In 1998, three leading psychologists, Martin Seligman, Ray Fowler, and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi gathered in Akumal, Mexico, to plot a new direction for psychology. They wanted to shift the focus of psychology from solely addressing mental illness to understanding what makes people flourish and lead fulfilling lives. Seligman, the president of the American Psychological Association at the time, believed that mental health should be more than just the absence of mental illness. He envisioned a vibrant and muscular fitness of the human mind and spirit.
The psychologists aimed to explore the enabling conditions that contribute to human flourishing and happiness. They wanted to study positive emotions, optimism, engagement, and meaning in life. Seligman's goal was to encourage substantial numbers of psychologists to delve into this new field, which he called positive psychology.
The researchers discovered that certain factors contribute to happiness while others have a lesser impact. Wealth, beyond meeting basic needs, does not significantly raise overall satisfaction with life. Education and high IQ also do not guarantee happiness. Surprisingly, older people tend to be more consistently satisfied with life than the young. Religious faith and strong social ties, particularly with friends and family, have been found to contribute to happiness.
Measuring happiness is challenging because it is subjective and can vary over time. Psychologists have developed various tools to assess happiness, including surveys like the Satisfaction with Life Scale and methods like experience sampling, where participants report their momentary experiences at random intervals.
Researchers have also debated whether global reports of well-being or more specific data on day-to-day experiences are more meaningful for understanding happiness. Studies have shown that overall happiness is not merely the sum of happy and sad moments but can be influenced by how experiences are remembered and how they end.
Another question in happiness research is the extent to which happiness is under our control. Genetic programming plays a significant role in one's overall sense of satisfaction with life, accounting for about 50% of it. Circumstantial factors like income, marital status, religion, and education contribute around 8%. The remaining percentage is influenced by life events and circumstances.
However, researchers believe that individuals can work on raising their happiness levels. They emphasize the importance of pleasure, engagement, and meaning in life. Strategies like savoring sensory experiences, becoming more engaged in activities, and finding ways to make life feel more meaningful can contribute to greater happiness.
In conclusion, positive psychology has shifted the focus of psychology from addressing mental illness to studying what makes people flourish and lead fulfilling lives. Happiness is influenced by a combination of genetic factors, life circumstances, and personal choices. By understanding the factors that contribute to happiness, individuals can work towards leading happier and more satisfying lives.
.png)
0 Comments