Positive Psychology and Educational Administration: An Optimistic Research Agenda

The purpose of this essay is to develop a research agenda based on the relatively new perspective of positive psychology. The authors first offer a brief history of positive psychology including a working definition. Next, they make the distinction between humanistic and positive psychology, with emphasis on the research methods of positive psychologists. Then the authors examine the emerging impact of positive psychology on organizational studies and education. Finally, they turn to a few current examples of the utility of positive psychology and research to inform administration and guide practice.