Martin Seligman is a renowned psychologist and one of the leading researchers in the field of Psychology. Born on August 12, 1942, in Albany, New York, an educator, researcher, and author of several self-help books, Martin Seligman is also known as the ‘Father of Positive Psychology.’
He is a leading authority in the fields of Positive Psychology, resilience, learned helplessness, depression, optimism, and pessimism.
EARLY LIFE AND CAREER
Seligman attended Princeton University where he graduated with a degree in Philosophy in 1964 and later earned a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1967.
He began his career as an assistant professor at Cornell University but returned to the University of Pennsylvania to teach psychology. This is when he began conducting groundbreaking research on learned helplessness. A phenomenon where individuals feel powerless to change or escape negative situations, even when they can do so. This research laid the foundation for his later work in positive psychology. In 1996, Dr. Seligman was elected President of the American Psychological Association, by the largest vote in recent past. Hence since the late 1990s, Seligman has focused on promoting positive psychology, a field that aims to understand and promote human flourishing. Today, Seligman is the director of the Positive Psychology Center and Zellerbach Family Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.
MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS
Learned Helplessness
One of his earliest and most influential contributions is the concept of learned helplessness. Through his research, Seligman demonstrated that when individuals believe they have no control over their circumstances, they may develop feelings of helplessness and depression. This work revolutionized our understanding of depression and laid the groundwork for further research into the role of cognition and belief systems in mental health.
“Learned helplessness is a term specifying an organism learning to accept and endure unpleasant stimuli, and unwilling to avoid them, even when it is avoidable.”
(Seligman & Maier, 1967)
Positive Psychology
In the late 1990s, Seligman shifted his focus to positive psychology, a field he helped establish. Positive psychology seeks to understand and promote human flourishing by focusing on strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive.
- Authentic Happiness Theory
Seligman’s Authentic Happiness Theory proposes that happiness is not just about the absence of negative emotions but about leading a meaningful and fulfilling life. True happiness comes from identifying and using our strengths and virtues to enhance our lives. The theory emphasizes the importance of cultivating positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning,
- PERMA Model
Seligman’s work in this area led to the development of the PERMA model of well-being. The PERMA model identifies five key elements that contribute to well-being:
- Positive Emotions
- Engagement
- Relationships
- Meaning, and
- Accomplishment
According to Seligman, these elements are essential for a fulfilling life and can help individuals cultivate greater happiness and resilience.
- Character Strengths & Virtues
Seligman, along with Christopher Peterson, worked on identifying and classifying universal character strengths and virtues. Their work led to the development of the VIA Classification of Strengths, which identifies 24-character strengths that are valued across cultures. By identifying and using our personal strengths, we can increase our well-being and happiness.
Here is a list of some of his books you can read:
- Learned Optimism (1991)
- The Optimistic Child (1995)
- Authentic Happiness (2002)
- What You Can Change And What You Can’t (2007)
- The Hope Circuit (2018)
Martin Seligman’s contributions to Positive Psychology have significantly influenced modern psychology. His work has shifted the focus from pathology to the promotion of well-being and human flourishing. Seligman’s theories have inspired interventions and treatments that aim to enhance positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment, and resilience.
Blog By : DEEBHA SITHTA
