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Article: Research update: the power of positive psychology: the paradigm shifts from problem-solving to optimism.(THE ACADEMIC PERSPECTIVE)
- Article from:
- Parks & Recreation
- Article date:
- October 1, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 National Recreation and Park Association. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The traditional focus of many professionals in health and human services is reducing problems within the community. Youth workers attempt to reduce the school drop-out rate, teen pregnancy and youth drug and alcohol abuse. Urban planners want to decrease urban blight, traffic congestion and crime. Medical professionals attempt to treat diseases and conditions, many of which are created by unhealthy lifestyles. Psychologists and other mental health workers try to understand and treat conditions, such as depression, anxiety and conduct disorders. Yet despite all of these efforts, the problems remain and professionals become discouraged (Benson, 1997; Kretzmann & McKnight, ...