Positive Debate

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

Many argue positive psychology is more relevant today than ever as it plays an important role when life doesn’t go right. Seligman himself said positive psychology doesn’t aim to replace other therapies, but work alongside to promote wellbeing. However, many believe it’s too underdeveloped to have real world applications yet.

Question 2

Treatment of sleep

Answer 2

FOR:
NHS- Meditation = calming effects + slows heart and breathing, key for good sleep
NIH- Meditation allows to get to sleep faster
IMPLICATION- Better sleep = more productive work and school, more likely high paid job and more tax

AGAINST:
Mindfulness doesn’t ‘cure’ bad sleep, just trains mind
Have to want it to work, may not work on low motivation people/ medical sleep conditions
IMPLICATION- Cause more frustration than good if people think it’ll ‘cure’, when really won’t work for many

CONC = RELEVANT

Question 3

Positive psychology curriculums

Answer 3

FOR:
Seligman = 2 years positive curriculum 22% depressive symptoms, compared 44% in control
CRITICISM = Seligman said more research need to be done on socioeconomic backgrounds + cultures

AGAINST:
Curriculums lack empirical evidence as research small scale + short term, low validity
Schools have to reduce other important subjects to implement it
IMPLICATION = Students leave with less academic qualifications, create inequality with education/ work opportunity

CONCLUSION = LESS RELEVANT

Question 4

Treating mental health

Answer 4

FOR:
Research shows PS compliments many other therapies, CBT more successful with positive psych
Can be done in/ out of therapy so highly accessible
IMPLICATION = Able to practice with trad therapy, treats large amount of people highly ethical, happier society

AGAINST:
May not help more serious conditions e.g. SZ
Mindfulness not one size fits all, some may need drug therapy
However, can still be used alongside for wellbeing not symptom reduction
IMPLICATION = If prescribed as only therapy, may not actually treat someones symptoms + leave vulnerable people in society

Question 5

Overall conclusion

Answer 5

Is relevant today, although further research needed, clearly promotes better sleep + better wellbeing in schools, which has many good implications for society. Even though it may not treat symptoms of severe conditions, can still be used along other therapies to keep good minset, so it’s relevant