Critical Essay on Positive Psychology

Introduction

Positive psychology is a new branch of scientific psychology which studies the virtues and strengths which enable communities and individuals to excel. The subject of human happiness has been under discussions since the Ancient Greece era. Seligman Martin is the "father of positive psychology" and points out how psychology focuses on addressing mental illnesses instead of mental "wellness." Researchers of positive psychology believe that it is classified into three major areas of study. That is the study of the "life of affiliation", the inquiry of the "life of engagement" and the field of "life of enjoyment" (Mongrain& Anselmo-Matthews, 2012). Nevertheless, the field of positive psychology is struggling to get the respect that it deserves. Thus, this essay discusses some of the critique's arguments on positive psychology.

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Criticisms Against Positive Psychology

Some of the critiques of positive psychology claim that the field is still relatively new and generation of evidence is still underway. And its emphasis has been biased majorly in the Western context and the individual(Pennock, 2015). Others criticize that there is a rise in the number of poorly-trained consultants and practitioners practicing positive psychology without a clear comprehension of the research or challenges of enacting its assumptions. These consultants have a higher likelihood of delivering too little, promising a lot, and creating resistance to change which might have been useful if positive psychology ideologies were understood and instigated. The positive psychology scientific approach is also criticized as being too reductionist, leaning on "quasi-religious fundamentalism," with its concept missing the depth of mature sciences. Critiques claim that unless Seligman concentrates more on the history and philosophy of the humanistic psychology approach, and becomes more positive towards positive psychology, the field will fail to succeed as a science or movement (Pennock, 2015). Additionally, positive psychology does not entirely recognize its cultural context. Thus it overlooks cultural bounds in all human activities and needs to improve upon these ideas.

Bhutan's Happiness

Happiness is every being's aspiration, and Bhutan has boldly expressed it into its social goals to the extent of implementing the Gross National Happiness in its constitution and is arguably the world's happiest nation. The country of Bhutan fervently advocates for happiness as the final measure of a country's development, though its happiness record is hardly influential of it. Happiness influences several socioeconomic conditions, and Bhutan has seen remarkable progress in them. The nation has seen its GNH grow through the implementation of free education up to high school as well as free health care which caters for everyone's needs.

Strengths and Potential Weakness of Positive Psychology

The strengths of positive psychology fall on its ability to document patterns of depressive behavior and what makes people happy. Positive psychology also can equip clients with the appropriate tools for stopping downward spirals and assist them in seeing the positive aspects of their lives. Among other strengths, positive psychology also helps positive thinkers have lower incidences of cardiovascular diseases. This health benefits also impact the emotional state; optimists have better psychological and physical health and better-coping skills. Lastly is that positive psychology is evidence-based on research (Mongrain& Anselmo-Matthews, 2012).

On the weaknesses of positive psychology, while Seligman found that positive emotions could combat physical illness and counteract the effects of negative sentiment, it is possible that happiness on its own is a subtle goal that seeking it could result in unhappiness. This pursuit could make an individual suppress particular emotional contents which might be relevant and informative, though the individual may interpret it as nonproductive or harmful. Instead of going away, the emotions retreat into the subconscious and might come out at inappropriate times. Another potential weakness comes from the fact that balanced thinking which involves positive and negative deliberations could be more precise than an overly optimistic tactic which could result in imprecise risk assessment (Pennock, 2015). An individual who makes a mistake on the part of optimism might be in a commendably positive state of mind, but might also be naive.

Points Against Positive Psychology

There is no uniqueness of positive psychology in its positive slant to viewing optimum sensitive comfort since other areas like education and counseling psychology have an interest in actual human contentment as well. For instance, as positive psychology pushes for learning institutions to be extra student-centered, they do not concentrate on self-discipline thus preventing children from fully contributing in the community. Positive psychologists also stand at fault for ignoring that depressed individuals also have real issues which need to be addressed (Pennock, 2015). The degree of the high positivity downfall is one which can be out as incapable of psychological growth tending to be racially biased.

Benefits of Positive Psychology on All Cultures

Positive psychology makes use of an abundance lens to aid communities, organizations, and individuals excel and flourish. It perceives individuals as self-determined and creative with access to inner resources with the ability to create the desired outcomes. Secondly, the concept of strengths and virtues influences several cultures. That is, they mold individuals' capacity, identity, and character to succeed. Positive psychology on its own may be perceived as taking an ethical and virtuous stand by claiming that the ability and desire to improve is within the human systems and individuals ought to be activated further (Mongrain& Anselmo-Matthews, 2012). Thirdly, is the point of flourishing versus languishing. Nevertheless, this idea could generate an artificial dichotomy when it gets to understanding flourishing. Lastly, is the concept of happiness and wellbeing. All cultures can create noteworthy impacts on welfare and happiness by resetting the bias often held toward the negative and sparking rising spirals (Michael, 2018).

Cultural Backgrounds and Positive Psychology

Culture influences an individual's coping strategies, how they define the social structure and seek psychological help. Strengths and virtues are cherished inversely across cultures. For instance, Asian Americans reported higher levels of pessimism than Caucasians. Nevertheless, pessimism was not found to contribute to depression and was linked with positive problem-solving tactics. It suggested that cynicism is a weakness in some cultures, it may serve as strength in others; for instance, defensive depression influences individuals into setting lower expectations for themselves. Hence this supports the notion that using positive psychology to cultivate strengths requires modifications to fit the individual's cultural backgrounds (Michael, 2018).

Conclusion

Positive psychology focuses on understanding what enables individuals to succeed and accomplish their potential in schools, at work, and at home. The field contrasts with most of the work in the general psychology discipline that traditionally emphasizes reducing adverse conditions and illness. Those who are conversant with the subject know that it is not a positive thinking movement but extends to the study of growth, strength, and adaptability out of failure and hardship rather than focusing specifically on the positive. This field is evolving, but for those with the desire of making the most of it, the point is clear. Emphasize on what works well and how it could work even better to improve an individual's wellbeing.

References

Gross National Happiness & policy screening tool in Bhutan - Centre for Public Impact (CPI). (201). Centre for Public Impact (CPI). Retrieved 14 November 2018, from https://www.centreforpublicimpact.org/case-study/gross-national-happiness-policy-screening-tool-bhutanMichael, M. (2018). Positive Psychology - Harvard Health. Harvard Health. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/positive-psychology

Mongrain, M., & Anselmo-Matthews, T. (2012). Do positive psychology exercises work? A replication of Seligman et al. (2015). Journal of clinical psychology, 68(4). Doi: 10.1002/jclp.21839

Pennock, S. (2015). Critiques and Criticisms of Positive Psychology @ WCPP2015. Positivepsychologyprogram.com. Retrieved 14 November 2018, from https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/critiques-criticisms-positive-psychology/