This paper defines Positive psychology as “the study of the conditions and processes that contribute to the flourishing or optimal functioning of people, groups, and institutions.” the movement has rapidly expanded in the past 20 years as researchers noticed how much more resources are used to study disorders and dysfunction. Positive psychology doesn’t encourage ignoring the negatives in life; it aims to study the positive or optimal functions of human existence. This includes topics such as secure attachment, optimism, love, emotional intelligence, intrinsic motivation, gratitude, forgiveness, awe, inspiration, hope, curiosity, and laughter. This is all done with the aim of one day mapping the domain of optimal human functioning.
Positive Psychology
Gratitude, Positive Psychology
Positive Psychology and Gratitude Interventions: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This study conducted a randomized clinical trial involving 1,337 participants to assess the impact of a gratitude intervention on well-being and mental health. Participants were divided into three groups: gratitude, hassles, and neutral events. The gratitude group practiced daily gratitude listing for 14 days. Results showed that the gratitude intervention increased positive affect, happiness, and life satisfaction while reducing negative affect and depressive symptoms compared to control groups. Similar changes were observed between the gratitude and neutral events groups. The study acknowledged limitations, including a high dropout rate for online interventions, and suggested a further investigation into online intervention characteristics.