When you think of positive psychology, what comes to mind? Do you think of people with the demeanor of cheerful, uninhibited happiness? A fake it until it passes type of self-help? Or a kooky doctor, wearing a Hawaiian shirt and preaching about positive energy? Luckily for us, these are not correct portrayals of positive psychology. While some people may perceive positive psychology to be more about the abstract feelings and emotions with unsubstantiated Freud-like theories, positive psychology is actually rooted in statistical science, with validated research, tested and proven methods, and thoughtful consideration of human emotion, behavior and motivations.

Positive psychology is an understanding of well-being and an approach that involves enabling methods to increase well-being. While happiness is certainly a part of positive psychology, it is not the end-all objective.