Advances and challenges in positive education

Abstract

Traditionally, schools have focused on literacy and academic achievement. As a result, our society has reached historic levels of education. We live in the era of information, knowledge and culture. However, paradoxically, the prevalence of depression or anxiety disorders among young people increases every year while their levels of life satisfaction remains stable (Seligman MEP et al. Oxf Rev Educ 35:293-311, 2009). Given the deep connection between learning and some dimensions of well-being (e.g., positive emotions and flexible and holistic thinking or growth mindset and motivation to learn), it seems crucial that skills for happiness should be taught in schools. And if we consider the time spent by students in schools and the influence of early learning in preventing future psychological problems, the need for teaching well-being in schools becomes even clearer.