reflection on positive psychology trends

.....refreshing trend in the field of psychology, positive psychology refers to a set of theoretical frameworks and practices that focus on how individuals can maximize happiness and wellbeing. Unlike traditional schools of thought in the field of psychology, positive psychology does not focus on pathology. Mental illness is not covered within the provisions of positive psychology.

However much positive psychology echoes some of the tenets and tone of pop psychology trends, positive psychology has gained traction in academic circles and has received widespread support among researchers and members of the American Psychological Association including former president Martin Seligman. Given its increased credibility among clinical psychologists, positive psychology deserves more attention and should be integrated more into traditional psychological practices. Focusing too much on how to label and classify symptoms likely a detrimental effect on some, if not most, patient populations.

Positive psychology does not purport to replace traditional psychology in cases where the latter is warranted, as with serious mental illnesses with biological bases and instances in which a patient might need pharmacological interventions. However, a large number of average, functioning individuals struggling with mood disorders or who might otherwise be diagnosed with personality disorders can use positive psychology to enhance their psychological health and perhaps even eliminate the symptoms of their disorders.

Another strength of positive psychology is its usefulness to the wide range of individuals who do not have any strong negative behaviors or symptoms but who might require methods of finding more meaning in life, more sense of inner peace, sense of purpose, or generally to cultivate happiness and well-being regardless of external circumstances. Blending empirical evidence with a variety of theories and practices from Eastern philosophy, practices like mindfulness meditation have become central to positive psychology.

Positive psychology is also far from being monolithic; it is a diverse area of theory and practice that is flexible and can incorporate a number of different issues and concerns. A body of evidence-based practice is being cultivated in the field of positive psychology. Positive psychology has applications in fields as diverse as sociology and business, where individuals can use the core tools and tenets of positive psychology to improve performance and outcomes.

Positive psychology also has the potential for applications in the classroom, such as to enhance classroom management or inspire students for creative pursuits. Positive psychology embraces many concepts and ideas that would not be covered under the rubric of traditional psychological doctrines. Philosophical, metaphysical, and complementary medicine language and concepts are used in the field of positive psychology including the concept of the "flow" state, in which a person is fully absorbed in their present activity regardless of how mundane that activity is.

The sense of profound peace a person feels when in the flow state is a cornerstone of positive.