Second Wave Positive Psychology: Exploring the Positive–Negative Dialectics of Wellbeing
Article
Lomas, T. and Ivtzan, Itai 2015. Second Wave Positive Psychology: Exploring the Positive–Negative Dialectics of Wellbeing. Journal of Happiness Studies.
Authors | Lomas, T. and Ivtzan, Itai |
---|---|
Abstract | Positive psychology has tended to be defined in terms of a concern with ‘positive’ psychological qualities and states. However, critics of the field have highlighted various problems inherent in classifying phenomena as either ‘positive’ or ‘negative.’ For instance, ostensibly positive qualities (e.g., optimism) can sometimes be detrimental to wellbeing, whereas apparently negative processes (like anxiety) may at times be conducive to it. As such, over recent years, a more nuanced ‘second wave’ of positive psychology has been germinating, which explores the philosophical and conceptual complexities of the very idea of the ‘positive.’ The current paper introduces this emergent second wave by examining the ways in which the field is developing a more subtle understanding of the ‘dialectical’ nature of flourishing (i.e., involving a complex and dynamic interplay of positive and negative experiences). The paper does so by problematizing the notions of positive and negative through seven case studies, including five salient dichotomies (such as optimism versus pessimism) and two complex processes (posttraumatic growth and love). These case studies serve to highlight the type of critical, dialectical thinking that characterises this second wave, thereby outlining the contours of the evolving field. |
Journal | Journal of Happiness Studies |
ISSN | 1573-7780 |
1389-4978 | |
Year | 2015 |
Publisher | Springer Verlag |
Accepted author manuscript | |
Web address (URL) | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10902-015-9668-y |
Publication dates | |
14 Aug 2015 | |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 20 Aug 2015 |
Accepted | 14 Aug 2015 |
Copyright information | The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10902-015-9668-y |
https://repository.uel.ac.uk/item/85505
Download files
Accepted author manuscript
1013
total views5068
total downloads1
views this month4
downloads this month