Introduction
Both Wellism and Positive Psychology are concerned with human flourishing, wellbeing, and the cultivation of positive qualities. However, they differ in their scope, aims, and underlying philosophies. This page explores the similarities and differences between these two approaches.
What is Positive Psychology?
Positive Psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the scientific study of conditions and processes that contribute to psychological wellbeing. Specifically, according to the PERMA model, this includes:
- Positive emotions, i.e. pleasant psychological states (e.g., contentment, joy, and enthusiasm)
- Engagement, i.e. the feeling of being fully immersed in a task or activity (e.g. see: Flow)
- Relationships, specifically beneficial quality relationships with others, including love, affection, and support
- Meaning, i.e. a sense of purpose and connection to something larger than oneself (see also: Meaning of life, Logotherapy)
- Accomplishment, i.e. the feeling of making a meaningful contribution to the world
Positive Psychology emphasizes character strengths and virtues, happiness, and factors that contribute to individuals and communities thriving.
Key features of Positive Psychology:
- Empirical and research-based, rooted in psychological science
- Focuses on individual and group wellbeing
- Promotes interventions to increase happiness, resilience, and life satisfaction
- Often applied in psychotherapy, education, and organizational settings
What is Wellism?
Wellism is a comprehensive philosophy of life, an ethical framework, and a global social movement centered around the concept of wellbeing in all its forms. It goes beyond individual happiness to include collective, societal, and planetary wellbeing, and provides a set of guiding principles for personal conduct, relationships, and the organization of society.
Read more here.
Similarities
- Focus on Wellbeing: Both Wellism and Positive Psychology are concerned with what enables people to thrive and live fulfilling lives.
- Emphasis on Positive Qualities: Both highlight the importance of cultivating strengths, virtues, and positive emotions.
- Practical Application: Both offer practical tools and interventions for improving quality of life.
Differences
| Aspect | Positive Psychology | Wellism |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Academic discipline | Philosophy, ethical framework, ideology, social movement |
| Scope | Primarily individual and group wellbeing | Personal, collective, and planetary wellbeing |
| Methods | Empirical research, interventions | Integrates science, ethics, culture, and public policy |
| Ethical Foundation | Descriptive and pragmatic | Normative and prescriptive |
| Societal Vision | Focus on individual flourishing | Advocates for systemic change and a wellbeing-centered society |
| Origins | Late 20th century psychology | Draws from diverse philosophies, ethics, and social movements |
How Wellism Builds on Positive Psychology
Wellism recognizes the valuable insights and tools provided by Positive Psychology, especially in understanding and promoting individual wellbeing and positive qualities. However, Wellism extends these ideas by:
- Placing wellbeing at the center of ethical and societal decision-making
- Addressing not only personal but also collective and systemic factors affecting wellbeing
- Advocating for changes in culture, institutions, and policies to support flourishing for all
- Emphasizing open collaboration beyond the boundaries of academia and a continuous evolution of its principles
Conclusion
While Positive Psychology and Wellism share a commitment to human flourishing, Wellism offers a broader, more integrative and holistic vision that encompasses not only the science of wellbeing but also its ethical, cultural, and societal dimensions. Wellism is informed by Positive Psychology’s evidence-based practices for enhancing individual wellbeing, while offering a comprehensive guiding framework for creating a better world.