Recovery and Positive Psychology : Parallel Themes and Potential Synergies8 I5 X0 d' B/ k& E( C* l" m
Sandra G. Resnick, Ph.D.
6 T8 [- a( d1 PRobert A. Rosenheck, M.D.
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Z2 v: q( h- n5 Q1 y6 ^% zThe positive psychology movement studies the sources of human strength and the foundations of the “good life.” Like the recovery movement, it focuses on personal fulfillment and well-being more than on mental illness.These movements have followed separate but parallel tracks. Positive psychology has traveled an academic and empirical path and the recovery movement has followed a grassroots advocacy model.The authors describe the successful use of the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths in a Department of Veterans Affairs psychiatric rehabilitation program.They argue for the integration of positive psychology and the recovery movement: positive psychology provides a potentially useful framework for further defining and fostering the goals of recovery,and the recovery movement can expand the hitherto limited application of positive psychology.
