Positive Psychology and Resiliency
MSG Randall R. Armstrong
United States Army Sergeant Major Academy
Class 63
SGM Brent Albertson
28 September 2012

Abstract

Resiliency in regards with Positive Psychology

Introduction

Will the Army reduce higher than normal suicide rates by introducing the core concepts of positive psychology and resiliency into the training schedules across the United States Army? This paper will define and compare the core concepts of positive psychology and the resiliency factor and will on go on to examine if these concepts can help reduce the suicide rates in today’s Army. This paper will draw a conclusion on positive psychology and Resiliency Training amongst the Army and determine if these training requirements will help lower suicide rates in the Army.
Positive Psychology Defined Positive Psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living (Peterson, 2008). The United States Army has adopted the ideology that after being a nation at war for the past decade and the suicide rate steadily increasing amongst its rank that change is needed. Positive Psychology takes a look at everyday life and encourages an individual to place more emphasis on there potential and overcoming their weakness by approaching everything with a positive event in ones life. The United States Army has determined that positive psychology can help enhance the soldiers mind set. With the Army moving into FY 13 with the suicide rate increasing the highest suicide rate, the United States Army is running out of options and have turned to positive psychology for the answers. Based off scientific studies that have been conducted, it has shown that there are three levels of positive psychology. The first level is subjective. The subjective focuses on the positive experience such as well-being, joy, satisfaction, happiness and optimism (positive psychology). We would relate this to hunting the good stuff. It’s more about feeling good, rather than being a good person. The second level is the individual level. This level focuses on personal