Definition
Positive psychology is a scientific branch of psychology founded by Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi that studies the conditions and processes contributing to human flourishing, well-being, and optimal functioning. Rather than focusing on pathology and deficits, positive psychology investigates strengths, virtues, meaning, resilience, flow, and what makes life worth living.
In Coaching Context
Positive psychology provides much of the scientific foundation for evidence-based coaching. Concepts such as PERMA (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement), character strengths, growth mindset, and resilience are regularly used by coaches to structure their work. Coaches draw on positive psychology research to help clients identify and leverage their strengths, cultivate flourishing, and build the psychological resources needed to thrive under challenge.
Why It Matters
For most of its history, psychology focused primarily on what is wrong with people — diagnosing disorders, treating dysfunction, alleviating suffering. Positive psychology expanded the field by rigorously studying what is right with people and how to help thriving individuals flourish further. This shift is profoundly relevant to coaching, which is also future-focused and strength-based. The science of positive psychology gives coaches evidence-based tools to guide meaningful, lasting transformation.