What Can Counseling Psychology Contribute to the Study of Optimal Human Functioning?

Abstract

In their reaction to the Major Contribution, the authors outline four specific research areas where counseling psychologists could make particularly important contributions: (a) the study of multicultural aspects of optimal human functioning, (b) self-efficacy and well-being, (c) positive interpersonal relationship processes, and (c) meaning in life.We very much appreciate the opportunity to comment on this Major Contribution regarding positive aspects of human functioning. As is often noted, focusing on strengths and positive adaptation is a central aspect of counseling psychology's identity. Given the renewed interest in positive psychology in the broader field of psychology, which has been driven largely by psychologists in other subfields (e.g., clinical, social), it is important to reflect on the unique contributions that counseling psychologists have made and can make to the study of optimal human functioning.The content analysis of positive psychology research in counseling psychology journals (S. Lopez et al., 2006 [this issue]) provides a very useful starting point for assessing where counseling psychology has made-and in some cases, has failed to make-important contributions to our knowledge about optimal human functioning. Although S. Lopez et al. (2006) offer recommendations for counseling psychology practitioners and researchers to focus more on strengths, the list of 59 positive psychology constructs and processes is a bit daunting.Therefore, our goal is to further the Major Contribution's agendanamely, to encourage counseling psychologists to contribute to the science of optimal human functioning-by offering some more specific recommendations regarding where counseling psychologists might focus their efforts. Specifically, we highlight four research topics that seem particularly fruitful either because of counseling psychologists' unique strengths or because of

Religiousness, spirituality, and eudaimonic and hedonic well-being

“…meaning in life [MIL]; Steger & Frazier, 2005). Given the lack of counseling literature on religiousness and spirituality (R/S) despite their great potential as helping resources, further examination on the links between R/S and well-being is warranted (Frazier, Lee, & Steger, 2006;Lightsey, 2006).…”

Relational Health, Ethnic Identity, and Well-Being of College Students of Color

“…Furthermore, as pointed out by Frazier et al (2006), the complexity of the relation between strengths and optimal functioning across different cultural groups and contexts needs consideration. Thus, within-and betweengroup cultural differences in the patterns of these relationships are areas that need development.…”

The Relationship Between Counseling Psychology and Positive Psychology

“…It has been observed that positive psychology has not adequately acknowledged counseling 6 psychology for its particular role in 'embracing a strength-based perspective' (Mollen, Ethington & Ridley, 2006, p. 305), its focus on positive adaptation and optimal human functioning (Frazier, Lee & Steger, 2006) and it was pointed out that positive psychology presented itself as a newcomer in the 1990s when, in fact, it had a history in counseling psychology research and practice (Mollen et al, 2006). Indeed, there had been an emphasis on developing personal and social resources from the very beginnings of the discipline of counseling psychology in the early twentieth century.…”