#323 Promoting Positive Health: Autonomy, Resilience, & Independence

     "The emerging discipline of positive health, which has developed from the field of positive psychology, proposes that a focus on wellness, rather than illness, leads to decreased health costs, improved mental and physical health in ageing, better prognosis when illness strikes, and longevity. This ‘asset-based paradigm’ provides an alternative perspective for strengthening psychological resilience." 
       Wand T. Positioning mental health nursing practice within a positive health paradigm. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. 2013; 22: 116–124.
 

     It's essential to concentrate at least some of our efforts on thriving, flourishing, and finding true contentment & joy in life. Clearly, there's far more right than wrong with human beings (otherwise, we'd be extinct).
     Intelligent, non-pathologizing approaches that effectively encourage human flourishing include:
• Mindfulness-based interventions eg MBSR, MBCT etc http://www.umassmed.edu/cfm/index.aspx
• Solution-focused therapy (SFT) http://www.solutionfocused.net/solutionfocusedtherapy.html
• Internal family systems (IFS) http://www.selfleadership.org/about-internal-family-systems.html
• Appreciative inquiry (AI) http://centerforappreciativeinquiry.net/
• Non-violent communication (NVC) http://www.cnvc.org/

     These evolved approaches benefit clinicians and patients! It's a welcome, hope-inspiring relief to be skillfully bringing out the best in people (vs "waging wars" on diseases).  

    See also: http://mindfulnessforeveryone.blogspot.ca/2013/04/320-self-centered-judgments-breed-fear.html 

wchee   www.dpreview.com