Abstract
This article considers the upcoming series of Continuing Professional Development papers that explore the meaning of positive psychology and the importance of applying the latest research findings, in particular, for the wellbeing of the mental health workforce. It takes a personal perspective on how the topic has become one of independent research in higher education. It outlines a range of research based positive psychology interventions and indicates how these will be covered from a theoretical and practical perspective. It provides a soundboard for team leaders to consider how to bring in the principles to develop effective team working and further recognise the importance of maintaining staff wellbeing.
What is Positive Psychology? “ Oh I’m H-A-P-P-Y, I know I am , yes I’m H-A-P-P-Y. “ The title of this well -known song seems to be the backing track to so many articles in the media today on the pursuit of happiness and how we all deserve it. I agree that we all deserve to have the opportunities to improve our mental state but fall far short of the expectation that relentless happiness should be the expected goal. As we know working in mental health, the people who experience prolonged ‘happy states’ also experience often disabling effects that go along with it. Positive psychology is not about acquiring the state of perennial happiness. It is , however, about scientifically studying phenomena that helps researchers understand what is good about human beings and not the more commonplace assessment of what is wrong with them.