Negative Psychology and Positive Psychology

Define and explain the traits of Negative Psychology and Positive Psychology through the lens of scientific literature 

Positive psychology, which was advanced by Martin Seligman, is a broad scientific term that refers to various techniques that encourage individuals to explore positive experiences, emotions, and character traits. Positive psychology such as Carl Rogers’ client-centered therapy and Abrahams Maslow's theories are considered as offshoots of humanistic psychology. These two theories establish that individuals can improve their lives significantly if they choose to express their authentic selves or if they possess traits f self-actualized individuals. Psychologists view Positive Psychology as the best approach for building upon individual’s strong traits while fixing their weak traits to become better individuals (Singh et al., 2016). Positive Psychology is concerned with finding ways through which individuals' happiness could be fostered such as stronger social ties, mediation and physical exercise.

On the other hand, Negative Psychology implies that increased suspicion and wariness will contribute to significant scientific progress. Negative Psychology does not promise individuals a better life, which is automatic but instead tries to uncover the lies, illusions, and deceptions that exist in such beliefs. Instead of just stating popular truths, Negative Psychology operates by uncovering the lies that purport that individuals can achieve happiness, which is elusive and unattainable. According to Isik and Uzbe (2015), Negative Psychology does not concern itself with trying to explain why things are the way they are but instead allows nature to reveal itself. In this case, individuals are left with the opportunity to decide for themselves about the true nature of their world. Negative psychology negatives Positive Psychology be establishing that quick fixes do not exist since they are an illusion. Individuals who think that their lives could improve by following simple steps that guarantee their recovery from addictions, negative thoughts and wounds could be vulnerable to disappointments. The proposition is true, considering that the application of Positive Psychology expects individuals to revisit their pat to explore the origin of their negative thoughts. Such an exploration means that one does not get a chance to get happiness but rather reopens negative emotions that have caused unhappiness.

Role of Christians in the field of Psychology and how Believers have influenced the development of psychology in today’s emerging fields of Positive and Transformational Psychology 

Christians play a central role in the field of Psychology most notably Positive Psychology and Transformational Psychology. Christianity is considered a hopeful religion that is capable of offering individuals satisfaction, joy, and happiness in spite of the challenges that one faces in life. Christians have a greater hope because they know that life, as is known today to be harsh and stressful, will end. At the appointed time, believers will be transformed into spiritual beings who know no pain, hunger, frustrations, and fatigue (1 Corinthians 15:42, NIV). This expectation is in line with Positive Psychology, which is focused on promoting happiness to help individuals to cope with the demands of this world. According to Charry and Kosits (2015), psychologists have realized that spirituality plays a central role in determining life outcomes and has integrated spirituality into psychology. This integration is vital as it helps one to understand human nature and at the same time, find appropriate approaches for addressing life problems.

Believers have contributed significantly to the emerging field of Transformational Psychology popularly known as TP. Transformational Psychology, which a relatively new approach, is a synthesis of transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology. This psychological approach aims at integrating physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual energies to achieve a broadened state of consciousness (Lambard, 2017). The spiritual aspect in Transformational Psychology is related to religion and most particular believers who resort to spiritual approaches. Believers understand that the world is complicated as it is and physical approaches may not offer the required results. Transformational psychology offers a gateway to deal with challenges through the consciousness model which occurs in three levels. These three levels the Aware Ego, experience energy patterns, and awareness are more spiritual and emotional as opposed to physical. The model mirrors Christianity which focuses more on the inner person as opposed to the physical person (I Samuel 16:7, NIV). According To Christianity God focuses on individuals' hearts and calls upon individuals to cleanse their hearts and minds. An exploration of one's spirituality helps one to live right which is the beginning of true happiness as depicted in Positive Psychology.

Explain how your behavior may be impacted as a result of learning about the role of Christians in Psychology 

The understanding that Christians play a significant role in Psychology will have an impact on my behavior to a certain extent. I for one will no longer view Psychology as a secular discipline a view that makes me suspect some of the psychological underpinnings. Knowing that Psychology embraces Christian aspects such as adopting the element of spirituality has changed my perspective. From now on, I will be more open to psychological thoughts as most of them are connected to the emotions and inner person. I have learned that like Christianity, Positive and Transformational Psychology emphasizes the role of emotions and spirituality in living a happy and fulfilled life. These tenets are in line with Christianity, which is by far a peaceful religion, which offers hope in spite of challenges. As a Christian, I am now inclined to think that Psychology has more to do with religion as opposed to the natural world order characterizing most scientific disciplines. Psychology outlines the centrality of individuals though and belief patterns in enhancing the quality of life. As a believer, I can live a better life by choosing positive thoughts and creating positive social ties with others since Christianity promises better things. From now in my motto will be “Influencing my students to develop positive thoughts which will help them deal with their challenges” As a Christian minister, this motto is an indication of how transformational and positive psychology can improve individuals’ life outcomes.

References 

Charry, E. T., & Kosits, R. D. (2015). Christian theology and positive psychology: An exchange of gifts. The Journal of Positive Psychology 12(5), 468-479. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2016.1228010

Isik, S., & Uzbe, N. (2105). Personality traits and positive/negative affects: An analysis of meaning in life among adults . Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice , 15(3), 587-595. http://www.edam.com.tr/estp.asp

Lambard, C.A. (2017). Psychosynthesis: A foundational bridge between Psychology and spirituality. Pastoral Psychology , 66(4), 461–485. 10.1007/s11089-017-0753-5

Singh, K., Junnarkar, K., & Kaur, J. (2016). Measures of positive psychology: Development and validation. New Delhi: Springer.