Positive Psychology: a new approach to old questions

Throughout history, Psychology studies were focused on pathologies, neglecting issues related to human healthy state. In 1998, when Seligman assumed the head of American Psychological Association, he started the Positive Psychology movement, which objective is to offer a new approach to human strengthens and virtues, by studying the conditions and processes that contribute to the prosperity of individuals and communities. The present paper presents and discusses this new scientific approach that intends to promote the quality of life at individual and community levels, preventing pathologies. We also point out its gaps in Human Sciences-directed investigations, as well as its theoretical and empirical contributions and applications.

Positive psychology; Human potentiality; History of psychological investigation