There’s a New Mental Health Model in Town Focusing on the Positives

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Rose Pavlov, GoLocalWorcester Child Expert

Rose Pavlov, GoLocalWorcester Child Expert

The phrase “being in the zone” describes a state of energized, focused attention when deeply engaged in a task or activity. During that time, we experience positive emotions from using our optimum potential in a productive way.

How can we sustain that “zone” to live a fulfilling life?

That’s what Positive Psychology explores.

Some of us are burdened by a painful past. Some of us are struggling with challenges in the here and now. And some of us are troubled by the uncertainties that lie ahead. These are universal realities. But how can we respond to situations and experiences in a way that gives us ownership of our lives or to redirect ourselves on a new path?

That’s what Positive Psychology explores.

A BRIEF HISTORY

The origin of positive psychology is often attributed to American professor of psychology, Abraham Maslow, in his 1954 book, “Motivation and Personality.” He thought the field of psychology had “revealed to us much about man’s shortcomings, his illnesses, his sins, but little about his potentialities, his virtues, his achievable aspirations, or his psychological height.” There were/are many other influential thinkers who have since contributed to the field, the most notable being University of Pennsylvania professor and founding father of positive psychology, Dr. Martin Seligman.
In 1998, Dr. Seligman (“Learned Optimism” and “Authentic Happiness”) revived Maslow’s thinking and shaped it into a credible and recognizable area of study. It has gained popularity outside of the field and its techniques are used to teach mindfulness in schools, stress management in the workplace, and even for combating trauma in conflict zones.

BUILDING CAPACITY THROUGH POSITIVITY

Positive psychology’s mission is to bridge the Ivory Tower, or the rigor of academic research, to Main Street, or practical self-help counsel. So, it is a serious science that is backed by numerous studies and yet believes that positive life habits can be taught and learned through daily exercises and personalized goal setting. Examples would be gratitude journals, meditation, music and movement, and so forth.
Most importantly, a person’s unique qualities and abilities (personal assets) are identified and utilized to help them overcome life’s many challenges. Essentially, it is about building capacity within people so they can thrive by strengthening their psychological immune system.

THE CRITICAL NEED FOR A POSITIVE MODEL

Behavioral and mental issues are being detected among adolescents and young children at an alarming rate at this time in the U.S. and around the world. The significance and urgency of equipping youth with the coping skills to overcome adversity is undeniable.
In the U.S., depression is 10 times greater today than in 1960, and the average age for depression today is 14.5 as compared to 29.5 in 1960. According to UNICEF’s 2011 “State of the World’s Children Report”:

Depression is the single largest contributor to the global burden of disease for people aged 15–19.
Suicide is one of the three leading causes of mortality among people aged 15–35.
Roughly [50 percent] of lifetime mental disorders begin before age 14, and 70% [develop] by age 24.

A LOCAL RESOURCE

Among other facilities, the University of Massachusetts Medical School Center for Mindfulness in Worcester, founded in 1995 by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, offers classes (primarily for adults) to build awareness, perception, resilience, and compassion. Highlights include the Stress Reduction Program, Mindful Leadership Program, and Schools and Teachers Program. However, the Center has expanded its offerings to young people through a pilot program.

Rose Pavlov is a Cross-Cultural Child Specialist and founder of Ivy Child International in Worcester.