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Positive psychology progress: empirical validation of interventions
Martin E P Seligman1, Tracy A Steen, Nansook Park
1Positive Psychology Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. seligman@psych.upenn.edu
The American Psychologist
|July 28, 2005
Summary
Positive psychology interventions can increase happiness and reduce depressive symptoms. Three tested interventions showed lasting positive effects, complementing traditional mental health treatments.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Positive Psychology
Background:
- Positive psychology has seen significant growth in recent years.
- Developments include new classifications of character strengths and virtues.
- Cross-cultural research indicates universal strengths and virtues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in positive psychology.
- To examine the effectiveness of psychological interventions for enhancing happiness.
- To assess the long-term impact of happiness interventions.
Main Methods:
- A review of recent literature, including books, meetings, and conferences.
- Discussion of the classification of character strengths and virtues.
- A randomized, placebo-controlled internet study evaluating five happiness interventions.
Main Results:
- Three of the five tested interventions led to lasting increases in happiness.
- These interventions also resulted in a decrease in depressive symptoms.
- The classification of strengths and virtues offers a positive complement to diagnostic manuals.
Conclusions:
- Positive psychological interventions can effectively supplement traditional treatments for mental suffering.
- These interventions have the potential to be a significant practical contribution of positive psychology.
- The universality of strengths and virtues suggests broad applicability of positive psychology principles.