Traditionally, clinical psychology focuses primarily on the faults, failings and weaknesses of patients in order to effectively treat psychological disorders. Positive psychology represents a shift away from this deficit approach to one that concentrates on emphasising strengths and happiness as a means to mental wellbeing.
Chief happiness officer at The Happiness Institute, Dr Tim Sharp, joins Jerome Doraisamy on this episode of The Wellness Daily Show to outline the key benefits offered by positive psychology, explain the generalised principles that professionals can implement in their daily lives, and reveal how he personally adopts this model of psychology in his own life.
Dr Happy breaks down the difference between popular psychology and positive psychology as represented on social media, debunks the common misconception that so-called negative emotions should be avoided, and suggests the importance of using flexible methods of thinking in different circumstances.
