Assignment 1A .docx - A Critical Review: Shelly Gable and...

A Critical Review: Shelly Gable and Jonathan Haidt’s ‘What (and Why) is positive
Psychology?
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A Critical Review: What (and Why) Is Positive Psychology?
Introduction
The article by Shelly Gable and Jonathan Haidt (2005) explores the understudied
perspective of Positive Psychology, which they define as the study of conditions and
processes that contribute to the flourishing or optimal functioning of individuals, groups and
institutions (p.104). It forwards the idea there has been a greater focus on human and societal
foibles rather than its strengths and positive aspects. It posits compassion, distress and
disease, and the nature of the theories and frameworks of psychological processes,
established by the founders of psychology, as contributing factors to the scepticism and lack
of research within this perspective. This review will provide an evaluation on Gable and
Haidt’s arguments about why positive psychology is a necessity within the discipline of
psychology.
Summary
Gable and Haidt (2005) argue that traditional psychology focuses on human
weaknesses rather than the strengths of human nature. They identify three contributing factors