History of Cultural Context in Positive Psychology: We Finally Come to the Start of the Journey

Abstract

This chapter summarizes how issues of culture have been approached across the history of psychology, with particular attention paid to cultural considerations in positive psychology. It is argued that one main criticism leveled by leaders in the twenty-first century positive psychology movement – namely, that psychology on the whole had largely ignored questions of human flourishing over its history before the founding of positive psychology – is not wholly supported. Examples tracing back as far as William James, Wilhelm Wundt, and G. Stanley Hall are offered, and the disciplines of developmental psychology, humanistic psychology, and counseling psychology receive special attention. Regarding culture, however, it is concluded that interest in strengths and protective factors associated with culture is only beginning in earnest, and the knowledge base in this area is yet far too small. Continuing work in this area is critical to redress past injustices and present disparities related to cultural group membership.