Lecture on Positive Psychology

Introduction

• Common misconception: Therapy is only for the mentally ill.
• Historical context: Psychology's focus pre- and post-World War II.
  • Pre-war: Cure mental illness, improve normal lives, nurture talent.
  • Post-war: Predominantly focused on curing mental illness due to crisis.
  • Funding directed towards treating psychological illness.

Impact of the Disease Model

• Success: Treatment of 14 previously incurable mental illnesses (e.g., depression, anxiety).
• Negative perception of psychologists as focusing only on mental illness.
• Neglect of those not mentally ill but not thriving.

Emergence of Positive Psychology

• Founded by Martin Seligman, University of Pennsylvania.
• Focus: Optimal human functioning, happiness, well-being, and flourishing.
• Concept: Improve the quality of life for the average person, not just those with mental illness.

Positive Psychology vs. Traditional Psychology

• Traditional: Emphasizes shortcomings and fixing problems.
• Positive Psychology: Focuses on potentials and enhancing life quality.
• Analogy: Like improving physical fitness without having a weight problem.

Practical Exercises

• From Dr. Ilona Boniwell's book, "Positive Psychology in a Nutshell."
• Exercise: "Who do you want to be in 10-20 years?"
  1. Write down future goals and desired life aspects.
  2. Identify practical steps to achieve these goals.
  • Example: Happy family, healthy marriage, own therapy clinic.
  • Importance: Turns vague feelings into attainable goals.

Conclusion

• Positive Psychology: Study of living a well-lived life.
• Recommended Reading: Dr. Boniwell's book for an overview of the field.
• Upcoming Topic: Tackling negative thoughts and making them positive.

• Note: The lecture emphasizes that mental health improvement is valuable for everyone, not just those with mental illness. It promotes the understanding and application of Positive Psychology for personal growth and thriving.