Pathological Behavior Definition: A Shift from Negative to Positive Psychology

The science of psychology has made significant strides in understanding human shortcomings, illnesses, and sins over the years. However, it has fallen short in exploring the positive aspects of human nature, including our potentialities, virtues, and achievable aspirations. The emergence of humanistic psychology in the 1960s, led by pioneers like Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, aimed to overcome the limitations of psychoanalysis and behaviorism by focusing on the human experience.

The traditional disease model of psychology, which dominated the field for over 60 years, from the late 1800s to the mid-20th century, centered around curing mental disorders. This approach led to a narrow focus on repairing damage and making people less miserable, without considering interventions to make people happier and more fulfilled.

Martin Seligman's 2008 TED Talk, 'The New Era of Positive Psychology,' highlighted three consequences of this disease model: the neglect of happy, untroubled individuals; the failure to recognize that people make choices and decisions; and the reduction of human beings to smaller machines in a larger machine of the universe.

In contrast, humanistic psychology emphasizes understanding what normal behavior is before defining abnormal behavior. This perspective encourages psychologists to focus on the positive aspects of human nature, recognizing that normality is subjective and context-dependent.

The shift from negative to positive psychology is long overdue. By acknowledging the importance of happiness, fulfillment, and productivity in people's lives, we can develop interventions that promote well-being rather than simply treating mental illnesses. This new era of positive psychology offers a promising approach to understanding human behavior and promoting a healthier, happier society.

Pathological behavior definition