Obstacles Jeopardizing Contentment: An Examination
In the realm of mental health, a new approach to happiness is gaining traction. Dorothee Salchow, a trainer and coach for Positive Psychology, and US psychologist Steven C. Hayes, co-founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and a foundation professor at the University of Nevada in Reno, are leading the charge.
According to Hayes, emotions are like warning lights on a dashboard; they signal what's happening. If they were always on, they would quickly lose their meaning. Emotions, whether positive or negative, are essential guides in our lives, helping us navigate through various experiences.
However, the pursuit of happiness can often lead us into "traps" that drain our life energy. Hayes advises us to pursue happiness wisely, without falling into these traps. Constantly trying to avoid or suppress negative emotions can unintentionally strengthen them, while suppressing feelings like sadness, fear, or insecurity is counterproductive and can exacerbate fears and negatively impact overall well-being and health.
Similarly problematic and dysfunctional is when we cling to positive feelings. Experiential Attachment involves trying to hold onto positive feelings experienced, a practice that can lead to a consistent decrease in happiness for some individuals.
So, what's the solution? Hayes suggests cultivating psychological flexibility: accepting thoughts and feelings without struggle, staying present, and committing to actions aligned with personal values instead of chasing constant positive emotions or avoiding discomfort.
Key strategies include Acceptance, Present-moment awareness (Connection), Committed action, and Avoidance of traps like experiential avoidance. By accepting internal experiences, reconnecting with what matters, and taking value-driven action, we can avoid common psychological "traps" that sap life energy.
In a study conducted by Hayes and his colleagues, two strategies for seeking happiness were distinguished: Experiential Attachment and Positivity Prioritizing. Among those who used the Positivity Prioritizing principle, there was a subgroup for whom it acted as a "happiness booster."
In conclusion, the ACT framework guides us to pursue happiness not by demanding constant joy or suppressing pain, but by accepting internal experiences, reconnecting with what matters, and taking value-driven action. Positive emotions, such as pleasure, inspiration, gratitude, love, awe, interest, pride, joy, calmness, and hope, contribute to our well-being. However, it's essential for all emotions or feelings to be allowed to exist, guiding us in the present, but without expecting or demanding that life be perfect. By following these principles, we can cultivate a happier, more fulfilling life.
Science reveals that emotions, whether positive or negative, are essential in our lives, serving as guides in navigating various experiences. However, the pursuit of happiness can lead to traps that drain life energy, such as Experiential Attachment or Positivity Prioritizing, strategies found in the health-and-wellness field. Mental-health therapies and treatments, like the ACT framework, provide key strategies, including Acceptance, Present-moment awareness, Committed action, and Avoidance of traps, to cultivate psychological flexibility and an overall healthier mental well-being.
