Positive Psychology: A Brief History, Critics, Methodology, and Application
Running Head: APPLICATIONS OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 3
Positive Psychology: A Brief History, Methodology, and Application
1. Introduction
1.1. A Brief History
The genealogy of positive psychology established its roots in the development of humanistic psychology in the mid-20th century. The more traditional approaches of modern psychology as developed by Freud and B. F. Skinner, respectively, are psychoanalysis, and behaviorism. One theory may suggest that the shift of the American labor movement from an industrial-based to a cognitive-cultural economy created the need for a more capable worker. As manufacturing and factory-style work diminished, sectors such as business, financial and personal services, media arts and high-technology industries thrived and grew. As companies have shifted their investment emphasis to human capital, a natural consequence has resulted in substantially more complex social paradigms. Simply, as our large labor market has required an individual with expanded capabilities to feel, perceive, quantify, and qualify in the workplace (critical thinking), the result can be demonstrated as an increase in mental disorders associated with those same expanded capabilities. A few examples are disorders related to stress, anxiety, phobias, and mood disorders. The discipline of psychology, naturally, has expanded to meet these needs. Humanistic Psychology lies in sharp contrast to psychoanalysis and behaviorism. As related in the textbook (Huffman, 2012), “According to Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, …all individuals naturally strive to grow, develop, and move toward self-actualization (a state of self-fulfillment in which we realize our highest potential).”
APPLICATIONS OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 4
As related to my previous theory, it is our human nature to attempt at being the best- the best hunter, survivor, gatherer; and today- the best at sales, banking,
Positive Psychology: A Brief History, Methodology, and Application
1. Introduction
1.1. A Brief History
The genealogy of positive psychology established its roots in the development of humanistic psychology in the mid-20th century. The more traditional approaches of modern psychology as developed by Freud and B. F. Skinner, respectively, are psychoanalysis, and behaviorism. One theory may suggest that the shift of the American labor movement from an industrial-based to a cognitive-cultural economy created the need for a more capable worker. As manufacturing and factory-style work diminished, sectors such as business, financial and personal services, media arts and high-technology industries thrived and grew. As companies have shifted their investment emphasis to human capital, a natural consequence has resulted in substantially more complex social paradigms. Simply, as our large labor market has required an individual with expanded capabilities to feel, perceive, quantify, and qualify in the workplace (critical thinking), the result can be demonstrated as an increase in mental disorders associated with those same expanded capabilities. A few examples are disorders related to stress, anxiety, phobias, and mood disorders. The discipline of psychology, naturally, has expanded to meet these needs. Humanistic Psychology lies in sharp contrast to psychoanalysis and behaviorism. As related in the textbook (Huffman, 2012), “According to Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, …all individuals naturally strive to grow, develop, and move toward self-actualization (a state of self-fulfillment in which we realize our highest potential).”
APPLICATIONS OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 4
As related to my previous theory, it is our human nature to attempt at being the best- the best hunter, survivor, gatherer; and today- the best at sales, banking,
References: Thinker of the Year Award. http://www.brainchannels.com/thinker/mihaly.html. 2000 Huffman, Karen (2012). Psychology in Action 10th Edition. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley and Sons Neisser, U. (1967). Cognitive Psychology. Meredith Publishing Company. Seligman, M.E.P. (1975). Helplessness: On Depression, Development, and Death. San Francisco: W.H. Freeman. ISBN 0-7167-2328-X. Seligman, Martin E.P., & Csikszenimihalyi, M. (2000). Positive Psychology : An Introduction. American Psychologist Association Jayawickreme, E., Forgeard, M., Seligman, M. (2012). The Engine of Well-Being. American Psychological Association. Vol. 16. No. 4. 327 – 342 http://positivepsychology.org.uk/home.html. March 9, 2013