Question

Read Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi Positive psychology: An introduction. 1 - What three ideas do they present in contrast to ‘psychology as pathology’? 2 - What are the implications of their ideas for social policy and/or your life?

Answer 1

Positive psychology, as presented by Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi, contrasts with 'psychology as pathology' in three main ideas: focus on strengths and virtues, optimism and resilience, and subjective well-being. The implications of these ideas for social policy and individuals' lives are that they can provide a framework for interventions and strategies that promote mental health and well-being.

Step-by-step explanation:

Positive psychology, as presented by Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi, contrasts with 'psychology as pathology' in three main ideas:

1. Focus on strengths and virtues: Positive psychology focuses on promoting positivity, well-being, and flourishing, rather than solely addressing mental illness.
2. Optimism and resilience: Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of cultivating optimism and resilience to overcome setbacks and adversity.
3. Subjective well-being: Positive psychology explores the factors that contribute to individuals' subjective experiences of happiness and life satisfaction.

The implications of these ideas for social policy and individuals' lives are that they can provide a framework for interventions and strategies that promote mental health and well-being. By focusing on strengths and virtues, fostering optimism and resilience, and prioritizing subjective well-being, social policies can be designed to support individuals' overall positive functioning and quality of life.