of focusing on the negative.
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Positive psychology then also focuses on optimism, character strengths, you well- being and mentality.
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The founder of Positive Psychology is Martin Seligman, an American psychologist and educator.
But why and how should it be used?...
P sitive Education
Positive Education allows us to use positive psychology in schools.
Research is currently showing that the schools using PERMA (explained below) and positive education, those skills and concepts that are integrated into an academic environment have positive impacts on students that have good mental health but also on the students that are struggling a little more (Coffrey, 2015).
Incorporating positive education in academics teaches the students multiple skills in which they will use for the rest of their lives. The type of education is all about feeling good and doing good; it helps you understand yourself, the world around you, it aids children in participating in society in a meaningful way and teaches the students how to deal with adversity which is highly important as well.
'Positive education teaches students about growth mindsets and how to capitalise on their strengths' -Coffrey, 2015
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'By incorporating positive education in schools, it is probable that depression and anxiety will decrease, it’s possible that physical health will increase… and it’s also possible that peace and productivity will be higher' -Seligman, 2015.
Below is a link of a video called ‘What is Positive Education’, it is made by professors, psychologists from the Institute of Positive Education.
P=Positive Emotions
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Experience happiness, joy, hope, love, gratitude, etc.
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E= Engagement
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Use your strengths to meet challenges; be in the moment
R=Relationships
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Connect with others; love and be loved.
M=Meaning
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Connect to meaning; find your purpose
A=Accomplishment
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Pursue and accomplish goals; strive for greatness.