Positive Psychology

Paper Summary:

The paper explains that positive psychology is a newer branch of psychology that primarily deals with what is 'right' with humans instead of what is 'wrong' with them. The paper discusses how positive psychology is a science that is growing rapidly. The paper explores how it compares to various other forms of psychology and how this new kind of psychology integrates itself with personality traits and theories that are commonly dealt with and addressed when it comes to psychology. The paper concludes that with positive psychology, more medications and therapies are being utilized and many problems that were previously considered to be imagined are being recognized as biological and behavioral problems that need therapy and other means of help.

Outline:
Introduction
Brief Definition of Positive Psychology
How Does Positive Psychology Compare to Other Forms of Psychology?
Integration with Personality Traits and Theory
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The concept of positive psychology has been around for some time, but not under that specific name and not in exactly the same way as it is now. There have been changes made in the area of psychology in recent years, and positive psychology is at the forefront of these changes, because it looks at joy and happiness instead of depression and other mental problems and issues. Not everyone agrees with this type of psychology, however, and some individuals that work in the field of psychology believe that those that work with positive psychology are doing a disservice to their patients because they are not focusing on the real problems that the patients have, and instead just trying to get their patients to 'think positive' and avoid negative thoughts and ideas."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Adox, David. (2000). Happy Days.(positive psychology movement). Psychology Today.
• AllPsych Online (2003). Alfred Adler's Individual Psychology. Retrieved from http://allpsych.com/personalitysynopsis/adler.html
• Beoree, C. G. (1997). Sigmund Freud. Retrieved from http://www.ship.edu/~cgboeree/freud.html
• FMU (2003). Albert Bandura. Retrieved from http://www.fmarion.edu /~personality/ exper/bandura.htm
• Fractal Domains (2003). Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. Retrieved from http://www.fractaldomains.com/devpsych/erikson.htm

More papers on Positive Psychology:

• Term Paper # 142721 : "Emotional Intelligence and Positive Psychology"
• Term Paper # 120188 : "Carl Rogers and Positive Psychology"
• Book Review # 97730 : "Christopher Peterson's "Primer for Positive Psychology"

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