Second Wave Positive Psychology: Exploring the Positive–Negative Dialectics of Wellbeing

Abstract

Positive psychology has tended to be defined in terms of a concern with 'positive' psychological qualities and states. However, critics of the field have highlighted various problems inherent in classifying phenomena as either 'positive' or 'negative.' For instance, ostensibly positive qualities (e.g., optimism) can sometimes be detrimental to wellbeing, whereas apparently negative processes (like anxiety) may at times be conducive to it. As such, over recent years, a more nuanced 'second wave' of positive psychology has been germinating, which explores the philosophical and conceptual complexities of the very idea of the 'positive.' The current paper introduces this emergent second wave by examining the ways in which the field is developing a more subtle understanding of the 'dialectical' nature of flourishing (i.e., involving a complex and dynamic interplay of positive and negative experiences). The paper does so by problematizing the notions of positive and negative through seven case studies, including five salient dichotomies (such as optimism versus pessimism) and two complex processes (posttraumatic growth and love). These case studies serve to highlight the type of critical, dialectical thinking that characterises this second wave, thereby outlining the contours of the evolving field.

Towards a positive cross-cultural lexicography: Enriching our emotional landscape through 216 ‘untranslatable’ words pertaining to well-being

“…Indeed, all capture the notion that flourishing is dialectical, a complex blend of light and dark elements (Lomas & Ivtzan, 2015), as reflected in the Chinese symbol yin-yang (陰陽). Separately, yin means cloudy/overcast, and yang 'in the sun' (i.e., shone upon), and together these imply the two sides of a mountain (one sunlit, one in shadow).…”

The Impact of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Happiness: A Reflection on the Relevance of Integrating a Positive Psychology Framework within Mindfulness Research in Youth

“…For instance, a study by Ruini et al (2003) showed that well-being scores did not strongly predict psychological distress scores in healthy adults, and vice-versa. Thus, well-being and distress are not incompatible and can coexist (Lomas and Ivtzan 2015).…”

A meditation on boredom: re-appraising its value through introspective phenomenology

“…It furthermore often implied that the former were necessarily good, and should be sought, whereas the latter were intrinsically bad, and should be eschewed. However, in recent years, a 'second wave' of the field has been emerging (Held, 2004;Wong, 2011;Lomas & Ivtzan, 2015), in which it is recognised that: (a) ostensibly positive states can be detrimental to wellbeing in certain circumstances, e.g., 'excessive optimism' is linked to health risk behaviours (Weinstein, 1987); (b) apparently negative states can sometimes be conducive to flourishing, e.g., anxiety can alert us to potential threats, and encourage pro-active coping (Norem, 2001); and, (c) many desirable states (e.g., love) are actually 'co-valenced,' involving a complex dialectical blend of light and dark elements (Lazarus, 2003). In this context, perhaps the current paper can contribute towards a re-appraisal of boredom, challenging the conventional view that it is necessarily 'negative' and devoid of value, and suggesting that it has the potential, if engaged with, to be a positive and rewarding experience.…”