Happiness has been a widely discussed concept in the field of psychology for decades. Its relevance as a therapeutic objective has been debated, as some professionals argue that pursuing happiness directly can be counterproductive, while others defend that it is a legitimate and central objective in therapeutic practice. In this article, we will explore both perspectives and analyze whether it is appropriate to set happiness as a therapeutic objective in Psychology.
The search for happiness in Psychology
Since the dawn of Psychology as a scientific discipline, happiness has been a recurring topic of interest. The psychoanalytic tradition of Freud and his followers focused more on the elimination of psychological discomfort than on the active pursuit of happiness. For these approaches, the main therapeutic objective was the resolution of internal conflicts and the reduction of emotional suffering.
However, as Psychology evolved and new theoretical currents emerged, such as Humanistic Psychology and Psychology Positively, the idea of happiness as a desirable and achievable goal gained relevance. In particular, Positive Psychology, founded by Martin Seligman, has been dedicated to studying and promoting aspects such as well-being, gratitude, resilience and, of course, happiness.
Arguments in favor of setting the Happiness as a therapeutic goal
Proponents of the idea that happiness should be a therapeutic goal argue that it is a fundamental component of people's psychological and emotional well-being. The pursuit of happiness, according to these approaches, promotes a positive attitude towards life, strengthens emotional resilience and improves the quality of interpersonal relationships.
In addition, it is argued that focusing on increasing well-being and Personal satisfaction can contribute to the prevention of mental disorders, as well as to the improvement of the cognitive and emotional functioning of individuals. In this sense, the promotion of happiness not only has benefits at an individual level, but can also have a positive impact on the social and community environment.
Criticisms of the idea of pursuing happiness as a therapeutic objective
On the other hand, there are criticisms of the notion that happiness should be the main objective of psychological therapy. Some experts maintain that the obsession with achieving happiness can generate unrealistic expectations and feed the culture of "toxic positivism", where legitimate negative emotions are denied in order to maintain a facade of constant happiness.
Furthermore, it is argued that the idea that happiness is a permanent state that can be reached and maintained at all times is simplistic and does not reflect the complexity of the human experience. Life is full of ups and downs, and trying to completely eliminate moments of suffering or sadness can result in a denial of important aspects of people's emotional reality.
The importance of emotional balance
Rather than setting happiness as the sole therapeutic goal, many professionals advocate a more balanced approach that promotes overall emotional well-being. This involves accepting and validating a wide range of emotions, both positive and negative, and learning to manage them in a healthy way.
The concept of emotional balance is based on the idea that all emotions are valid and fulfill an adaptive function in people's lives. Learning to tolerate emotional ambivalence, cultivate resilience in the face of adversity and develop effective coping strategies are fundamental skills in the therapeutic process.
Conclusions
In short, the question of Whether it is appropriate to set happiness as a therapeutic objective in Psychology is complex and does not have a single answer. While the pursuit of happiness can be an important component in improving people's psychological well-being, it is crucial to take into account the individuality of each individual and not fall into the trap of considering it as a permanent state and achievable at all times.
A more holistic and balanced approach, which promotes the acceptance of all emotions and encourages the development of skills to face life's challenges, seems to be the key to an effective therapeutic practice focused on well-being integral of people. Happiness, then, may be a long-term goal, but it should not be the only goal that therapists and patients aspire to on their path to a fuller and more meaningful life.