Black Psychology: A Forerunner of Positive Psychology

Authors

Aaron Bethea, University of AkronFollow

Abstract

Abstract

The core virtues of positive psychology are very similar to the psychological strengths of African Americans in Black psychology. The psychological strengths of African Americans, however, did not receive as much attention in the field as the core virtues of positive psychology. Although these virtues are very similar, they were produced in different social, historical contexts and for different purposes. The tenets of Black psychology were created within a population that was being resilient in the face of oppression, the core virtues of positive psychology produced within a society that had the luxury of focusing on thriving and flourishing. These similarities can aid as reminders of the influence of ancient philosophy on psychology, and suggest similarities in constructs used in being resilient and in flourishing, and suggest similarities across cultures.

Recommended Citation

Bethea, Aaron (2020) "Black Psychology: A Forerunner of Positive Psychology," Psychology from the Margins: Vol. 2, Article 5.
Available at: https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/psychologyfromthemargins/vol2/iss1/5