Positive psychology, as explained by its founder Marty, focuses on five key elements: positive emotions, engagement or flow, good relationships, mattering, and accomplishment. Marty also redefines M as mattering, emphasizing the importance of feeling valued and missed by others. These elements are crucial for subjective well-being and overall happiness.
When Marty Seligman started his long scientific career, psychologists concentrated on studying "misery and suffering" and what made people sad. But Marty wanted to discover what made happy people, well, happy. His research laid the foundations of "positive psychology" and the happiness science you hear week after week in this podcast.
Dr Laurie Santos talks to Professor Seligman about his decades of research; the power of optimism; and how he became less of a "grouch" to improve his own personal happiness.
Marty's latest book, TOMORROWMIND: Thriving At Work – Now and in an Uncertain Future, is OUT NOW.
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