Psychology Publications
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2018
Journal
Canadian Psychology / Psychologie canadienne
Volume
59
Issue
2
First Page
107
Last Page
119
URL with Digital Object Identifier
https://doi.org/10.1037/cap0000135
Abstract
Over the past couple of decades, there has been an increasing focus on positive psychology in both the popular media and the scientific literature. Prior to this time, the predominant focus has been on what is aberrant or deficient, and how to ameliorate problems or dysfunction (i.e., a psychopathology orientation). Indeed, my own research has focused on cognitive vulnerability to depression and how we can understand and modify underlying core beliefs and cognitive structures. In this article, I deviate from my own ‘comfort zone’ to highlight some key concepts related to understanding what makes life fulfilling and meaningful. Specific lessons from research in the areas of happiness, passion, humour styles, thinking with evidence, self-compassion, mindfulness/acceptance, taking risks, and interpersonal connectedness, are reviewed. Throughout this article, I highlight how Canadian psychological science has contributed in important ways to helping us to live more fully.
Notes
© American Psychological Association, 2018-05-01. This paper is not the copy of record and may not exactly replicate the authoritative document published in the APA journal. Please do not copy or cite without author's permission. The final article is available, upon publication, at: https://doi.org/10.1037/cap0000135