Positive Psychology: Looking Back and Looking Forward

Envisioning the future of positive psychology (PP) requires looking at its past. To that end, I first review prior critiques of PP to underscore that certain early problems have persisted over time. I then selectively examine recent research to illustrate progress in certain areas as well as draw attention to recurrent problems. Key among them is promulgation of poorly constructed measures of well-being and reliance on homogeneous, privileged research samples. Another concern is the commercialization of PP, which points to the need for greater oversight and quality control in profit-seeking endeavors. Looking ahead, I advocate for future science tied to contemporary challenges, particularly ever-widening inequality and the pandemic. These constitute intersecting catastrophes that need scientific attention. Such problems bring into focus neglected negatives that may be fueling current difficulties, including greed, indifference, and stupidity. Anger, which defies easy characterization as positive or negative, also warrants greater scientific study. Going forward I advocate for greater study of domains that likely nurture good lives and just societies - namely, participation in the arts and encounters with nature, both currently under study. Overall, my entreaty to PP is to reckon with persistent problems from its past, while striving toward a future that is societally relevant and virtuous.

Automated summary

This article reviews the history of positive psychology, highlighting early problems that have persisted and recent progress. It discusses issues such as the use of poorly constructed measures of well-being and reliance on homogeneous research samples, as well as the commercialization of positive psychology. The article advocates for future research that addresses contemporary challenges, particularly inequality and the pandemic, and emphasizes the need to study domains such as the arts and nature. The overall message is for positive psychology to confront persistent problems while striving for a socially relevant and virtuous future.