In this blog we would like to introduce Positive System Science which combines the strength-based lens of Positive Psychology with the complex, holistic lens of Systems Science, with the ultimate goal of bringing about desired systems change that supports the well-being of both individuals and living systems.
What is a systems approach?
If you ask people about what a systems approach is, you'll get a lot of different answers. Across these different definitions, systems approaches include three core elements:
Why do we need to consider systems in positive psychology?
Psychology as a field generally focuses on individuals - their thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. But the broader context in which a person resides is often ignored. Often, theories and interventions are thought to universally apply to different people, even though people come from very different backgrounds. People in positive psychology too often make bold claims about the power of its findings and interventions. In contrast, a systems approach acknowledges the complexity that people live and breathe everyday. Rather than seeing contextual factors as noise, it embraces these factors and helps us understand all the different pieces that affect the individual in their daily life.
It is time for positive psychology to embrace a bigger perspective, acknowledging the complexity of human experience. This will help us better understand the different factors that influence individual and collective well-being, ultimately resulting in better-informed, more effective interventions that provide better value to individuals and society.
What is the Centre for Positive Psychology (CPP) doing?
The CPP is currently drawing together the strengths of Systems Science and Positive Psychology. We believe that the synthesis of these two areas will create an innovative, applied approach that is more effective than either perspective alone. We are introducing ‘positive systems science’ as a lens which combines a strength-based approach with systems thinking and tools, with the ultimate goal of bringing about desired systems change and well-being. Stay tuned for updates and details.
Written by Dr. Christine Siokou
What is a systems approach?
If you ask people about what a systems approach is, you'll get a lot of different answers. Across these different definitions, systems approaches include three core elements:
- A desire to understand interrelationships: how things are connected to each other and what comes from these different relationships?
- A commitment to multiple perspectives: who are the different stakeholders, and what is their perception? How does a person's perspective affect their behaviour? What is considered to be success?
- An awareness of boundaries: What are the boundaries of a system? Who decides what the boundaries are, and where they are being drawn? What are the practical and ethical consequences of those boundaries?
Why do we need to consider systems in positive psychology?
Psychology as a field generally focuses on individuals - their thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. But the broader context in which a person resides is often ignored. Often, theories and interventions are thought to universally apply to different people, even though people come from very different backgrounds. People in positive psychology too often make bold claims about the power of its findings and interventions. In contrast, a systems approach acknowledges the complexity that people live and breathe everyday. Rather than seeing contextual factors as noise, it embraces these factors and helps us understand all the different pieces that affect the individual in their daily life.
It is time for positive psychology to embrace a bigger perspective, acknowledging the complexity of human experience. This will help us better understand the different factors that influence individual and collective well-being, ultimately resulting in better-informed, more effective interventions that provide better value to individuals and society.
What is the Centre for Positive Psychology (CPP) doing?
The CPP is currently drawing together the strengths of Systems Science and Positive Psychology. We believe that the synthesis of these two areas will create an innovative, applied approach that is more effective than either perspective alone. We are introducing ‘positive systems science’ as a lens which combines a strength-based approach with systems thinking and tools, with the ultimate goal of bringing about desired systems change and well-being. Stay tuned for updates and details.
Written by Dr. Christine Siokou
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