Symposium 6th World Congress on Positive Psychology 2019

Evaluating and communicating the science of positive psychology (#347)

Neil Lutsky 1
  1. Carleton College, Northfield, MN, United States

What does it mean for positive psychology to claim to be scientifically grounded? This presentation will consider this question from the point of view of a teacher presenting positive psychology as a psychological science and in light of the current "credibility crisis" in science. Particular attention will be given to the example of research and related assertions addressing gratitude and gratitude-inspired interventions. The concrete argument to be advanced through this examination is that the realities and responsibilities of science ought to temper promotions of positive psychology.