Question

Positive psychology is fairly new in the area of psychology. It associates the importance of hope, optimism, and well-being with controlled examination and appraisal (Feist, et al, 2013). Several inquiries were scrutinized by psychologists such as Maslow and Rogers. They were judicious of conventional psychology, which they believed caused individuals to miss the value of life. Maslow's theories of exceptional positive experiences contributed to positive psychology, as well. What are your thoughts? If possible in more than 50 words.

Answer 1

Rogers and Maslow's theories are called as humanistic theories or approaches due to the fact that these theories places importance on the study of humans as whole rather than just a part of human (like behaviour, personality, conscious, etc.). For Rogers the approach of study was about self, his techniques are centred to self (self-oriented or client-centred techniques), while for Maslow it was the motivation that makes the humans want to achieve development and fulfilment (hierarchy of needs and self-efficacy).

Thoughts about positive psychology - a comparison

These theories laid foundation to positive psychology, a study that is striving to make life worth living. Positive psychology is studying of how a person can achieve happiness and live a fulfilling and satisfying life. Using these theories positive psychology tries to help its client to direct positive thoughts towards self and create a positive energy to bring about motivation to achieve what they want while trying to overcome their troubles.

Other studies in the field of psychology just looks at a certain part of the life from where the problems started or just at certain levels of functioning. Example, looking back to childhood to look for some unresolved conflicts, or looking at certain personality types, etc. While these techniques are deemed as being useful and curative, they miss to look at humans as a whole. Humans are made up of different functions and together they form a whole, complex working human. Since these functions are interconnected, the studies in the field of psychology should also try to look at human beings a whole functioning being. Secondly, these theories do not promote positive outlook nor do they promote the value of life. These theories are not really client-centred or motivation-centred even if they are specifically tailored for them.