In the late 1990s, happiness became "the new black". Pioneered by American psychologist Dr Martin Seligman, the emergence of Positive Psychology marked a shift away from the disease model of traditional psychology (ie, treating dysfunction) to "the science of optimal human functioning". Since then, a vast amount of international research has emerged exploring the value of positive emotions, positive traits (or character strengths) and positive social institutions (eg, families, schools, workplaces, communities). In Making Australia Happy, coaching psychologist Dr Tony Grant touches on these three pillars of positive psychology, road testing a series of evidence-based strategies that are outlined in this section.
Take your Happiness Test by logging in and doing the test.