Positive Psychology – from Its Origins to School Practice in Relation with Pedagogy and Logotherapy

Pozitivna psihologija mlada je grana psihologije koja tek bilježi dva desetljeća postojanja. Bavi se istraživanjem čovjekove dobrobiti u svim njezinim sastavnicama. Usredotočena je na proučavanje i praksu pozitivnih emocija, snaga i vrlina zbog kojih pojedinci, grupe i institucije optimalno funkcioniraju i napreduju. U permanentnoj je potrazi za razumijevanjem čovjeka u njegovu vremenu i kulturno-socijalnom okruženju te u što adekvatnijim oblicima posredovanja pozitivnih strana osobe radi njezine dobrobiti i smislom ispunjenog življenja. Ovaj rad donosi pregled faktora koji su u ishodištu i razvoju pozitivne psihologije. Ukazuje na psihološku i subjektivnu dobrobit pojedinca i društva u cjelini, na smisao života u funkciji čovjekove sreće kao novije paradigme u znanstvenom istraživanju u psihologiji. Spominje se mogućnost široke primjene pozitivne psihologije, s posebnim osvrtom na njezinu primjenu u odgojno-obrazovnim ustanovama, razvijanjem osobnih vrlina i potencijala djece i mladih. Ukazuje se na neke od mogućih smjernica paritetskog dijaloga pozitivne psihologije, pedagogije i logoterapije. Takve bi smjernice trebale pridonijeti koordiniranom djelovanju na dobrobit osobe te njezinom kvalitetnijem i smislom ispunjenijem življenju. Prilog donosi i kritički osvrt dosadašnjih kretanja pozitivne psihologije te njezine perspektive u budućnosti.Positive psychology is a relatively young branch of psychology that has only existed for two decades now. It deals with the research of human well-being in all its components. It focuses on the study and practice of positive emotions, strengths and virtues that make individuals, groups and institutions function and thrive optimally. Positive psychology constantly searches for the understanding of the person in its temporal, cultural and social environment, and the most adequate forms of mediation of the positive sides of the person for its well-being and the meaning of a fulfilled life. This paper provides an overview of the factors that are the origin and development of positive psychology. It points to the psychological and subjective well-being of the individual and society as a whole, to the meaning of life in the function of human happiness as a newer paradigm in scientific research in psychology. The possibility of a wide application of positive psychology is mentioned, with a special reference to its application in educational institutions, developing the personal virtues and potentials of children and youth. Some of the possible guidelines for the parity dialogue of positive psychology, pedagogy and logotherapy are pointed out, which should contribute to a coordinated action for the well-being of the person and its better and meaningful life. The paper also provides a critical review of the current trends in positive psychology and its perspective in the future