Tenets of Positive Systems Science

It’s been awhile since we’ve posted – we’ve been hard at work developing our ideas around Positive Systems Science (PSS). Here’s our latest thinking on some of the core tenets of PSS, which we are currently trying to publish – stay tuned.
 

• Concept of goodness: At its core, PSS is utilitarian in nature – the greatest good for the greatest number. This reflects the PP utilitarian perspective. However, what is meant by the greatest good is defined by the stakeholders involved, including the voices that are usually ignored, not determined by those with power.
• Epistemology: We need to consider the perspective of each stakeholder that is part of the system. The unique perspectives of each stakeholder create multiple realities. PSS enables resolution of differences through dialogue, rather than imposing a single reality.
• Goal: Like positive psych, PSS aims to build wellbeing. However, PP often focuses on continued improvements – pushing to always feel better. But continued growth is maladaptive and non-sustainable. Wellbeing involves people who feel good and function well in a sustainable manner over time. Thus, wellbeing involves establishing and maintaining balance, rather than growth at all costs.
• Individuals as part of the collective: While PP focuses on individuals and SS focuses on the collective, PSS is about the individual as part of the collective. It’s not just individual wellbeing – it’s more a question of your wellbeing as part of what you contribute to those around you.
• Perspective about the person: Individualized approaches that capture differing histories and perspectives are needed. Each person brings their unique history, experiences, and interpretation of those experiences to the table, which need to be considered when constructing and implementing actions and interventions. People have untapped, undetermined potential. But this is bounded by contextual restraints – there are limits on growth and achievement.
• Simplicity within complexity: Capturing the complex view off SS, PSS takes a broad understanding of the world. But it also tries to find points of parsimony to engage and motivate people toward changing their behaviors, attitudes, and more to move toward optimal function, rather than being apathetic and settling for the status quo.
• Mindset: SS acknowledges mental models or mindset as a key place to intervene, but lacks strategies to motivate people to change. PP is all about changing mindset (think growth mindset…). PSS draws on PP to find strategies to change how people think, feel, and behave.
• Dynamism of the system: The system is dynamic, but there are also static or more stable and slow moving elements, such as a person’s personality. These more stable areas can be targeted for intervention.
• Approach to problems: There are times when we need to deal with problems, but also hold on to long term vision. PSS maps out multiple pathways and long-and short term outcomes, allowing a strategic combination of short and long term solutions.
• Responsibility: Every part of the system is responsible for what is within their control. It is not up to the system alone – individuals must take responsibility. But there is much that is out of the control of the individual. We simultaneously need to create environments that support wellbeing.

 
What these realistically look like are still a work in progress. Ideas? Comment and share them with us!

Written by Peggy Kern