What is Positive Psychology?

Exploring the Science Behind Positive Psychology and Tools like the SEARS

In today’s world of “pop psychology,” it can be difficult at times to separate topics backed by genuine research from those that are merely click bait. Positive psychology is one topic that has risen in popularity recently, but with extensive studies behind it and decades of influence, it’s proving that it’s worth the attention.

First popularized in the late 1990’s by former President of the American Psychological Association Martin Seligman, positive psychology came about as a departure from psychology’s previous attention on remedying “negative” behaviors or emotions. As a branch of psychology centered on improving life satisfaction and well-being, positive psychology seeks to find the character strengths and behaviors that can help people move beyond surviving and into flourishing.  

While this field of psychology is generally viewed in a positive light, many have also pointed out its shortcomings and flaws. Some believe that focusing only on strengths can lead to an unhealthy denial of negative experiences. However, it’s important to note that positive psychology does not promote “toxic positivity,” and that individuals are not advised to ignore or hide their negative emotions.

Certain psychological assessment tools—like the Social Emotional Assets and Resilience Scales (SEARS)—have also emerged to support the mission of positive psychology, as they are designed to assess strengths, competencies, resiliencies, and social-emotional assets.

In this blog, we will discuss the basics of positive psychology, how it is helpful as a complementary branch of psychology, and the value of tools like the SEARS in supporting both psychologists and their clients.

Measuring Happiness: The Basics of Positive Psychology

Happiness (or positive subjective experiences) is a major component of positive psychology, though the field also focuses on positive traits (talents, interests, and character strengths), positive relationships (friendships, romantic partnerships, or other interpersonal relationships), and positive institutions (schools, communities, businesses, or families).

Another core component of positive psychology is character strengths and virtues, which proponents have categorized as:

• Wisdom and knowledge
• Courage
• Humanity
• Justice
• Temperance
• Transcendence

Each category includes various strengths, such as humor, hope, and gratitude. Applying positive psychology starts with identifying these character strengths in an individual. Additionally, certain practices (such as gratitude exercises) have also been studied as ways to increase happiness and optimism over time.

While the predominant goal of positive psychology is to boost social and emotional well-being, it also highlights that even people who are “flourishing” can inevitably experience negative emotions—they simply make room in their lives for all states of mind so as not to become consumed by the negative when it appears.

Why is Positive Psychology Important?

All branches of psychology serve an essential purpose, and the goal of positive psychology is to complement problem-focused psychology by solving problems through different means—in this case, identifying and leveraging strengths and assets (rather than problem areas for improvement).

By focusing on positive traits and competencies, positive psychology can even lead to improved health outcomes. Studies have shown that positive psychological characteristics affect health and longevity, with people who express more positive emotions living longer than those that express fewer. Research on positive psychology interventions have also shown them to be beneficial for heart health, lowering pain levels, and even reducing cognitive decline.

In addition, positive psychology helps build resiliency, especially in children and adolescents. Resilience is the ability to cope, adapt to challenging situations, and recover from setbacks. Skills associated with positive adaptation (resilience) can be practiced and cultivated, highlighting the importance of identifying positive traits.

How the SEARS Focuses on Strengths to Help Build Resilience

The Social Emotional Assets and Resilience Scales (SEARS) is a psychological assessment tool designed to evaluate the social-emotional competencies and assets of children and adolescents. Grounded in the principles of positive psychology, the SEARS emphasizes the identification and cultivation of strengths to foster resilience and overall well-being.

The SEARS assessment system aligns with positive psychology’s approach to building on an individual’s inherent strengths by measuring various facets of social-emotional behavior from a strength-based standpoint. These facets include:

• Friendship skills
• Empathy
• Interpersonal skills
• Social support
• Problem-solving
• Emotional competence
• Social maturity
• Self-concept
• Self-management
• Social independence
• Cognitive strategies
• Resilience

By assessing these positive characteristics, the SEARS provides a comprehensive understanding of a child's or adolescent's social-emotional competencies, enabling targeted interventions that promote resilience.

The SEARS helps educators, parents, and psychologists track the development of positive adaptation skills over time, ensuring that interventions are effective and tailored to the individual's needs. It also employs a multi-informant approach that incorporates assessments from students, parents, and teachers, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation of the child or adolescent’s strengths and areas for growth.

Leveraging the Principles of Positive Psychology

According to positive psychology, satisfaction and contentment are within everyone’s reach. The search for this contentment involves adapting positive thoughts, attitudes, and thinking, which all begins with identifying existing strengths. Anyone can benefit from identifying and building upon these strengths, but this is especially true for children, adolescents, and teens. These age groups are the most malleable and the most exposed to sources that influence their outlook on life well into adulthood. By helping them grow their positive attributes and promote positive thinking, they are more likely to live happy and successful lives.

The SEARS assessment tool not only exemplifies the core principles of positive psychology but also provides the key information necessary to help individuals build resilience and thrive in various aspects. With its strength-based approach, the SEARS contributes to a holistic understanding of an individual's strengths, paving the way for a more fulfilling and resilient life.

While positive psychology is just one facet of a greater field, it is one that continues to grow and show potential for more incorporation as it comes to the ways we view and address mental health.