Four Annotated Bibliographies Of Positive Psychology

Running Head: HEALTH AND WELL BEING THROUGH POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

Understanding Positive Psychology’s role in promoting health and well being:
Four Annotated Bibliographies
Elsa Lim
School of Positive Psychology Singapore

Running Head: HEALTH AND WELL BEING THROUGH POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Understanding Positive Psychology’s role in promoting health and well being:
Four Annotated Bibliographies

Kennon M Sheldon, Laura King (2001) Why Positive Psychology Is Necessary, American Psychologist, March 2001, Pages 216 – 217, March 2001.

The authors argue that the scientific study of human strengths and virtues, and the positive aspects of human nature, should be embraced as a legitimate part of psychology.
The authors have cited several research studies which have provided strong evidence that positive moods enhance immune function while negative mood states increase people’s susceptibility to illness. A person’s mood was also found to influence their perceptions about their physical symptoms as well as their decisions about medical treatment. The more positive the mood, the more proactive they tend to be, in practising health promoting behaviours and seeking treatment. Positive emotional states – especially humour and optimism, have also been found to promote psychological resilience in people coping with a serious illness. The authors emphasized the crucial role that health-care workers play, in inspiring hope and optimism in their patients, as illustrated in a study on placebo therapy ( Frank, 1994). The authors also considered the impact of behaviours such as alcohol abuse, smoking and binge eating to cope with negative emotions. Lastly, the impact of interpersonal relationships and social support on people’s emotional states was examined. Research shows that individuals who have minimal social support and relationships are more prone to illness and mood disturbances. Salovey and his colleagues conclude that the study of emotional states and health will continue in the future; scientific breakthroughs will pave the way for relevant clinical
This emerging field of study has challenged the conventional thinking that humans are far more prone to misery than happiness. Research conducted by Ed Diener and Myers (Myers & Diener, 1996) measured the degree of subjective well-being among 1.1 million people in 45 nations, and found that most people are happy and satisfied about their lives. Further research has gone on to reveal that certain traits and temperaments seem to predispose one to experience happiness. The state of subjective well-being is also not achieved through “extrinsic” factors like high income, wealth or possessions, but comes from appreciating the “intrinsic” quality of one’s life, work, friendships and relationships. Subjective well-being is also positively co-related with religious faith, where one derives a sense of meaning and purpose beyond the pursuit of materialistic goals. Myers believes that research on subjective well-being will complement society’s emphasis on material and physical well being; and psychology’s preoccupation with negative emotions. By exploring the roots of happiness, we will hopefully help to reshape prevailing cultural attitudes and envision a world that enhances human well-being. (198 words