Positive psychology and what it might and might not mean (i.e., whether or not 
this is a revival of humanism, I was struck by one of the opening sentences 
that Marie posted from Seligman's website:

As a group of psychologists, do we agree that "For most of the 20th Century, 
the field of psychology has focused largely on understanding and healing 
psychological ailments within a disease model." ?  I for one, don't think that 
that statement correctly characterizes the psychology and history of 
psychology that I've studied,,,,,,but then, I'm not a clinician. What have I 
missed?

Annette

> Here is what Martin Seligman says at www.positivepsychology.org (under
> mission statement). It sounds like an issue of focus rather than
> denial/rejection of other causes.
> 
> Positive Psychology.�To define, understand scientifically and help build 
> fulfilling lives and thriving communities.�For most of the 20th Century, the
> field of psychology has focused largely on understanding and healing 
> psychological ailments within a disease model.�
> The new field of Positive Psychology instead focuses on
> understanding and building the best things in life.� At
> the individual level, Positive Psychology is about character strengths,
> including the capacity for love and work, courage, compassion,
> resilience, hope, creativity, social skills, integrity, self-knowledge,
> impulse control, future-mindedness, and wisdom.� At
> the level of community, it is about the civic virtues and the
> institutions that nurture better citizenship, such as responsibility,
> civility, parenting, work ethic, leadership, volunteerism, and
> tolerance.
> 
Annette Kujawski Taylor, Ph. D.
Department of Psychology
University of San Diego 
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

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