133. The Rise and Fall of Positive Psychology: Part 2

WARNING! This episode discusses the positive psychology movement’s fall from grace. As such, listeners who have endured the “horrors” wrought by positive psychology in schools and in the workplace might feel some degree of Schadenfreude, a fancy German word that means you’re happy because someone or something else is getting the shaft. Then again, you’re the one who’s been forced to bottle up your emotions and put on a fake smile, so maybe your joy won’t be quite so shameful.

In part 2 of their series on positive psychology, Marcus and Esme discuss the fall of the popular field of inquiry and movement. In doing so, they explain how Martin Seligman, the founder of positive psychology, was influenced by his own contributions to the theory of learned helplessness . . . some of which, it turns out, were eventually proven wrong by decades of neuroscientific research.

They also identify what they believe is positive psychology’s biggest flaw: a seeming lack of regard or consideration for the impacts of trauma, genetics, and environmental factors on peoples’ mental health and wellbeing. Some problems can’t be fixed with a smile and a can-do attitude.

Finally, Marcus and Esme share their thoughts on how we can begin to move forward in (what they hope will be) a post-positive psychology world, and what we might be able to salvage from the movement.

They also share their contact information if, for some unlikely reason, Martin Seligman hears about this episode and wants to yell at them.