Positive Psychology is an evidence-based approach to strength assessments that asks what’s “right” with people instead of what’s “wrong” with them. At Groundswell Counseling, I use a framework of Positive Psychology that builds upon individual strengths to increase confidence, cultivate life balance, and find meaning in relationships, performance and life.
What is Positive Psychology?
The field of psychology is rooted in a deficit approach that primarily focuses on the diagnosis of symptoms. Furthermore, many coaches in sport maintain the philosophy that an athlete’s weaknesses represent their greatest area for potential growth (Robert Biswas-Diener, 2010). Positive psychology is a framework that shifts the focus from symptoms and weaknesses to wellbeing and strengths (Ackerman, 2022). Positive psychology ultimately asks what’s right with people, instead of what’s wrong with them. (Ackerman, 2022). Positive psychology cannot guarantee the outcome of happy athletes or teams; however, it can provide a framework and deliver tools for their athletes to develop skills, cultivate balance, and find their own sense of meaning in their sport (Biswas-Diener, 2010).
Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living.”
Peterson, 2008
Why is positive psychology often overlooked?
The field of psychology is rooted in a deficit approach that primarily focuses on the diagnosis of symptoms. Diagnosing the root of mental illness, pain and suffering is the very foundation of psychology. The field of psychology at large has ignored positive functioning because oftentimes fixing what is wrong inherently feels more urgent than building upon what is right. Many coaches in sport also maintain the philosophy that an athlete’s weaknesses represent their greatest area for potential growth (Robert Biswas-Diener, 2010). However, the field of positive psychology suggests an alternative approach that prioritizes athlete mental health and wellness, while building upon their inherent strengths.
What are the benefits of adopting a positive psychology framework?
Positive psychology cannot guarantee the outcome of happy athletes or teams, however it can provide a framework and deliver tools for their athletes to develop skills, cultivate balance, and find their own sense of meaning in their sport (Biswas-Diener, 2010). The evidenced-based research on positive psychology indicates that adopting a framework of positive psychology leads to a reduction in athlete burnout rates, increased internal motivation, and a strengthened sense of purpose on the court or playing field.
The most common myth of positive psychology
The most common myth about positive psychology is that it ignores problems and weaknesses. This is simply not true. Although the positive psychology is largely focused on strength identification, rather a diagnosis of illness or weakness, the framework is founded upon a growth-mindset model that is always seeking to improve, grow, heal, adapt, and learn. Therefore, athlete weaknesses will naturally improve over time as the athlete becomes stronger, more confident, and self-aware as a result of using a positive psychology approach.
References
Biswas-Diener, Robert. (2010). Practicing Positive Psychology Coaching: Assessment, Activities and Strategies for Success. Wiley.
Ackerman, Courtney E. (2022). What is positive psychology? & Why is it important? https://positivepsychology.com/what-is-positive-psychology-definition/
Originally published on HeadstrongMindset.com