Positive Psychology Negative

Negative On Positive Psychology

Positive Psychology is a new millennium version of the power of positive thinking movement. In other words it’s a new millennium health scam. Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that supports the theory that an individual’s happiness is under their personal control, independent of any external influences or validation. However, part of the problem is that this is just one of the many definitions of positive psychology. So if that definition doesn’t suit you, Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi (2014) define positive psychology as the scientific study of positive human functioning and flourishing on multiple levels that include the biological, personal, relational, institutional, cultural, and global dimensions

The factors are heavily supported by empirical scientific data. For instance, the feeling of happiness is created and regulated biologically by the release of the neurotransmitter, dopamine. Dopamine is produced in the ventral tegmental area of the brain. Subsequently, it is released during pleasurable situations and motivates one to seek out pleasurable activity (Bromberg-Martin, Matsumoto, & Hikosaka, 2010). Thus, dopamine is essential to experiencing the feeling of happiness. Conversely, positive psychology does not play a role in dopamine production. So if it doesn’t increase dopamine levels, the it doesn’t increase happiness. In addition, the limbic system of the brain is also influential in the regulation of emotion and motivation. The limbic system is an interlinked system of nerves and networks in the brain, involving several areas near the edge of the cortex concerned with instinct and mood (Kalat, 2013). It controls the basic emotions of fear, pleasure, and anger. The proper function of the limbic system is dependent on a healthy brain that is properly interacting with biological chemicals that are produced by the body and received from our dietary intake. In contrast, positive psychology does not play a role in an individual’s body chemistry. Therefore, it is not essential in creating the

It is an objective evaluation of information. The best way to achieve an unbiased evaluation of positive psychology’s so called effect in increasing happiness is to have supporting evidence in the form of objective quantitative experimental data. Unfortunately, the purported benefits of Positive Psychology are not supported by using this scientific methodology. As a result, the success of positive psychology relies heavily on its ability to convince people of its effectiveness through the power of belief. Therefore, positive psychology will remain in my list of pseudoscience therapies until further notice. So until then I will remain negative on positive