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SELF HELP AND POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY: CAN HAPPINESS BE LEARNED?

Within positive psychology, well-being (happiness) is the main criteria for positive functioning and is generally considered a worthwhile life goal. The benefits of happiness are evident across a wide range of domains including social relationships, health and longevity, work and income, and benefits at the societal level. Happiness is related to various positive life outcomes with evidence that it can be both their cause and consequence. In addition to genetic and environmental factors, intentional activities and practices play an important role in an individual’s chronic happiness level. Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) are treatment methods or intentional activities that aim to cultivate positive feelings, behaviours or cognitions. In the last decade a great number of studies have documented the positive effects of these activities on the level of happiness. Recently, however, researchers have begun shifting the focus from whether PPIs can increase well-being to methods of implementation, long-term sustainability and various personal, situational and cultural factors. Some have warned about possible dangers, including incomplete understanding of human happiness, flawed attempts to translate research into effective practice and the paradoxical effect of making people unhappier. Before we have a complete understanding of how these activities work, and for whom they work, positive psychology-based activities should be disseminated with caution.

positive psychology, self-help, happiness, well-being, interventions

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