Myths of positive psychology: deceptive manoeuvres and pseudoscience

Fernández-Ríos, L. ; Vilariño, M. (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Positive Psychology (PP) has experienced a huge boom in the last twenty years. The aim of this study is to list a number of myths and fallacious argumentative manoeuvres which sow serious doubts about the novelty and originality of PP. The PP discourse is notably pseudoscientific and has a certain intellectual dishonesty. Additionally, PP extends knowledge through social networks, books and journals. This knowledge is alleged to be empirically evidence-based, but in fact it is sustained upon tautological statements, superficial knowledge and obvious conclusions. All of the knowledge produced by PP reveals what it is provided by common sense and traditional wisdom. In conclusion, PP is not necessary in producing this knowledge and is academically and socially irrelevant and dispensable. This paper concludes with some considerations about the uncertain future of the always controversial PP.

Idioma: Inglés

Año: 2016

Publicado en: Papeles del Psicologo 37, 2 (2016), 134-142
ISSN: 0214-7823

Originalmente disponible en: Texto completo de la revista

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 0.229 - Psychology (miscellaneous) (Q3)

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Área Psicología Social (Dpto. Psicología y Sociología)