Relationship with traditional psychology

Understanding the place of positive psychology within the broader landscape of psychological science is crucial to appreciating its unique contribution.

Far from presenting itself as an exclusive alternative or a replacement for pre-existing models and approaches, its vocation is to be an essential complement, enriching and expanding the field of study of the human being.

The Legacy and Focus of Traditional Psychology

Historically, much psychological research and practice has focused on the study of psychopathology. That is, understanding the nature, causes, and treatment of mental illness and behavioral disorders.

This approach, often referred to as the "disease model," has been invaluable.

Thanks to him, interventions and therapies have been developed that have alleviated the suffering of countless people, helping them to overcome debilitating conditions such as depression, anxiety, phobias and many other psychological disorders.

The primary goal of this traditional psychology has been, and continues to be, to repair harm and help individuals move from a state of impaired functioning or significant distress to a state of "normalcy" or absence of pathology.

Arguably, it has worked to bring people from negative levels of well-being (e.g., a -10 or -5 on a subjective scale) to a zero point, where acute illness is no longer present.

The Expanding Perspective of Positive Psychology

Positive psychology emerged recognizing and valuing this important legacy, but also identifying a significant gap: psychology had devoted comparatively less attention to the scientific study of what makes life full, happy and meaningful for those who do not necessarily suffer from a mental disorder.

He realized that the absence of disease does not automatically imply the presence of flourishing well-being.

Positive psychology is therefore proposed as a field of study dedicated to scientifically investigating positive emotions, positive character traits (strengths and virtues) and positive institutions (such as the family, school or community) that facilitate optimal development and human flourishing.

Its interest is not in denying or minimizing suffering. Rather, it is about understanding and promoting the factors that enable individuals and societies to thrive.

A Model of Complementarity, Not Substitution

Positive psychology is not intended to invalidate or replace the accumulated knowledge and effective practices of traditional psychology; it is intended to complement them.

It seeks to offer a more complete framework of the human experience, one that encompasses weaknesses and suffering as well as strengths and well-being.

Instead of focusing exclusively on "fixing what is broken," positive psychology also focuses on "building what is right."

Thus, its aspiration is to help people not only to reach that zero point of absence of pathology. But to move towards positive levels of well-being, satisfaction and happiness (i.e. from 0 to +5 or +10 on the well-being scale).

It is, therefore, a vital addition to the field of psychology, enriching its ability to improve people's lives across the entire spectrum of human experience.

This dual approach allows for a more holistic and balanced understanding, recognizing that the human being has the capacity to both suffer and flourish.