Traditional and Positive Psychology Differences

Comparing and Contrasting these two Disciplines

Sep 22, 2009 Victoria Rodriguez-Baziuk

This article will define the traditional approach of psychology as well as a newly discovered discipline of positive psychology and how they use very diverse techniques.

Positive psychology is a new discipline which is vastly becoming very popular throughout the United States. Although this non traditional approach may have Sigmund Freud turning over in his grave, there are some very helpful tips and techniques that everyone can benefit from. This is because instead of focusing on the problems that people have and how they can deal with them, which traditional psychology is known for, this discipline focuses more on proactive steps and finds the inner strengths of the individual and how they can prosper using their own abilities to live life to the fullest.

Traditional Psychology

Now there is nothing wrong with the good old psychological approach, in fact many of these approaches have been the most widely used forms of therapies and has for many years helped many people. Traditional Psychology approach stems from defining the problem and then finding ways to treat the problem using various techniques. Often this discipline looks at the past, present and future behaviors of the individual and focuses more on any traumatic events that may have occurred during the individuals life, and how these event(s) have contributed to the overall functioning of the individual.

Positive Psychology

The reason why Positive Psychology is somewhat fascinating is because instead of focusing on the problems people may have, it looks more at what the person can do to better themselves and thrive as a superior functioning individual. This eccentric approach is very closely linked to the "laws of attraction" theories and how one who thinks in a more positive manner and believes strongly in their own capabilities can actually create positive energy that increases the likelihood that good things will happen to them.

Self Esteem and it's Effect on an Individual's Ability to Function in Society

It all stems down to how a person feels about themselves in a sense because if a person has a great amount of confidence they will excel at basically any task they take on. In contrast, if a person is more insecure then self doubt can create a world of havoc on their view of the world, as well as their abilities to contribute to society as a whole.

Of course everyone deals with their own problems in their own unique ways, but learning how to effectively cope with negativity is a lesson that not too many people have been able to master. That is why there are so many self help books available.

Endoprhins and their Effect on Moods

According to Edmund J. Borne, author of The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, studies have shown that by thinking positively there is actually a physical response that occurs within the body that influences the amount of endorphins released. Endorphins are feel good chemicals that are released during times of happiness and contentment. So this makes sense that thinking positively will have a profound effect on not only the the way one feels emotionally, but physically as well.

Positive Psychology is a very interesting field of study indeed and will have much more progress in the years ahead. It would be interesting to see the different type of therapies that this discipline offers, and how effective these therapies are when compared to other therapies in the traditional field of psychology.

The copyright of the article Traditional and Positive Psychology Differences in Mind/Body Fitness is owned by Victoria Rodriguez-Baziuk. Permission to republish Traditional and Positive Psychology Differences in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
braces and flower, coloniera2 braces and flower
   
What do you think about this article?
NOTE: Because you are not a Suite101 member, your comment will be moderated before it is viewable.
post your comment
What is 0+4?