Bibliographical Analysis of Positivity: Approach to Optimal Functioning

Introduction

Positivity promotes the best in people and one way is the generation of positive emotions, for Barbara Fredrickson these emotions are conceived as forms of positivity which are joy, gratitude, serenity, interest, hope, pride, fun, inspiration, amazement and love, these forms of positivity have been the object of study independently, however it deserves the strengthening of the scientific field. It should be noted that just like Seligman; Fredrickson and Losada are interested in “human flourishing”; term used to refer to optimal functioning, which goes hand in hand with kindness, creativity and resilience. To flourish is more than the absence of pathology, it includes the presence of positive functioning [1].

Fredrickson indicates that some people do not flourish, but decline, feeling that their lives are empty. On the other hand, that person who flourishes experiences extraordinary levels of psychological and social well-being; they also tend to do well to others; they are committed to the world, to their families and to their work. They have a goal, they share and celebrate what is good [2]. It is important to highlight that well-being is not only about psychological factors; it depends on economic development and the proper functioning of social institutions as well as the communities from which we come.

Foundations of Positive Psychology

Positive psychology is the science that emphasizes the understanding and construction of the most positive qualities of the individual: optimism, courage, work ethic, interpersonal skills, the ability to experience pleasure and social responsibility. It is focused on optimism, gratitude and creativity, as well as humour, goal setting and achievement, spirituality, optimal experiences, values and character strengths, transcendence and resilience [3]. The literature presents two forces, traditional psychology vs. positive psychology, the first is focused on psychological suffering and mental illness, while the second focuses on psychological well- being and maximum development; In order to understand these fields, it is necessary to pay attention to the historical line; Before World War II there were three missions, to cure mental illness, to help people lead productive and fulfilling lives, and to identify and promote talent, but after World War II in 1946, the Veterans Administration was created: charged with treatment of mental illness and in 1947, the National Institute of Mental Health was founded: study of psychopathologies; paying attention to only one of the missions of psychology: to focus on psychopathology [4].

As time progressed, a field emerged that provided balance to that traditional psychology, where the study of subjective well-being, happiness, flow (positive experience) became necessary; positive individual traits (positive individual); positive communities (positive societies) [5]. Hence, the objectives of positive psychology are to strengthen potentialities; investigate psychological and subjective well-being; identify measure and promote well-being in individuals, groups and societies and have scientific rigor [4].

Positivity: Theoretical and Practical Aspects

Positive Emotions vs. Negative Emotions

An ingenious way to evoke positive emotions was the experiment by Fredrickson where a group of university students, doctors and adults were presented with a variety of funny videos and offered sweets, the experiment resulted in: improvement of concentration and short-term memory, better results in verbal tasks, visual attention and verbal creativity. This experiment was a sign that people who evoke more positive emotions in their lives can have improvements on a personal, family and social level [1]. Fredrickson and Cohn’s theory of expansion and construction of positive emotions reinforces the experiment; the presence of positive emotions and their production, provides the ability to generate new thoughts, activities and relationships, as well as the construction of lasting personal resources such as social support, resilience and knowledge, in the same way it is reflected in health, survival and plenitude, this theory is conceived as an ascending spiral [6].

The Four Positive Emotions: happiness, satisfaction, interest and love, were transformed into ten forms of positivity, the same one that promotes the best in people. The investigations carried out on the forms of positivity were studied from an independent point of view, where the object and method were varied.

Optimism versus Self-Esteem: Implications for clinical psychology and psychotherapy [7], the target population was 309 university students (non-clinical), between 18 and 25 years old. Differences were sought between optimistic and non-optimistic subjects, in negative variables (Depression, Anxiety) and positive variables (Satisfaction with life, Happiness and Self-esteem). It was concluded that there are significant differences for the negative variables. Regarding the positive variables: significant differences for satisfaction with life and happiness. The optimism variable stands out in relation to the other variables. The self-esteem variable does not appear as a relevant one. The use of optimism and other positive variables is recommended as tools for psychotherapy and clinical interventions.

Positive Emotions: their importance in the framework of mental health promotion in childhood [8], whose objective was to identify, promote and strengthen psychological resources such as positive emotions that can act as protectors of mental health within the framework of a health promotion program. The relationship between the experience of positive emotions and cognitive flexibility to solve interpersonal problems is highlighted, contributing to the achievement of social skills in childhood. Spanish translation and psychometric properties of the Positivity Self-Test instrument [2], a study conducted with 383 students from the School of Nursing and Obstetrics of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. The objective was to translate, adapt, validate and determine the reliability of the Fredrickson positivity self-test on the internet. It was concluded that the Mexican version of this test has adequate psychometric properties for measuring positivity in Mexican university students.

Conclusion

Positive psychology emphasizes the evaluation of positive emotions, salugenic aspects, considering the scientific method. Experiencing positive emotions will allow the construction and strengthening of personal resources, promoting a healthy and positive development, translating into an indicator of mental health. Optimal functioning will be related to having an involved life, experiencing positive emotions and identifying strengths and abilities, which should be enhanced. Narration as an intervention tool is effective in the search for optimal functioning, being a means of recognizing emotions, thoughts and relationships with others.