Addressing the criticisms and critiques of positive psychology: recommendations for improving the science and practice of the field

This article presents two checklists designed to help researchers, practitioners, and evaluators address common critiques of Positive Psychology (PP) identified in a recent systematic review. These critiques focus on PP's theorizing, methodology, and its perception as a decontextualized, capitalistic endeavor. The checklists offer practical recommendations for improving future research and practice, with one tailored for researchers and the other for practitioners and evaluators. Key focus areas include self-reflection, cultural sensitivity, methodological diversity, collaboration, and ethical considerations. By acknowledging past critiques and offering concrete solutions, this paper aims to foster a more inclusive and rigorous future for PP.

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Publication Details

Journal
Frontiers in Psychology
Published
2025-03-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1548612
Citations
5
Primary Topic
Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
12.19
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article

Addressing the criticisms and critiques of positive psychology: recommendations for improving the science and practice of the field

Jaclyn Gaffaney, Stewart I. Donaldson
5 citations
Frontiers in Psychology
Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
12.19
article

Addressing the criticisms and critiques of positive psychology: recommendations for improving the science and practice of the field

Jaclyn Gaffaney, Stewart I. Donaldson
article en
5 citations

Abstract

This article presents two checklists designed to help researchers, practitioners, and evaluators address common critiques of Positive Psychology (PP) identified in a recent systematic review. These critiques focus on PP's theorizing, methodology, and its perception as a decontextualized, capitalistic endeavor. The checklists offer practical recommendations for improving future research and practice, with one tailored for researchers and the other for practitioners and evaluators. Key focus areas include self-reflection, cultural sensitivity, methodological diversity, collaboration, and ethical considerations. By acknowledging past critiques and offering concrete solutions, this paper aims to foster a more inclusive and rigorous future for PP.

Frontiers in PsychologyVol. 16
Claremont Graduate University (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 2%
Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
12.19
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Addressing the criticisms and critiques of positive psychology: recommendations for improving the science and practice of the field — Jaclyn Gaffaney, Stewart I. Donaldson · Frontiers in Psychology (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS