THE IMPORTANCE OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Keywords:
positive psychology, pandemic, well-being, stress, emotionsAbstract
Positive psychology is the scientific study of positive human functioning and psychological flourishing that encompasses the biological, subjective, relational, institutional, cultural, and global dimensions of life. The main focus of positive psychology is on fostering human happiness, the sense of fulfillment, contentment, well-being, and developing a more optimistic outlook in order to improve quality of life. This scientific discipline has a significant role in discovering the ways in which people can live life more abundantly, and it can induce the implementation of more efficient strategies for improving mental health (preventing mental illness), extinction of negatively reinforced behavior, and cultivation and increase of human happiness and productivity. It provides a crucial framework for the research on flourishing, positive emotional dynamics, and the strengths and virtues of one’s character. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the psychological health, well-being and quality of life of people around the world. Many individuals have consequently experienced terrible emotional suffering, high levels of stress, and deterioration of their well-being. The aim of this paper is to emphasize the importance and role of experiencing positive emotions in highly stressful situations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Several studies have suggested that cultivating positive emotions in crisis situations can encourage coping with negative emotions and contributes to the improvement of psychological well-being. Positive emotions thus transform suffering and mitigate the negative impact of the current collective crisis, which provides an individual the power to counter the psychological impact of the current pandemic. Furthermore, the results of previous research suggest that positive psychology can allow individuals to develop and grow after experiencing a traumatic event, helping them to reshape their negative experiences, reassess their priorities, and values. Even in complex situations, positive psychology stimulates the potential, capacity and motivation in individuals to cope with the situation they are facing. In this context, psychology can make an important contribution in dealing with the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to reduce the negative effects on mental health and improving the quality of life of the population, during and after the pandemic. Empirical evidence supports the fact that the ability to experience positive emotions can be a fundamental human strength that is crucial in achieving optimal well-being. Constructs within the field of positive psychology can pursue the protection of mental health and can they be utilized at different stages of a crisis, pandemic or disaster, as a means to minimize negative impacts. Various positive psychological interventions have proven to be extremely effective in improving subjective and psychological well-being, and can help reduce the symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety, and hopelessness which occurred as a result of isolation and discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic. These interventions are primarily focused on strengthening positive feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. It is necessary to raise awareness on the importance of positive psychology and its numerous benefits for maintaining mental health.
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