A Mission Discovered Again // Emmett Bryant

Before reading Seligman's address I tried to take in the gravity of what he was writing and who he was writing it to. This was the president of the APA writing an address that nearly all if not all psychologists in the US would lead. That is insane. Instead of talking about how good the area of psychology was doing at the current time, or highlighting breakthroughs that had been made, he puts out an address that shines a light on the positive side of psychology. I know at least for me when I think of psychology and therapy my mind immediately envisions people who are struggling mentally. They need help and that is what the area of psychology is there for. But that's not all that psychology is good for. Just like Seligman was pointing out, psychology can pave the way for a brighter future for all of mankind. Not just can it help heal people with mental illness and give them ways to live their lives, but it can push those that are healthy to be the best that they can be. That is the positive side Seligman was writing about. Although we must never cease to be there and help those who need help mentally, but we must be there for those who are doing fine. Psychology as a whole (in cooperation with other fields) can guide the mind of humanity into a brighter future. 

I commented on Raygan's post and on Samantha Tedder's post. 

Comments

  1. Haylee LyndApril 4, 2022 at 5:49 PM

    Your post is fantastic. The end kind of sounds like a promo speech for positive psychology but I love it. I like Seligman's views (which you pointed out) on being there for those who are doing fine, and pushing people to be the best that they can be. Thus, we are not only focus on healing psychology but preventative and I think both are very necessary.

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  2. Joshua NaqviApril 4, 2022 at 7:07 PM

    There is always room to improve. I think Seligman saw this better than anyone as far as the field of psychology goes. I think his speech was a turning point for mental health awareness in general. In truth, everyone is affected by their mental health, whether it be positive or negative. It is important as a psychologist to keep this in mind when counseling someone.

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