ABSTRACT
This chapter offers an overview of the research and theory on positive psychology interventions. It deals with a definition of positive psychology interventions, and then describes several types of activities. The chapter discusses the optimal conditions that can facilitate their delivery and impact. Positive psychology scholarship involving theoretical work and empirical research offers a strong indication that we can increase happiness, wellbeing, performance, resilience and other positive states through deliberate positive activities, such as conveying gratitude, engaging in acts of kindness, using character strengths, setting goals and practising mindfulness. The Fundamentals for Happiness Programme was the first happiness programme entailing positive psychology principles to be developed and implemented. Positive Psychotherapy is designed to increase wellbeing and alleviate psychopathology, through building people’s strengths and increasing positive emotions and meaning. It is mainly aimed at people who are unwell, and offered in the context of individual or group therapy.
