What is Positive Psychology?

Positive psychology can be loosely defined as the study of positive human functioning. What makes us live well and thrive?   It asks questions about what makes a good life.  How do we live a meaningful life? What is happiness?  It is the study of strengths and virtues, self-efficacy, success, hope, optimism and resilience.  Positive psychology teaches us about using our power to create the best lives we can.  This field of study is relatively new, even though traditional psychology has been around for many years.  The traditional approach looks more at the understanding and healing of illness and problems.  For example:  how do we treat depression?  A positive psychology approach complements this beautifully.  How do we define fulfillment and happiness?  It's more than just the absence of depression.  The study of what makes life good tells us what works, what we can change and how to do it.