ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how positive psychology constructs may be extremely relevant to the work of health psychologists and health-focused counseling psychologists. It discusses the potential integration of positive and health psychology perspectives into a field that examines the development and interaction of positive psychology constructs, supportive social environments, health-promoting behaviors, and optimal physiology. The chapter explores increasing levels of positive psychology variables, such as compassion or humor, might influence physical or social health. It traces three relevant areas of positive psychology in which theoretical developments, associated intervention strategies, as well as actual or emerging research programs exist: forgiveness, social-emotional support, and spirituality. Strength-based health psychology could be the study of the interrelationships between psychological, social, behavioral, and physiological human strengths. The integration of positive and health psychology perspectives may provide a lens through which we can view the complexity and richness of human strengths.
