Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the character strengths and behaviors that allow individuals to build a life of meaning and purpose. It is the scientific study of human thoughts, feelings, and behavior, with a focus on strengths instead of weaknesses, building the good in life instead of repairing the bad, and taking the lives of average people up to “great” instead of focusing solely on moving those who are struggling up to “normal” . Positive psychology studies the conditions that contribute to the optimal functioning of people, groups, and institutions. It studies "positive subjective experience, positive individual traits, and positive institutions... it aims to improve".

Positive psychology began as a new domain of psychology in 1998 when Martin Seligman chose it as the theme for his term as president of the American Psychological Association. It is a reaction against past practices which tended to focus on mental illness and which emphasized maladaptive behavior and negative thinking. It builds on the humanistic movement of Abraham Maslow, Rollo May, and Carl Rogers, which encourages an emphasis on happiness, well-being, and positivity.

Positive psychology aims to complement and extend traditional problem-focused psychology. It concerns positive states (e.g. happiness), positive traits (e.g. talents, interests, strengths of character), positive relationships, and positive institutions and how these apply to physical health. Those who practice positive psychology attempt psychological interventions that foster positive attitudes toward ones subjective experiences, individual traits, and life events. The goal is to minimize pathological thoughts that may arise in a hopeless mindset and to develop a sense of optimism toward life. Positive psychologists seek to encourage acceptance of ones past, excitement and optimism about ones future, and a sense of contentment and well-being in the present.

Positive psychology helps to foster happiness and emotional wellness. It does this by helping people capitalize on their strengths, heighten their gratitude and awareness, connect to others, and develop the wisdom needed to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. It encourages tapping into your inner strengths, and connecting with others to lead to a heightened sense of gratitude, and the happiness that comes with it. Pursuing these attributes leads to the benefits of positive psychology: savoring the good in your life by being with the people you love, and finding real pleasure in doing the things you find meaningful.

In summary, positive psychology is a scientific approach to studying human thoughts, feelings, and behavior, with a focus on strengths instead of weaknesses, building the good in life instead of repairing the bad, and taking the lives of average people up to “great” instead of focusing solely on moving those who are struggling up to “normal”. It aims to complement and extend traditional problem-focused psychology by fostering positive attitudes toward ones subjective experiences, individual traits, and life events, and encouraging acceptance of ones past, excitement and optimism about ones future, and a sense of contentment and well-being in the present. Positive psychology helps to foster happiness and emotional wellness by helping people capitalize on their strengths, heighten their gratitude and awareness, connect to others, and develop the wisdom needed to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life[[2]](https://positivepsychology.com/what-is-positi...