Scientific Pollyannaism of Authentic Happiness, Learned Optimism, Flow and the Empirically Correct Positivity Ratios

This chapter positions contemporary “positive psychology as an iteration of scientific Pollyannaism,” tracking the development of this movement, including the financial and political support it was shown for the sake of personal and professional gain. The torture of animals and human beings in pursuit of positive-psychological research is discussed. In addition, the chapter highlights a significant push to re-introduce evolutionary and biologized views of happiness as genetic, as well as links between research in positive psychology and organizations and scientists who uphold racial and other inequalities. Some problematic scientific assumptions of positive psychology are noted, in particular its denials of the significance of socio-political context or oppression.