Meta-positive-psychology

Abstract

The public and media often misunderstand positive psychology. It is perceived as a "happiology" which preaches that people should seek maximal and perpetual happiness. This perception is woefully off target. Rigorous research, which forms the foundation of positive psychology, shows that it's not about chasing happiness per se, it's about engaging in worthwhile behaviors and cultivating positive attitudes. And positive psychology studies so much more than positive feelings - it's about healthy workplaces and schools, constructive leadership, strengths of character, striving for excellence, and the ability to grow from the negative events of life. To address the public misunderstanding of positive psychology, I propose that we need a science of "meta-positive-psychology." Much of positive psychology is a collection of valuable but disparate research findings and interventions, like tools in a toolbox. What we need is more meta-positive-psychology: Research and insight to arrive at a short-list of overarching principles describing how the whole positive psychology toolbox fits into human life - the philosophy and assumptions behind the tools, how to approach the tools, how to use them, and what to expect of them.