Fundamental goals of positive psychology

Positive psychology is established with clear and defined purposes, aimed at enriching the human experience and fostering optimal functioning.

Its goals go beyond the simple absence of disease, actively seeking to promote holistic wellness.

Focus on Well-Being and Strengths

A central objective is the clear focus on human well-being in all its dimensions.

This involves not only studying what makes people feel good. But also how they can build and maintain a satisfying and meaningful life.

At the same time, he is dedicated to building personal strengths.

Rather than focusing solely on weaknesses or deficits, as has been traditional in some psychological approaches, positive psychology seeks to identify and cultivate the positive qualities inherent in each individual.

We work on human weaknesses in order to understand them, but also, and crucially, on their strengths in order to enhance them and thus improve the quality of life.

Damage Prevention and Repair

While positive psychology places great emphasis on healthy people to improve their quality of life and prevent the onset of disorders, it also recognizes the importance of repairing existing damage.

This means that, although its main "juice" is prevention and flourishing in individuals without serious pathologies, its principles and techniques can be used in clinical contexts.

There are specialized therapies within positive psychology that a qualified professional can apply to help people overcome mental and emotional disorders.

Therefore, fortress building also serves as a means to repair damage and help people recover.

Application in Healthy People

Despite its usefulness in the clinical setting, it is reiterated that positive psychology, as such, was created and focuses primarily on healthy people.

The objective is to improve the quality of life of those who do not necessarily suffer from a disorder, providing them with tools to achieve greater well-being and happiness.

It acts as a "barrier" or "protective wall" around mental illness, helping healthy people to remain in a state of well-being and not fall into serious psychological or emotional difficulties.

Cultivation of Key Elements for Well-Being

A fundamental purpose is to help people better cultivate the elements that contribute to a fulfilling life, as defined in specific theoretical models within this field (e.g., the PERMA model).

The idea is that by consciously working on these components, deeper and more lasting satisfaction and well-being can be achieved.