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    Positive psychology

    积极心理学

    Concept

    Positive psychology is the branch of psychology that studies the positive side of human nature, such as strengths and virtues, and the conditions that make life worth living.[2] Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi set out the program in a 2000 American Psychologist article.[1]

    Repairing damage (disease model) Studying strength and virtue

    Its founders called for both: positive psychology adds to problem-focused work rather than replacing it.

    Select a level for details. The three levels mark the scope the field set out at its founding; the nesting is schematic.
    The three levels positive psychology set out at its founding: subjective experience, individual traits, and groups and institutions (the nested boxes are schematic). The strip below states that it complements problem-focused research. Point at or tap parts of the figure for details
    The three levels positive psychology set out at its founding: subjective experience, individual traits, and groups and institutions (the nested boxes are schematic). The strip below states that it complements problem-focused research. Save as image (PNG)

    Key points

    • It works at three levels: valued subjective experiences (such as happiness and Flow), positive individual traits (such as courage and perseverance), and civic virtues and institutions.[1]
    • Its founders argued that since World War II psychology had focused on repairing damage within a disease model, and that strength and virtue deserve study too.[1]
    • It is meant to complement, not replace, problem-focused psychology: the aim is to study people’s positive strengths and qualities as well as their problems.[3]

    An example

    Lin’s company used to offer counseling only after employees ran into difficulties. Its new program adds another track: helping people identify what they do well and enjoy, and noticing which work arrangements keep teams engaged.

    Misreadings and limits

    A common misreading equates positive psychology with always staying upbeat and avoiding negative feelings. Its founders proposed studying strengths alongside pathology, not instead of it.[1] Critics have also pointed to a narrow research scope and too few convincing longitudinal studies.[3]

    Sources

    1. 1 Seligman, M. E. P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55(1), 5–14. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.5
    2. 2 李金珍, 王文忠, & 施建农 (2003). 积极心理学：一种新的研究方向. 心理科学进展, 11(3), 321–327. View source
    3. 3 任俊, & 叶浩生 (2006). 当代积极心理学运动存在的几个问题. 心理科学进展, 14(5), 787–794. View source

    Last checked against sources: October 26, 2026