Optimistic Research Agenda

The purpose of this essay is to develop a research agenda based on the relatively new perspective of positive psychology. The authors first offer a brief history of positive psychology including a working definition. Next, they make the distinction between humanistic and positive psychology, with emphasis on the research methods of positive psychologists. Then the authors examine the emerging impact of positive psychology on organizational studies and education. Finally, they turn to a few current examples of the utility of posi-tive psychology and res earch to inform administration and guide practice. Keywords optimism, positive psychology, research, theory, trust The chief purpose of education is to teach young people to find pleasure in the right things. Plato (ca. 400 b.c.e.