Impact of Positive Psychology on Higher Education

Abstract

Education is aimed at ‘positive thinking’ in students, which means education must produce positive psychology. But it is observed that today’s education has become marks and job oriented, neglecting the positive emotions and the feelings. It is hence necessary to implement the principles of positive psychology in education system. The goals of Positive Psychology mirror the goals of education. Positive education provides skills that strengthen the relationships, build positive emotions, enhance personal resilience and encourage healthy life style. In no area of application has positive psychology flourished more, however, than in higher education. Positive Psychology has application in all aspects of teaching and learning, from pre-school level to post graduate, for faculty and students alike. The concept of positive education seeks both higher academic achievement, increased character strengths, self awareness and emotional control, self efficacy, resilience, flexible and accurate thinking skills, strategies for positive relationships and learned optimism. By taking advantage of the best of Positive Psychology, strengths based education could drive a transformation of colleges and universities. The main objectives of the paper are, to review the relevant literature on positive psychology, to analyze how positive psychology is applied in higher education. And to come out with practical implications of positive psychology in higher education. The paper is descriptive and analytical in nature. Secondary source of data is collected to analyze the effects of positive psychology in higher education.

Keywords: Positive Thinking, Positive Psychology, Higher education, Positive Education