HISTORY OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY, CONTEMPORARY AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

This chapter traces the development of positive psychology (PP), from the first wave (PP1.0) to the second (PP2.0) and to the third (PP3.0). Each of the three movements is introduced and discussed. PP1.0 claims the importance of focusing on the positive, while PP2.0 highlights that we need to integrate positive and negative aspects in life, and PP3.0 emphasizes the systemic perspectives. Many critical points have been discussed regarding all three movements. One of them is the focus on so-called Western, Educated, Intelligent, Rich and Democratic nations (WEIRD) populations, with many arguing for a greater focus on non-WEIRD groups. This chapter looks at the developments and the achievements of the field so far and points out critical aspects as well. And finally, it interlinks positive autoethnography (PosAE) with PP in the context of the different waves PP1.0, PP2.0 and PP3.0.