Contemporary positive psychology perspectives and future directions

Introducing positive psychology

Positive psychology studies have advanced into mainstream psychological dialogue during the past decades and have significantly developed since Seligman and Csikszentimihalyi’s first publication in 2000 (Seligman, 2002, 2011, 2019; Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000). Since then, representatives of positive psychology approaches from all over the world have begun to integrate positive and constructive perspectives into psychology (e.g. Compton & Hoffman, 2019; Peterson, 2006), but also into other disciplines such as those in the humanities and social sciences, theology, criminology, management, organisational studies, positive organisational behaviour and positive psychiatry (Diener & Chan, 2011; Fredrickson et al., 2013; Jeste & Palmer, 2015; Luthans, 2002a, 2002b; Luthans & Youssef, 2007; Ronel & Elisha, 2011; Snyder et al., 2014) to mention only a few. Distinguished research has been discussed extensively and Seligman (2019, p. 18) has recently presented some of the most impressive research findings of the past 20 years, while providing an overview of his personal journal with positive psychology and his amazement at the spread of the discipline.

The pioneers of positive psychology (PP1.0) have used their research to bring a new perspective to bear on the problem-orientated discourses of analytic and mainstream psychology in order to measure human strengths, focus on human capacity and increase the view on constructs such as mental health, happiness, hope, and well-being. A more recent positive psychology approach (PP2.0) aims to advance previous discourses and give positive psychology a new direction (Wong, 2020b; Yakushko, 2019). PP2.0 emphasizes a new approach to life and meaning by working through both sides of situations, the negative and the positive, and by a subtle appreciation of the ambivalent nature of the good life (Fowers, 2017; Mayer et al., 2019). More specifically, it is argued that PP2.0 is, above all, epitomized by an appreciation of the fundamentally dialectical nature of well-being (Lomas & Ivtzan, 2016; Wong, 2019). As a holistic and integrative approach to the shadow and light sides of life, it has successfully been used to in psychobiographical research which explores the lives of extraordinary individuals. Because psychobiographical studies have found that extraordinary people frequently have deeply negative and painful aspects in addition to deeply positive and creative sides, PP2.0 seems to be a theory to bring these parts together and to look at them holistically (Mayer & May, 2019). It explores the ‘dark’ side of life while emphasising its role in our positive functioning and transformation as human beings (Ivtzan et al., 2016, Wong, 2011, 2019). PP2.0 even aims to transform the terror of death, as described in terror management theory, into death acceptance and integrating Western mainstream psychology with indigenous psychology (Wong, 2020b). Lomas et al. (2020) have taken the discussion further and have described the shift from PP10 and PP2.0 towards a third wave of positive psychology. According to the authors this third wave of positive psychology is broadening the discourse towards complexity which means in this case that it goes beyond the individual, looking more deeply at groups and systems in which individuals are embedded, becoming increasingly multicultural, interdisciplinary and methodologically richer (Lomas et al., 2020). This shift in broadening and complexity is strongly visible in this special issue. However, if this is third wave in positive psychology or if this is already part of PP2.0, needs further discussion since Wong (2020a) has also highlighted previously for the PP2.0 movement that it is highly complex and inclusive with regard to aspects on micro-, meso- and macro-levels:

An existentially informed positive psychology is deeper because it goes beyond research at cognitive and behavioural levels to explore the existential grounding of human behaviour and the transcendental realm of higher consciousness.

The context of the fourth industrial revolution

The 4IR, as an era in the history of humankind, is already in full swing; individuals in research and practice are turning their heads to see what the contemporary era is bringing.

Broadly defined, the 4IR is a digitally enabled and technologically driven change which manifests globally in many different ways and areas of living (Speringer & Schnelzer, 2019). The term ‘4IR’ has been criticized for not being distinctive; however, it is almost always viewed as a concept which brings together the technological revolution in terms of digitalisation on the one hand, and a rapid and radical change in lifestyle on the other (Schwab, 2016). One of the major changes during the 4IR is its systemic effect on individuals, societies, and the world which change in unpredictable ways (Schwab, 2017). Further, it has been noted that the 4IR and its changes in the different parts of the world can vary and that people in different cultures may see, define, understand and influence the 4IR in different ways (Mayer & Vanderheiden, 2020). The different contributors to this special issue reflect some of the broad variety of definitions and descriptions of 4IR processes and contexts. Often, 4IR processes are discussed in the context of the economic change and with regard to specific industries, such as engineering (Bogner et al., 2016). However, the 4IR is far greater than and not only limited to technology; it also includes new lifestyles, new ways of communication, globally occurring phenomena, new value chains (Bogner et al., 2016) as well as changes in human values and emotions (Mayer, 2020). Several authors have mentioned that new skills and attitudes are needed in 4IR contexts to deal with the many changes and to cope with negative emotions (Mayer & Vanderheiden, 2020). In this context, Mayer and Vanderheiden (2020) argue that 4IR changes often create the perception and experience of individuals as being in a VUCA situation (one of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity), which needs a positively orientated exploration. There are various ways that individuals, organisations and societies can approach the 4IR context; a selection of these positive psychology approaches is presented in this special issue. Consequently, the 4IR is established here as a context that is not only influenced by Western or Global North concepts (as is often the case in the contemporary literature, for example, Speringer & Schnelzer, 2019), but also as a concept that occurs within different cultures and which is addressed in culture-specific ways. Further, this new 4IR context needs new ways of understanding, managing and applying meaning to the world in such a way that meaningful existence is created within the technologist–human context. Therefore, research has to integrate 4IR processes on all levels and with regard to various topics in terms of life and work from a positive perspective. (Speringer & Schnelzer, 2019; Mayer & Vanderheiden, 2020).

The aim and value of this special issue

This special issue of the International Review of Psychiatry addresses the discourses on positive psychology, PP1.0, PP2.0, with regard to different cultural and socio-cultural contexts and the new challenges of the 4IR which emerge in every area of society. It is assumed that, on one hand, different cultural perspectives can bring further insights into the PP1.0 and PP2.0 debates and, on the other hand, that new advancements during the 4IR –smart technology and solutions, technological changes and artificial intelligence, the work with algorithms and robotics and a change of meaning in life and work – might call for new research, new methodologies, and adjustments of positive psychology in theory and practice.

The main aim of this special issue is to bring influential thoughts, innovative ideas and new directions of PP2.0 together, to discuss trends in positive psychology and to provide in-depth contemporary insights and accumulated knowledge in the field from different disciplinary, theoretical, and methodological perspectives. Thereby, the editors not only foster transdisciplinary and trans-contextual approaches to describe, analyse, evaluate and further understand the two waves of positive psychology, but also motivate transcultural perspectives to be established for future innovative directions. At the same time, this special issue aims to include cultural perspectives in the debate on the 4IR that go beyond the perspective of the Global North, which is usually the predominant, and often the only perspective presented here. The purpose is to provide an informative and future-orientated view on positive psychology, not only for the contemporary discourses, but also for its establishment within the context of the 4IR. This special issue accordingly emphasizes the connection between positive psychology waves and the contemporary challenges of this VUCA world.

The transdisciplinary and transcultural contributions in this special issue

In this special issue, scientists from four continents and altogether thirty authors from the US, Canada, Israel, Germany, The Netherlands, South Africa, the UK, and Portugal contributed to approach positive psychology perspectives and movements in contemporary societies and organisations. The contributions are presented in these different areas of expertise:

1. Psychological, psychiatric and psychobiographical perspectives.

2. Industrial and organisational psychology perspectives.

3. Individual, systems-, community-based, and ethnographic perspectives.

In the following paragraphs, the articles in this special issue are briefly described and their contributions highlighted.

Psychological, psychiatric and psychobiographical perspectives

Julie Dyrdek Broad and Fred Luthans emphasize that in psychiatry, positive resources are clearly needed in the context of the 4IR. The authors argue that attention must be paid not only to performance, but also to well-being in life and at work in VUCA times. This can happen through the psychological capital approach which integrates hope, efficacy, resilience and optimism. It is suggested that this approach should be further applied in psychiatry while taking PP2.0 aspects into consideration.

In his article, which is called ‘Outline for a Future Psychiatry: the Transcendent Meaning Model’, author James L. Kelley points out that contemporary psychiatry concepts have recently been challenged. However, the author highlights post-psychiatric movements and introduces his transcendent meaning model. This is a model which integrates personal, social and religious-ideological aspects and emphasizes new ways forward.

Paul T.P. Wong refers to the fact that traditional approaches and healthcare systems do not meet the needs of the 4IR societies and Covid-19 times. In this article, the author argues that psychotherapy needs to be based on inclusive and integrative frameworks which take existential positive psychology (PP2.0) into account. In this framework, the author refers to the work of Victor Frankl, and meaning-making therapy. The article provides guidance for future theory and practice.

The context of family therapy practice and training has scarcely been researched from positive psychology perspectives. Claude-Hélène Mayer and Rudolf M. Oosthuizen explore the positive psychology construct of ‘Sense of Coherence in Systemic Family Therapy Trainees in Times of Change’ and show that meaningfulness plays an extraordinary role in the personal and professional lives of family therapist trainees. The authors further present findings on comprehensibility and manageability components and explore the visions of participants with regard to professional growth and self-development. The article provides guidance for future family therapy training in Germany.

Jan Kililhan and Thomas Wenzel argue that positive psychotherapy can contribute to building competence, resilience and post-traumatic growth through psychotherapeutic treatment of patients with trauma. The authors provide insights into their work with Yazidi women who suffer trauma from their experience of ISIS terror. The authors pay special attention to PP2.0 insofar as they integrate negative emotions and cultural factors in the work with individuals who have survived extreme terror and genocidal environments.

The article written by Piers Worth presents discourses on identity, work, sense of purpose and perception within the context of the 4IR. Based on these theoretical discussions, the author proposes positive psychology interventions to contribute to building and strengthening the individual sense of identity in psychotherapy.

Rainer Holm-Habdulla focuses primarily on creativity within the context of positive psychology in psychotherapy. The author specifically explores the impact of creativity in relational, behavioural, psychodynamic, systemic and existential approaches in psychotherapy and he proposes a model to integrate these specific approaches and methods used.

Three authors from South Africa, Claude-Hélène Mayer, Roelf van Niekerk and Paul Fouché explore Angela Merkel’s life through the theoretical perspective of holistic wellness. They show that one important aspect of holistic wellness in this extraordinary person’s life is strongly based on spirituality and self-direction. The authors further contribute to an expansion of the holistic wellness model with regard to the latest development in positive psychology and present an important new view on holistic wellness in the context of new theoretical developments.

Industrial and organisational psychology perspectives

Christoph Barmeyer and Claude-Hélène Mayer present an article concerning positive intercultural management in the 4IR, by managing cultural otherness through a paradigm shift. The authors discuss selected perspectives in intercultural management and emphasize that making a shift from a problem-orientated perspective towards a solution-orientated perspective in intercultural management is needed to address the complexity and hyper-diversity of contemporary business interactions. They develop a positive intercultural management concept, based on a positive psychology perspective to steer intercultural negotiation and management processes in global management.

Kathryn Nel and Saraswathie Govender explore the importance of effective business communication in English in organisations during the 4IR. The article focuses on challenges which occur due to the use of English as a second language for employees working in an organisational business context. The article aims to find positive approaches to deal with the challenges and negative emotions in the context of organisational communication.

The next article, written by Claude-Hélène Mayer and Rudolf M. Oosthuizen, explores how international organisations can change constructively towards the 4IR. The empirical evidence shows that there are five main themes which contribute to a positive and constructive management within the 4IR context. The authors present their findings and provide insights on how to create a meaningful, healthy and optimal functioning work environment for employees in times of radical changes.

In this theoretical article, Claude-Hélène Mayer introduces ‘Key Concepts for Managing Organisations and Employees turning towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution’. The author argues that creativity, solution-focus and positive emotions are concepts that can lead organisations to sustainability and success in VUCA times. The article aims to stimulate future research on central key concepts in positive psychology and positive organisational psychology as a foundation for building theories for the 4IR workplaces.

Individual, systems-, community-based, and ethnographic perspectives

Tehila Kalagy, Asaf Malchi and Orna Braun-Lewensohn explore the potential enhancement of professional and personal occupational well-being among minority women, in this case, the ultra-orthodox women in Israel. Since the ultra-orthodox women enter the labour market during the 4IR, they are particularly supported by five personality strengths. The authors of this article explain how these strengths impact on individuals, community and society and show how they contribute positively to the work context.

In the article of Michael J. Hogan, the author argues that in systems science, the concept of collaborative positive psychology is needed to work with negative emotions which may act as key drivers of positive transformation in collaborative groups. This theoretical article contributes to the theory-building of PP2.0 from a systems science viewpoint. The author highlights that solidarity, collective empowerment, and collective intelligence are additional key considerations in fostering positive psychology, besides the important concepts emphasized in PP2.0, such as meaning, resilience, well-being and virtue.

Sofia von Humboldt, Neyda Mendoza-Ruvalcabab, Elva Dolores Arias-Merino, Andrea Costa, Emilia Cabras, Gail Low and Isabel Leal present qualitative findings from a cross-cultural perspective, highlighting the importance of smart technology in times of crises during Covid-19. Findings provide insights into the perspectives of older adults, 65–87 years old, and mention the positive aspects of technology use for this group of users.

Llewellyn E. van Zyl, Marielle A. J. Zondervan-Zwijnenburg, Leah R. Dickens, and Inge Hulshof provide new and exciting insights into the use of digital platforms through which individuals can use scalable and cost-effective interventions, such as apps and social media to meet the demand of psychological services. The authors show how Instagram can be used for interventions to add positively to meaning in life, life satisfaction and gratitude to enhance well-being in short, medium and long term.

Conclusions and the way forward

All of the articles presented in this special issue provide transdisciplinary and varied cultural insights on the 4IR within the context of positive psychology movements. They show the importance of a positive, existential, meaning- und resource-based view in order to grow, develop and overcome suffering, challenges, disturbing emotions and emotional and psychological pain in times of disruptive change and increasing anxieties.

This special issue is intended to stimulate new ideas, insights, critical knowledge and applied solutions for addressing the challenges of the 4IR through differentiated positive psychology movements (PP1.0 and PP2.0). It might be viewed as a part of the PP2.0 movement, but it might also be seen as an indicator of the ‘Third Wave of Positive Psychology’ which has recently been called out by Lomas et al. (2020) in the Journal of Positive Psychology. With regard to several of the aspects described and discussed, this special issue might be viewed as supporting the transition towards the third wave, since it broadens the discourse and reflects the complexity of the discourse while taking individual, group and larger systems dynamics into account.

In future, research on technology-based human interactions, human–machine learning and ways of balancing life, work, nature and technology will surely be in focus in psychology and in the applied fields such as counselling and therapy. This special issue finally calls for in-depth discourses, integrative forces and meaningful and complex new ways of thinking and acting in research and practice.