Introduction

A relatively young school of thought in psychology called "positive psychology" seeks to better understand and promote human flourishing, happiness, and well-being. It came into being as a reaction to conventional psychology's primarily problem-focused methodology. This article examines the origins and historical evolution of positive psychology, as well as the historical and socioeconomic factors that influenced it, and its effects on social cognition.

Founding Figures, Events, and Ideas of Positive Psychology

Dr. Martin Seligman first formalized and popularized positive psychology in the late 1990s. The American Psychological Association (APA) was presided over by famous psychologist Martin Seligman in 1998 (Seligman, 2019). He advocated for a change in psychology's emphasis when he was president, asking academics and practitioners to look into the positive aspects of human experience and existence.

Seligman's research was influenced by previous psychology pioneers. The works of Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi were particularly influential on Seligman (Seligman, 2019). Maslow proposed a hierarchy of requirements that stated people are first and foremost driven to meet their physiological and safety demands before moving on to more abstract goals like self-actualization. Rogers thought that individuals naturally want to develop themselves to their maximum potential and that psychologists should foster that process. Flow, as defined by Csikszentmihalyi, is a mental and emotional state of complete absorption in an activity that is strongly correlated with excellence in that domain. Maslow's writings helped to establish positive psychology by highlighting the value of pleasant human experiences (Hart, 2020).

Positive psychology's main principle is to change the emphasis from only treating psychological illnesses to encouraging people's strengths and resiliency. It promotes research on uplifting feelings, character traits, and the environments that lead to happy lives (Heintzelman et al., 2023).

Historical Influences on Positive Psychology

Positive psychology was influenced historically by a number of factors. The predominance of psychoanalysis and behaviorism in psychology throughout the early to mid- 20th century was one important influence. Sigmund Freud established psychoanalysis, which explored the depths of the unconscious mind but often focused on psychopathology (Hart, 2020). Behaviorism, pioneered by B.F. Skinner and John Watson, neglected the study of interior feelings in favor of observable behavior. Both psychoanalysis and behaviorism contributed much to psychology, yet they tended to concentrate on disease and dysfunction. This created a vacuum in the profession, necessitating the need for a more well-rounded strategy that also placed an emphasis on wellbeing and good performance (Seligman, 2019).

Positive psychology was greatly influenced by the humanistic psychology movement, which was founded by Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. The search of a meaningful existence, personal development, and self-actualization were all stressed in humanistic psychology. Maslow's hierarchy of needs in particular established the groundwork for the focus in human potential in positive psychology. There has been a significant uptick in research devoted to the study of what makes people happy and successful. The rising realization that happiness is crucial for both individual and social well-being, as well as the growth of positive psychology, have all contributed to this renewed interest (Heintzelman et al., 2023).

Societal Influences on Positive Psychology

Positive psychology was influenced by social changes and difficulties as well as historical events. People started looking for purpose and pleasure outside of monetary prosperity in the second half of the 20th century as civilizations got more prosperous and technology improved. This cultural change placed a strong emphasis on the value of happiness and personal satisfaction (Waters et al., 2022).

The quest of inner peace and happiness, as well as mindfulness, meditation, and other Eastern intellectual and spiritual traditions, also gained popularity in the latter half of the 20th century. These factors influenced the growth of positive psychology as academics investigated the possible advantages of these techniques for mental health (Waters et al., 2022). The emergence of positive thinking movements, self-help books, and the popularization of ideas like optimism and resilience has had an impact on the discipline of positive psychology. These socioeconomic developments brought to light the need for methods that may assist people in leading better and more meaningful lives (Hart, 2020).

Positive Psychology's Influence on Social Thinking

Because it encourages a more upbeat and strengths-based view on social behavior and human behavior, positive psychology has had a considerable influence on social thought. In order to promote resilience and well-being, it exhorts people and communities to put their attention on their qualities, virtues, and happy feelings (Snyder & Lopez, 2022). The field of positive psychology has made a substantial contribution to the way we approach societal problems. For instance, studies in the field of positive psychology have shown the beneficial effects of joy on people's lives and communities. Because of this, public policy and social initiatives are once again prioritizing the promotion of pleasure and well-being.

The use of positive psychology in education is a useful illustration of how it affects social thinking. Positive education, which incorporates ideas from positive psychology into the curriculum, has gained support from educational institutions and schools. Along with academic success, positive education attempts to develop students' character traits, emotional intelligence, and general well-being (Heintzelman et al., 2023).

Organizations now recognize the value of employee happiness and job satisfaction thanks to the impact of positive psychology in the workplace. To promote a more upbeat and effective work atmosphere, businesses have begun incorporating positive psychology therapies including mindfulness programs, gratitude exercises, and strengths-based leadership training (Snyder & Lopez, 2022). Additionally, positive psychology ideas have been used into therapeutic approaches in the area of clinical psychology. In order to assist their patients, become more resilient, boost their self-esteem, and have a more positive attitude on life, therapists use positive psychology practices (Heintzelman et al., 2023).

Conclusion

As a reaction to the historical dominance of psychoanalysis and behaviorism in psychology, positive psychology, with its focus on human qualities and wellbeing, evolved. Both historical processes and social transformations that placed a strong emphasis on the pursuit of pleasure and satisfaction had an impact on it. Positive psychology continues to change how we comprehend and promote human flourishing. It has had a significant influence on social thinking and on workplace, educational, and therapeutic activities. As a consequence, it has developed into a significant and influential school of thought in the discipline of psychology.