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Positive Psychology Themes

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Positive Psychology Themes
Angel Bingham
PSY/220
November 26, 2011
Stefanie Crouse

Positive Psychology Themes
The central themes and strategies of Positive Psychology are made up of more than one belief that all intertwine with one another. People learn from their mistakes as well as their accomplishments. Believing in the freedom to choose, change, and control an outcome affects the goals people set for themselves and the level of commitment given to the goals that have been set forth (Bolt, 2004, p.19).
Even though people have the power to control their actions; Mankind is also part of something much bigger. There are often contributing factors that affect people that often go unnoticed. Experiences, current situations, and biological factors all play a part in shaping a person’s behavior. When a person learns what the outside factors can do, he or she is able to begin making wiser choices and practicing more control over behaviors instead of letting the external circumstances control him or her. Cultivating closer neighborhoods, healthier families, a socially responsive media, and better schools will help in the building of human strengths and civic virtues (Bolt, 2004, p.19).
Through application of the scientific method, psychologists are able to study the civic virtues and human strengths, furthermore allowing an increased understanding of human flourishing. Some of the same methods used to understand a psychological disorder also can be used to increase understanding of the core of human strengths like empathy, love, and self-control (Bolt, 2004, p.20).
Theoretical perspectives can attribute to the increased understanding of positive institutions, character, and positive emotions. Various points of view allow a deeper understanding of environmental, biological, and cognitive components of human flourishing. Each perspective compliments one

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