Positive psychology was formally defined in the late 1990s by academic pioneers such as Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and has since gained an important place in academic research and practice.
Seligman emphasized the importance of uncovering the good aspects of a person in psychotherapy and building what is right for the client. The main goal of positive psychology is to help individuals use their potential to the maximum extent 1 .
Csikszentmihalyi is known for the concept of flow that he brought to positive psychology. In short, the flow experience is about a person being completely focused on what they are doing and not being aware of how time passes.
In short, positive psychology is a branch of psychology that aims to increase the happiness, well-being and potential of individuals and societies.
This field focuses on the positive aspects that make people's lives more meaningful and satisfying, as opposed to the disorders and problems that psychology traditionally focuses on. Positive psychology aims to reveal and develop the strengths, virtues and potential of individuals.
Happiness, well-being, being in the flow, positive emotions, meaning and purpose, strengths, resilience and positive relationships are among the fundamental concepts of positive psychology 1 .
Happiness can be defined as the overall satisfaction a person gets from life and the momentary enjoyment he or she gets from daily experiences. Happiness encompasses both momentary emotions and long-term life satisfaction.
In positive psychology, happiness has two main components: hedonic happiness and eudaimonic happiness. Hedonic happiness is a type of happiness based on momentary pleasures, enjoyment and pleasure.
Small moments of happiness in daily life are the basis of hedonic happiness. Eudaimonic happiness is happiness based on finding meaning and purpose in life. This type of happiness provides deep and lasting satisfaction and is often associated with personal growth and self-awareness.
Well-being is a broader and more comprehensive form of happiness. It includes many components such as the individual's general health, life satisfaction, psychological resilience and social relationships.
In the field of positive psychology, well-being is not only the absence of disease or illness, but also the presence of positive functioning and life satisfaction.
An individual's high level of well-being allows them to live a happier, more fulfilling and healthier life, cope better with stress and challenges, have stronger social relationships and be more successful in their business life and personal goals.
People can support their well-being by recognizing their strengths and improving themselves in these areas, developing positive relationships and creating supportive social networks, setting goals that add meaning to their lives and acting in line with these goals, doing regular physical exercise and eating well.
Positive emotions are positive feelings that increase an individual's well-being and overall quality of life. In positive psychology, the importance of these emotions is emphasized because positive emotions not only increase momentary happiness, but also support individuals' long-term life satisfaction, physical health, and psychological resilience.
Positive emotions have a wide range, and each is triggered by different situations and experiences. Examples of positive emotions include happiness, peace, love, gratitude, hope, and pride.