The Interface Between Positive Psychology and Social Work in Theory and Practice

This chapter explores the interfaces between positive psychology and social work, to highlight common and complementary aspects of each profession, and to offer an integrative view. It presents the basic underpinnings of positive psychology and social work and discuss the similarities between their definitions and goals; and also makes note of their differences. The chapter focuses on two major areas of intervention in social work, namely, domestic violence and mental health. Lastly, it discusses the challenges likely to arise from the integration of positive psychology principles and social work strategies into a unified new concept of positive regard for people and their environments. Positive psychology and social work both focus on promoting well-being and identifying personal strengths. Positive psychology principles and social work strategies ought to be synergized into a unified new concept of positive regard for people and their environments.