The recent backlash against the "Happiness Movement", as many journalists call it, presents a fine opportunity to note the differences between self-help and Positive Psychology. You may have noticed that what you read, hear or see in mass media seems to suggest that Positive Psychology is a general term for any "you need to be happier" approach.
It isn't.
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This is an odd review. Having a very peripheral understanding of Wilson's argument, I don't know if the author is representing it very well. She seems more concerned with defending her particular brand of psychology then thoroughly critiquing Wilson.
Ms. Fisher convincingly points out the flaw in Wilson's assertion that it is unhappiness that produces creativity and offers links to further evidence for consideration. I found the article informative about Positive Psychology, although she didn't offer a comparison to the "happiness movement". It made sense to me that it was an elevation to the spirit through some catalyst that produced the creativity. I have also observed that depression doesn't produce creativity. I think it is one of the defining descriptions of depression.
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