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Please use the following Persistent Identifier (PID) to cite this document:
https://doi.org/10.12759/hsr.49.2024.28
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A Critique of Guided Self-Optimisation: Mental Health, Success, Happiness, and Virtue in Missionary Positive Psychology and Psychotherapy
Seelische Gesundheit und Erfolg, Glück und Tugend: Eine Kritik gelenkter Selbstoptimierung in der missionarischen Positiven Psychologie und Psychotherapie
[journal article]
Abstract Positive Psychology (PP) and the closely related Positive Psychotherapy (PPT) are established in various countries. This article is dedicated to the central principles and axioms, concepts, findings, and ambitions of PP and PPT. This is done with critical intent. It is argued that focussing on the s... view more
Positive Psychology (PP) and the closely related Positive Psychotherapy (PPT) are established in various countries. This article is dedicated to the central principles and axioms, concepts, findings, and ambitions of PP and PPT. This is done with critical intent. It is argued that focussing on the so-called "positive" has more than just theoretical and methodological deficits. PP and PPT are also deconstructed as an ideological and missionary worldview that propagates a "new human being." PP and PPT are currently among the strongest drivers of scientifically guided and animated self-optimisation in several institutions.... view less
Keywords
mental health; happiness; optimization
Classification
Basic Research, General Concepts and History of Psychology
Applied Psychology
Free Keywords
Positive Psychology/Psychotherapy; self-optimisation; psychoprothetics; strength finder; PERMA; psychological ideology/mission
Document language
English
Publication Year
2024
Page/Pages
p. 156-187
Journal
Historical Social Research, 49 (2024) 3
Issue topic
Debating Self-Optimisation: Practices, Paradoxes, and Power
ISSN
0172-6404
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed