Looking at the Bright Side of Life

What is Positive Psychology?

When people think of psychology, they often think about problems — stress, anxiety, depression. But psychology isn’t just about fixing what’s wrong. It’s also about building what’s right. That’s where positive psychology comes in.

Positive psychology is the study of what makes life worth living. It looks at happiness, strengths, purpose, and how we can thrive — not just survive. It asks questions like:

• What makes people truly happy?

• How can we bounce back from difficult times?

• What helps us grow and feel fulfilled?

This field became popular thanks to psychologists like Martin Seligman, who believed that mental health isn’t just the absence of illness, but the presence of well-being. He introduced the PERMA model — which includes Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishments — as key parts of a good life.

Positive psychology doesn’t ignore problems, but it focuses on strengths — like kindness, gratitude, hope, and resilience. It encourages practices like:

• Keeping a gratitude journal

• Focusing on what went well each day

• Doing acts of kindness

• Setting meaningful goals

Why does this matter? Because feeling good, having strong relationships, and living with purpose doesn’t just make us happier — it can also make us healthier, more productive, and more connected to others.

So next time you’re studying psychology, don’t just ask “What’s wrong with people?” Ask, “What’s right with them — and how can we build more of that?“