Positive Psychology: Optimism the Purpose Term Paper

In conclusion, although positive psychology has been accused of naive optimism, the truth is that research in the area can have a real impact upon people's mentalities and lives. Its character is more descriptive than prescriptive. Its purpose is to prevent rather than to heal. In order to achieve this purpose it relies upon strengths, such as optimist, a state of mind which can be learned and measured. Although there are many skeptics, research in the filed has demonstrated that there is a connection between optimist thinking and our health, whether physical or mental. Some might argue that such connection is not a direct causal relationship, yet they can not deny the fact that positive facts do have a real impact upon the functioning of the individual. Perception and self-awareness are other mechanisms which positive psychology believes to be important as far as the construction of optimist thinking is concerned. In addition, just like emotions can influence actions, actions can influence emotions. Therefore, just like theories suggest, one ought to get involved in relevant experiences of the kind in order to make sure that he or she will enhance the strength under discussion, namely "optimism."

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