The History of Positive Psychology

  • William James, president of the American Psychological Association (APA), calls for research to put human energy to "optimal use"

  • U.S enters WW2, The National Research Council and Veterans Administration (VA) call for increase in mental care for veterans.

  • Abraham Maslow coins the term "positive psychology" in his book Motivation and Personality

  • Association for Humanistic Psychology is founded.

  • Martin Seligman delivers his inaugural presidential address to the APA, marking the official founding of Positive Psycology

  • The first positive psychology conference is held in Akumal, Mexico.

  • First master's program in positive psychology is founded at the University of Pennsylvania.

  • The Journal of Positive Psychology publishes it's first issue.