Positive Psychology Essay

Martin Seligman is considered the father of positive psychology (Friedman & Schustack, 2012). Positive psychology pertains to helping people live happier and healthier lives (Friedman & Schustack, 2012). Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi states that â€Å"positive psychology at the subjective level is about valued [sic] subjective experiences,† such as â€Å"well-being, contentment, satisfaction (in the past), hope and optimism (for the future) and flow and happiness (in the present)† (McNulty & Fincham, 2011, p. 101). Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi are also states that the â€Å"individual level is about positive individual traits† and the capability â€Å"for love and vocation, courage, interpersonal skill, aesthetic sensibility, perseverance, forgiveness, originality, future mindedness, spirituality, high talent and wisdom† (McNulty & Fincham, 2011, p. 101). Finally, Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi state that positive psychology â€Å"at the group level is ab out the civic virtue’s† and† the institutions that move† individual’s â€Å"toward better citizenship† and the â€Å"responsibility, nurturance, altruism, civility, moderation, tolerance and work ethic† (McNulty & Fincham, 2011, p. 101). The chosen article states that the â€Å"field of positive psychology† believes that people have specific â€Å"psychology traits† that are inherited of the individual’s positive mental health (McNulty & Fincham, 2011, p. 101). Studies show that â€Å"forgiveness, optimistic, positive thoughts and kindness† can â€Å"benefit or harm† individuals (McNulty & Fincham, 2011, p. 101). The researchers state that the psychologist should move forward and examine the individual’s traits that may support well-being. The researchers show three approaches to search for a better understanding to positive psychology. First, psychologist need to examine the process of happiness and factors (McNulty & Fincham, 2011). Second, psychologist need to understand, prevent, relieve and understand people who suffer (McNulty & Fincham, 2011). And finally, to study shows that â€Å"short term† and â€Å"long term† effects of psychological traits character istics (McNulty & Fincham, 2011, p. 107). References Friedman, H. S., & Schustack, M. W. (2012). Personality Classic theories and modern research (5th ed.). [Vital source ebook]. Retrieved from Vital Book file McNulty, J. K., & Fincham, F. D. (2011). Beyond positive psychology? Toward a contextual view of psychological processes and well-being. American Psychologist, 67(2), 101-110. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/a0024572