Developed by renowned American psychologist Dr Martin Seligman, positive psychology is one of the 21st century's most prominent psychological theories.  While serving as president of the American Psychological Association in 1998, Dr Seligman became disenchanted by the fact that traditional psychology focuses mainly on treating mental illness or psychological problems rather than helping people seek meaning and happiness in life. He put forward the theory of positive psychology in collaboration with other psychologists and scholars after applying the scientific method to and conducting extensive research into the psychology of the pursuit of happiness and associated behaviours.

Part of positive psychology can be described as the science of happiness. Its research focuses on individual strengths, the building of positive emotions and character. It aims to realise people’s potential and cultivate their strengths and virtues, so that they are equipped with a defence ability to tackle challenges. Science has also shown that optimism plays an important role in happiness.

Dr Seligman proposed a happiness formula in his book Authentic Happiness: H=S+C+V (Happiness is equal to our genetic Set range plus Circumstances plus Voluntary activities)

Dr Seligman points out that 40% of happiness has a genetic basis, with some people tending to be naturally happier than others. Many believe that circumstances and personal experiences are the most important factor in happiness, but these account for only 20% in Dr Seligman’s formula. Individual happiness level tends to return to their set-points once people have adapted to new circumstances and experiences. The final 40% is self-conscious ability, which includes people’s thinking and behavioural modes that enable them to understand and cope with problems. This places happiness in the control of the individual, with positive thinking as an effective and practical way to achieve it.

Dr Seligman and other scholars have proposed that there is a difference between pleasure and authentic happiness. Pleasure is short-lived sensory gratification, which neither inspires one to think nor lasts long.

A superior form of happiness is satisfaction, achieved by exercising one’s talents and efforts. According to Dr Seligman, recognising and developing our signature strengths and reaching success through our own efforts is much more fulfilling than simple pleasure.

The highest level of happiness comes from applying one’s strengths and virtues to meaningful causes that benefit other people or communities. True happiness, therefore, comes from a sense of fulfilment through living a more meaningful life and appreciating the value of life.

Research has revealed that happiness can bring about better mental and physical health, enhance performance and creativity, and improve social relationships.  Psychologist Barbara Fredrickson proposed the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, using scientific principles to prove that positive emotions lead to improved flexibility, creativity, learning ability and willingness to try new things.

Positive psychology teaches that one should look upon the highs and lows of the past with gratitude, adopt forgiveness in facing unhappy experiences, and to rebuild relationships and interpersonal networks.

In the present, for a full and happy life, it’s important to live in the moment and devote oneself to the ‘flow’, practice quiet contemplation (mindfulness) when alone, seek happiness in helping others (altruism), and consciously develop character strengths.

For the future, one needs to embrace optimism, hope and a meaningful life, and learn to build a positive and brave outlook to face challenges and adversity.

To achieve a positive mentality, one must have positive thinking and a positive character.

Positive thinking allows people to guide their thoughts in a positive direction. It offers peace of mind, as well as the ability to better cope with problems and have a positive impact on one’s surroundings.

Positive thinking requires not only thinking more positively, but also finding a way to convert negativity into positivity.

Positive character is an innate trait that is often suppressed by environmental or other factors. It can be rediscovered and developed through conscious effort.