The roots of positive psychology go back further than the term itself. Psychologists and philosophers have long asked what makes a good life, but for decades most modern psychology prioritized illness and symptom reduction.

• Humanistic foundations: Thinkers like Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers emphasized growth, potential, and meaning.
• Late 1990s: The field gained momentum as Martin Seligman and others called for more systematic research on strengths and flourishing.
• 2000s onward: Research expanded across strengths, optimism, gratitude, relationships, and interventions people can use in daily life.
• Today: Positive psychology influences education, health, coaching, and workplace well-being, while integrating with broader mental health science.

The key shift was not replacing traditional psychology, but complementing it. Instead of only asking, "How do we reduce suffering?" the field also asks, "How do we build lasting well-being?"