Positive Psychology, discuss its merits and weaknesses in terms of Article

Positive Psychology, discuss its merits and weaknesses in terms of it's viability as a realistic model of intervention within psychological practice - Article Example Selingman & Peterson (2000) advise, â€Å"By embracing the disease model of psychotherapy, we have lost our birthright as psychologists-a birthright that embraces both healing what is weak and nurturing what is strong.† The realization that Psychology has had more emphasis on the negative than on more positive topics like the character-building; happiness; implications of a pleasant childhood; well-being; achievement, etc has paved the way for the emergence of Positive Psychology. Martin Selingman, its founder and advocate, and his fellow optimistic minions have devoted much research in this area of Psychology that is becoming a science of its own. â€Å"Positive psychology is the study of the conditions and processes that contribute to the flourishing or optimal functioning of people, groups, and institutions.† (Gable & Haidt, 2005) It â€Å"focuses on cultivating personality strengths and honing an optimistic approach to life rather than on cataloging human frailty and disease.† (Lawson, 2004). â€Å"Positive Psychology has three central concerns: positive emotions, positive individual traits and positive institutions† (www.positivepsychology.org website). It offers a brighter view of reality and encourages and empowers people to take more proactive steps in maximizing their strengths when life throws them problems. Pioneers and supporters of the science of Positive Psychology have been thought of as being extremely idealistic in their views. Their belief in the intrinsic goodness of people and attainment of a happy life in a world of dread and disease has resulted in accusations that they fail to recognize the very real negative sides of life. However, it is to be reiterated that the goals of Positive Psychology is not to erase or supplant work on pathology, distress, and dysfunction but to build up human resilience, strength and growth to integrate and