The primacy of positivity: Practical applications for speech-language pathologists*

Abstract

Healthcare professionals, including speech-language pathologists, generally assume that their clients will be happy after they have “gotten better” or somehow achieved their goals; which is not an unreasonable assumption, and which is a belief shared by the majority of clients. It may not, however, be entirely helpful. Such an approach may well contribute to a range of problems including negative, self-defeating emotions such as frustration which could impede treatment progress. Rather than waiting until success is achieved, happiness and positivity should come first and foremost. By promoting the “primacy of positivity” speech-language pathologists can help their clients better achieve their goals, leveraging off the energy and motivation created.

Keywords::

• Speech-language pathologist
• positivity
• positive psychology
• happiness
• psychosocial
• treatment
• therapy
• intervention
• professional issues

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.