Positive psychology can be a valuable tool for many professionals according to Scott Glassman, PsyD, director of the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at PCOM.
“Your career as a psychologist, consultant, mental health counselor, human resources director, social worker, or health/life coach can be informed by positive psychology, and your impact increased as a result of the application of positive psychology approaches,” Glassman said.
So how can you apply the principles of positive psychology in your career? Glassman identified several sectors in which skills in positive psychology can help individuals pursue a rewarding and meaningful career:
“In healthcare settings, positive psychology practices and principles can help patients manage chronic illnesses, recover from surgery, and improve their overall well-being.” Glassman said. Psychologists, therapists, counselors, and other healthcare professionals with a background in positive psychology can offer unique support in these settings.
Schools and universities have been increasingly devoting resources to student well-being for academic success, Glassman explained. Educators, administrators, and school psychologists trained in positive psychology can contribute to more supportive learning environments and improved student outcomes.
Post-pandemic, businesses and organizations are interested in improving employee morale, engagement, productivity, and retention. According to Glassman, professionals with training in positive psychology can offer valuable strategies in these areas, working in roles such as human resources, management, leadership development, and team building.
Life coaches, executive coaches, and wellness coaches often use positive psychology principles and practices to help their clients reach their personal and professional goals.
“The demand for these services is high in a variety of sectors,” Glassman said.
Individuals with advanced positive psychology degrees, who also have a background in research, can play a valuable role in research on happiness and extension programs at universities dedicated to creating and implementing programs that enhance community well-being.
Glassman listed roles in design, product development, or consultation as other options for individuals with training in positive psychology.
“There is a growing demand for experts who can integrate positive psychology principles and practices into user-friendly tech products, including mobile apps,” he said.
In the field of mental health, professionals with a background in positive psychology can help clients build resilience, foster strengths, and improve their overall well-being, complementing traditional therapeutic approaches.
At the community and government level, positive psychology principles can inform policies that aim to improve societal well-being, Glassman added. This can include roles in social services, community development, or public policy analysis.
There are also new areas of focus and emerging trends that provide additional opportunities for those focused on understanding and enhancing human well-being, happiness and flourishing. These include:
Opportunities to apply positive psychology skills in the workplace are plentiful, according to Glassman, and he is focused on helping people develop those skills through PCOM's MAPP program.
“Our MAPP degree can prepare students for doctoral work, make them more effective in their coaching practices or in the provision of health services, prepare them for a wellness leadership role (e.g., Chief People Officer), and teach them how to conduct program evaluation and implement wellness programs in organizations,” he said.
