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ERIC Number: EJ990956
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Oct
Pages: 2
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0003-066X
EISSN: N/A
In Support of Labeling Psychological Traits and Processes as Positive and Negative
Waterman, Alan S.
American Psychologist, v67 n7 p575-576 Oct 2012
This article presents comments on the original article by McNulty and Fincham ("American Psychologist," v67 n2 p101-110 Feb-Mar 2012). McNulty and Fincham provided a service to the field of positive psychology through reminding us that whether psychological traits and processes yield positive or negative outcomes is a function of the interpersonal and cultural contexts in which they are expressed. They demonstrated this through their review of research on four qualities generally viewed by positive psychologists as inherently positive, specifically, forgiveness, optimistic expectations, positive thoughts and benevolent attributions, and kindness. However, they took a step too far in their conclusion that different outcomes in differing contexts mean that these and other psychological traits and processes should not be labeled as positive or negative. The current author provides suggestions on how the outcomes can be improved.
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org/publications
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Opinion Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A