Going against the grain of research on the influence of negative emotions on behavior, Martin Seligman focuses on the influential force of positive emotions.
Seligman had long studied the phenomenon of "learned resignation". This feeling of powerlessness, which is built up and reinforced by a lack of control over the environment, develops a state of reactive depression, leading to inhibition and amotivation[1].
Positive psychology is based on much work carried out during the 20th century, including Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory.
It has also led to the development of implementation tools such as Appreciative Inquiry. This method focuses mainly on a team's or company's successes, enabling us to put our mistakes into perspective and not experience them as failures but as learning opportunities. This method resonates perfectly with the concept of the learning company, which we discussed in the chapter on New Ways of Working.
Positive psychology is enjoying real success with the general public but has to combat a misrepresentation of its practice. Positive psychology is not linked to the current trend of positive thinking, which flirts with magical thinking and the Coué method: Dany Boon's famous "Je vais bien, tout va bien..." (I'm fine, everything's OK...).
It is "the study of the conditions and processes that contribute to the flourishing or optimal functioning of individuals, groups, and institutions"[2]
[1] L’amotivation correspond à l’absence de motivation. Cfr le chapitre sur la théorie de l’autorégulation de Deci et Ryan
[2] Martin-Krumm, Charles. Les fondements de la psychologie positive (French Edition) (p. 21). Dunod.