What´s Positive Psychology?

As discussed in Paper #1, positive emotions and thinking, character strengths, and values are integral to positive psychology. Positive psychology asserts that by addressing each of these core concepts, people can live a happier, and by extension healthier, life. However, the productivity and well-being which can result from the applications of positive psychology are viable far beyond the personal level; when utilized at the institutional level, the same efficacy can be seen in much broader contexts. Accordingly, in this paper I will discuss the usage of the aforementioned core concepts in three distinct institutional areas: family, school, and the workplace. I will conclude on the underlying themes seen in each, and the effect that positive psychology can have in creating improved, more viable institutions.

At an institutional level, family can theoretically have many different make-ups, though for the purpose of this assessment, we’ll be specifically referencing Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, specifically, the Microsystem. In other words, “family” refers to the core nuclear family with whom the children have direct interaction (e.g. parents). Within the family, the parenting style which most utilizes positive psychology is the, “Authoritative Parenting Style.” In this parenting style, parents hold high expectations for their children, but do so in an environment which is communicative, warm, and respectful.

Dr. Helen Altman Klein describes the authoritative parenting style as one in which positive emotions and thinking are cultivated, with parents instilling the tools necessary in their children for them to control their emotions. A focus is placed on allowing children to explore their own feelings in ways...

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...utionalized roles can become happier, healthier contributing members to their various groups. While sometimes difficult, the provided discussion and referenced research has shown that the rewards of utilizing positive psychology at an institutional level far outweigh the complications in implementation.

Works Cited

Bronfenbrenner, U. The Social Role of the Child in Ecological Perspective. Zeitschrift für Soziologie, 7, 0340-1804.

Chen, J., & Mcnamee, G. D. Positive Approaches to Learning in the Context of Preschool Classroom Activities. Early Childhood Education Journal, 71-78.

Harzer, C., & Ruch, W. The Application of Signature Character Strengths and Positive Experiences at Work. Journal of Happiness Studies, 965-983.

Klein, H. A., & Ballantine, J. For Parents Particularly: Raising Competent Kids: The Authoritative Parenting Style. Childhood Education, 46-47.