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Psychology is a broad and encompassing field. There are many different braches and many different aspects. The one that catches my eye the most however, is positive Psychology.
Positive Psychology: What is it? There are several ways to explain and define what it is, but the easiest and best definition that I have found is, "the scientific study of what makes life most worth living" (Peterson 2008). Positive Psychology is focused on the building of the best life for people, and not only that it is focused on turning the life one is living into one that is rewarding and also healing in its nature.
Topics of Study: There are in fact many topics that are studied by Positive Psychologist many of these have to deal with the idea that a good life can be learned and taught to people. An enjoyable life can be learned. It is also studied and taught that all good day have something perhaps just one thing, but all good days have something in common. Also the idea that religion matters is taught (Peterson 2008). These are a few of the many different topics of study for Positive Psychology.
Education Required: In order to become a Positive Psychologist one must first get a Bachelor's degree in general psychology. After receiving this degree there is Master's and Doctoral degrees in the field itself of positive psychology. After receiving these degrees one must become certified and receive their license, but to do this must first enter into an internship upon completing the required hours they can become a licensed psychologist. However, there is continuing education required in many cases. So there are seminars and things of that nature psychologist can attend as well (Positive Psychology Careers).
Jobs and Prominent Psychologist: a few jobs for positive psychologist would be: in the field of health psychology, social counselor, human resource generalist, and life coach. These are a few, but not all of the jobs (Positive Psychology Careers). In this field there are may Psychologist, however there are always a few prominent ones who make their way to the top. A few of these would be B. F. Skinner, John B. Watson, and Ivan Pavlov. According to my reading they were labeled a few of the founding father's of the field (The 5 Founding Fathers).
Personal Application: I am going to be a pastor. As of right now I am a ministry major, and fro this reason I chose positive psychology as my field of interest. There are many reasons that I did this, but the most important was showing people what the best life could look like for them. This would be accomplished by teaching that the idea of Joy and happiness comes from God, and also the way to end all sadness and depression is through the Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his freedom a life that is healing, joyful, happy, and one that places an importance on religion/relationship with the one true God. This is where positive Psychology comes into pal because I can show them that their best life can be lived if chasing after the Holy Spirit and his will.
Sources:
Peterson, Christopher. “What Is Positive Psychology, and What Is It Not?” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 16 May 2008, www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-good-life/200805/what-is-positive-psychology-and-what-is-it-not.
Positive Psychology Careers.” CareersinPsychology.org, careersinpsychology.org/positive-psychology-careers/.
“The 5 Founding Fathers and A History of Positive Psychology.” The 5 Founding Fathers and History of Positive Psychology, 13 Mar. 2017, positivepsychologyprogram.com/founding-fathers/.
