Positive Psychology and Mindfulness look at the possibility of increasing well-being through optimism, purpose, a strong sense of self, gratitude, and intimacy.[80] Martin Seligman, the father of Positive Psychology, coined the term ‘learned helplessness.[81]  He pointed out the paradox that almost everything is better than it was 70 years ago (amenities, technology, purchasing power), but people are not happier. Without such amenities, it’s the Amish who are doing better, psychologically, staving off depression and anxiety, than the rest of the modern world. “It has something to do with modernity and perhaps with what we mistakenly call prosperity.”[82] The principles of Positive Psychology suggest that instead of focusing on diagnosis, focusing on well-being and supporting genus should be the new approach in psychology. It has been said that generally, Positive Psychology has improved the lives of many, myself included. I have found elements of these approaches in churches, schools, AA groups, and self-help books. The methods of positive psychology education involve writing about one’s strengths, focusing on positive emotion, such as gratitude, finding a higher power, and considering what went well that day.[83] Positive Psychology studies highlight that other people make people happy. Community service is an integral part of treatment; through community service, individuals discover a sense of purpose by giving to others. Time spent in relationships, romantic relationships specifically, increases happiness.

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The percentage of students experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness seems to be increasing. Youth are looking for meaning and a strong sense of self. Positive psychology outlines how this can be achieved. Through mindedness, or mindfulness techniques, such as practicing gratitude and finding a purpose. By focusing on what is meaningful and what brings joy. Positive Psychology also centers on self-awareness. Getting to know one’s personality strengths, such as grit, which is a stickwithit attitude, increases well-being. Knowing your strengths increases those strengths. People who write about meaning and engagement live longer and are more likely to report life satisfaction than individuals who pursue pleasure. Studies also show that self-discipline (grit) is twice as good a predictor of high school grades as IQ.[84]