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Positive Psychology Areas of Focus in Relation to Interpersonal and Prosocial Behavior

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Positive Psychology Areas of Focus in Relation to Interpersonal and Prosocial Behavior
Carmen Amaya
Park University

1.

Abstract
The concepts of Positive Psychology are explored through an intrapersonal, interpersonal, and pro-social lens using empirical research as the basis. The paper examines the history, intentions and scope of positive psychology in relationship to personal experiences and character traits that lead to personal effectiveness. The specific Areas of Focus examine the major principles of Positive Psychology and their importance with regards to; changes in emotional states, cognitive processes and experiences in juxtaposition with current research. The concepts and principles are then applied to current goals, plans and future application in respect to the workplace, environment and culture. Finally, the challenges, obstacles and unanswered questions are discussed in current applications of Positive Psychology. Keywords: Positive Psychology, resiliency, hope, theories, emotion, cognition

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Positive Psychology Areas of Focus in Relation to Interpersonal and Pro-social Behavior

Major Principles and Concepts
The primary underlying assumption of positive psychology is that psychology should focus on encouraging people’s strengths rather than fixing their weaknesses (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000). Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi (2000) assert that as a new psychological paradigm, positive psychology rejects the disease model that had been prevalent in psychology and instead viewed human emotions, thoughts, and behavior within the framework of functionality and happiness. Understanding happiness to be the opposite of suffering and to be a universal human desire, positive psychology postulated that those traits and behaviors that facilitate happiness and functionality in the social environment are those that are

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