I am part of two positive psychology discussion groups. One is for lay people is run by the always interesting Alex Chernavsky. The other is for professionals in the field (clinicians and academics). The archives can be found here , if you would like to browse them (free registration required).
Positive psychology is a relatively new tide in the field. Psychology (both research and clinical) has focused on deficits--what is wrong with a person, and how to fix it--rather than excellence--what are our innate strengths, and how do we develop them.
The Definition of Positive PsychologyPositive Psychology is the scientific study of optimal human functioning. It aims to discover and promote the factors that allow individuals and communities to thrive. The positive psychology movement represents a new commitment on the part of research psychologists to focus attention upon the sources of psychological health, thereby going beyond prior emphases upon disease and disorder.
The blooming of Positive Psychology came about through the leadership of Martin Seligman, Ph.D., , when he was the president of the American Psychological Association. The Positive Psychology movement has several homes on the Internet; Seligman's site is the place to start. Positivity Central, which has contributions from Rob Kall and Tyrone Pitsis
The Positive Psychology group is surveying large number of people via the Internet to come up with a picture of Characteristic strengths; go take the assessment, it will interest you. Dr. Seligman is leading telephone sessions to coach folks toward a happier life.
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