Aging can cause both positive and negative emotions in people. Many are faced with harsh feelings that prevent them from leading a normal lifestyle. Psychology, especially positive psychology, can help cope with this problem. This work aims to study the difference between these sciences in order to better understand how they can be used to help people. Therefore, it will pay special attention to positive psychology in the field of aging.
First of all, it is necessary to gain an insight into different psychology and positive psychology. Thus, the first one is characterized by the fact that it is a science that studies the mind and behavior of people in various life situations (Weiten, 2021). Positive psychology, in turn, studies human thoughts and behavior with an emphasis on solid qualities (Ackerman, 2022). In other words, this science does not consider negative emotions and impressions of people, such as suffering or sadness, but focuses on positive aspects, such as happiness and satisfaction. Thus, positive psychology makes an attempt to form a reasonable basis for the actions and feelings that a person experiences. This is especially important with aging since, during this process, individuals face a lot of negative emotions. This is due to the fear of death, serious diseases, and loss of former mobility, health, and drive. In such cases, switching to more positive aspects of life is necessary.
The importance of positive psychology is also caused by the increasing rates of anxiety and depression associated with aging. This directly affects the overall motivation and the desire for people to be healthy. The most crucial advantage of positive psychology is teaching patients to change their point of view on situations and problems in life (Marks, 2021). To do this, various effective techniques and exercises are used. Their criticality is since even the slightest change in the way people see this or that situation (Izal et al., 2019). The problem can significantly improve their life and perception of the world. Moreover, it will help to bring more optimism and gratitude into the lives of the elderly population. It is worth noting that even in such work with an emphasis on the good, it is necessary to maintain a balance so as not to go into the stage of self-deception and naivety.
When working with the aging problem in positive psychology, specialists should focus patients’ attention on what they have achieved in life and how successfully they have done it. Focusing on negative aspects can lead to auto-suggestion and an even more significant influence on the human body and thoughts (Young et al., 2019). Moreover, positive spiritualism will help the adult population cope better with various diseases.
In conclusion, it is also important to note that positive psychology was not created to replace traditional psychology. Based on their difference, we can say that positive psychology is aimed at complementing traditional practice. I find a tremendous impact on a person to be the most promising in the area of positive psychology about longevity. The main issue of the future that should be addressed is the question of the long-term perspective of the inclusion of positive psychology as a permanent aspect of helping the elderly. To do this, it is necessary to conduct research and obtain reasonable evidence of the effectiveness of this science.
References
Ackerman, C.E. (2022). What is positive psychology & why is it important? Positive Psychology. Web.
Izal, M., Nuevo, R., & Montorio, I. (2019). Successful aging and positive psychology: Two empirically related perspectives. Lidsen, 3(4). Web.
Marks, R. (2021). Aging and positive psychology. Journal of Aging Research And Healthcare, 4(1), 43-56. Web.
Weiten, W. (2021). Psychology: Themes and variations. Cengage Learning.
Young, K. S., Sandman, C. F., & Craske, M. G. (2019). Positive and negative emotion regulation in adolescence: links to anxiety and depression. Brain Sciences, 9(4), 76. Web.