Integrating psychopathology, positive psychology, and psychotherapy.

Reading the special issue of the American Psychologist (January 2000) on the contemporary, data-based movement of positive psychology was an uplifting experience in itself. Positive psychology seems to emerge as a renewed humanistic approach to the individual and collective potential for happiness, but this time it is strengthened by empirical data and adequate research methodologies. Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi’s (January 2000) call for a shift from a disease-oriented science to a science of optimal functioning, well-being, and happiness provides psychology and related disciplines with a noble goal to pursue in the beginning of the new century. Indeed, what can be more positive, rewarding, and fulfilling than studying and facilitating people’s happiness?