Positive Psychology: a new approach to old questions

Authors

  • Simone dos Santos Paludo Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
  • Sílvia Helena Koller Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-863X2007000100002

Keywords:

Positive psychology, Human potentiality, History of psychological investigation

Abstract

Throughout history, Psychology studies were focused on pathologies, neglecting issues related to human healthy state. In 1998, when Seligman assumed the head of American Psychological Association, he started the Positive Psychology movement, which objective is to offer a new approach to human strengthens and virtues, by studying the conditions and processes that contribute to the prosperity of individuals and communities. The present paper presents and discusses this new scientific approach that intends to promote the quality of life at individual and community levels, preventing pathologies. We also point out its gaps in Human Sciences-directed investigations, as well as its theoretical and empirical contributions and applications.

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Published

2007-04-01

Issue

Section

Theoretical Research

How to Cite

Paludo, S. dos S., & Koller, S. H. (2007). Positive Psychology: a new approach to old questions . Paidéia (Ribeirão Preto), 17(36), 9-20. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-863X2007000100002