The Handbook of Knowledge-Based Coaching: FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE

POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY AND MARTIN SELIGMAN

Positive psychology is the science of well-being and optimal functioning (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000). It focuses on a way of thinking that differs crucially from mainstream psychology. Instead of concentrating on pathology, positive psychology begins by examining the individual’s positive qualities, including success, contentment, and fulfillment. As a result, the center of attention is the study and fostering of flourishing within the normal population. The areas of supported research concentrate on positive emotions, resilience, strengths, optimism, hope, goals, meaning, and flow. Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi claim that the experience of happiness is derived from essentially three sources: experiencing ...