1. STUDY UNIT 6.3
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
• Psycho - regarding human psyche
• forte - strong
• logos - knowledge of
• Scientific study of strengths and virtues
• What is right and improve
• Attempt to psychologists centres to a more open and appreciative perspective
regarding human potentials, motives and abilities to accept

2. DEFINITION
• Psychofortology:
• (= The science of psychological
• strengths).
• Focus on appearance, manifestation,
• patterns, origins, dynamics
• and promoting individual,
• group and Community strengths
• Uses theory and research to better understand the positive, adaptive, creative and fulfilling
• (Wissing & Van Eeden, 1997; 2002)

3. • Before World War II:
• Psychology three goals:
• One. Mental illness make healthy
• 2. Makes people's lives more productive and fulfilling
• 3. Identify and develop high talent.

4. WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
•Health is a state of complete physical, mental
and social wellbeing and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity.

5. PSYCHOFORTOLOGY DEFENCE
Eudaimoniese
(e.g. Ryff & Singer, 1998)
Hedoniese
(e.g. Diener, 2000)
Experience of significance
Happiness and subjective well being
Fulfillment Pleasure
Expression of strengths Satisfied with life
Realize own worth and role of qualities Positive emotions

6. SELIGMAN - CHARACTER STRENGTHS VIA-
IS
1. WISDOM: Acquisition
and use of knowledge
creativity, curiosity, open-
mindedness, love of learning,
perspective
2. COURAGE: Will to
accomplish goals
bravery, persistence, integrity,
vitality
3. HUMANITY:
Interpersonal strengths,
tending, befriending
love, kindness, social
intelligence
4. JUSTICE: Civic
strenghts and community
health
citizenship, fairness, justice,
leadership
5. TEMPERANCE: Protect
against excess
forgiveness and mercy, modesty
and humility,
prudence, self-regulation
6. TRANSCENDENCE:
Connections to larger universe
and give meaning
appreciation of beauty and
excellence, gratitude, hope,
humor, spirituality