Positive Psychology Interventions: A Literature Review and Suggestions for Future Directions

Abstract

The discipline of Psychology has metamorphosed with the introduction of Positive Psychology in the 1990s. From understanding disorders and developing a treatment module, the focus has shifted upon conceptualizing a good life and moving towards it. Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs) have established themselves as the harbingers of change in the field of mental health and well-being with a focus on neoteric methods for self-enhancement. The present paper attempts to gain deeper insight into the field of positive psychology: from its inception to the ideology behind it, in the context of published literature. Research on PPIs is still in its nascent stages, especially concerning their effectiveness in varied cultural contexts. Although a plethora of interventions are currently being used with both clinical and non-clinical populations, psychology stands on the verge of benefiting from their applications. The paper has implications for understanding PPIs in greater depth and conceptualizing culture and sample-specific interventions to maximize well-being.