Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living. It is a call for psychological science and practice to be as concerned with strength as with weakness; as interested in building the best things in life as in repairing the worst; and as concerned with making the lives of normal people fulfilling as with healing pathology (Petersen, 2008).
According to Rogowski (n.d.), Positive Psychology Intervention (PPI) can help improve emotion regulation. Research shows that PPI-induced positive affect (e.g. happiness resulting from expressing gratitude and from recalling happy memories) can significantly improve emotion regulation choices in short and long-term. These findings can be effectively applied in clinical practice in treatment and prevention of mental health problems where emotion dysregulation is an issue (e.g. depression, eating disorders, substance abuse problems).
Wrong interpretation of this branch of psychology might lead some to believe that it ignores reality (sadness, loss, problems) but actually it teaches resiliency to handle these situations. Another wrong interpretation is that it is the ultimate solution for all psychological conditions. Each condition is unique and individual analysis is required in order to apply the necessary treatment. Positive psychology is not applicable to all.
Scientists have found that a recipe for flourishing is to express 3 positive emotions/sentiments for every 1 negative emotion/sentiment (Niemiec, n.d.). Base on this finding, it is important to surround us with more positive people to provide us the boost we need to have the confidence. In addition, having happy-thoughts and having them in reserve will not hurt. In times when we have to deal with tough situations, these happy thoughts will give us the resiliency to battle through it and come out mentally and emotionally intact.
References
Niemic, R. (2013, May 14.). What Matters Most? Using Your Strength to Impact Well-being. Psychology Today. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/what-matters-most/201305/the-voice-and-positive-psychology
Petersen, C. (2008, May 16). What Is Positive Psychology, and What Is It Not?. The Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-good-life/200805/what-is-positive-psychology-and-what-is-it-not
Rogowski, A. (n.d.). The Value of Positive Psychology Interventions for Emotion Regulation. Positive Psychology UK. Retrieved from http://positivepsychology.org.uk/pp-practice/67-clinical/161-the-value-of-positive-psychology-interventions-for-emotion-regulation.html
