Positive Psychology in the 1990's from the efforts of clinical psychologist who attempted to eliminate mental health problems in their clients. As these psychologists attempted to move thier clients away from clinical depression they found that while these clients did become lesss depressed they also reported a feeling of being disconnection from others and a disturbing sense of meaninglessness.
The mission of positive psychology was born from this research. Martin Seligman and others believed that psychology could and must do better then simply alleviate symptoms of psychological disturbance.
Positive Psychology seeks to facilitate optimal development throughout a person's life span. The focus is on the whole person, their strenghts, weaknesses, values, resources, and possibilities. The goal is to encourage clients to flourish in all directions that their capabilities. cirumstances, and willingness allow. Positive Psychology encourages people to strive, with all their creative power, to design a life worth living.
Alfred Adler, more than Sigmund Freud, can be said to be the grandfather of positive psychology. Adler's psychology rested on the idea of a potential for social interest. Social Interest was Adler's critierion for mental health. Much as contemporary positive psychologists use the idea of virtue and character strengths, Social Interest animates a person's willingness to compassionately contribute to the well-being and optimal development of others. That is to say, that our happiness is proportional to the happiness of those around us.
As we evolve our social interest/feeling radiates beyond ourselves and our immediate concerns out to those who are close to us and their concerns, and finally out to the entire human community. We see ourselves as interdependent on others whose happiness, well-being, and future become our cause.
In this category I will be exploring the findings of contemporary positive psychologists and related fields that promote the development of our character strengts through social interest.