Positive Psychology as a Resource for Pastoral Theology and Care: A Preliminary Assessment

Abstract

This article explores the potential of positive psychology as a conversation partner for pastoral theology and its relatedpractical disciplines. It begins with a brief introduction to the field of positive psychology, followed by a review of pastoral theologian Robert Wicks’ use of positive psychology in a recent text and a reflection on implications for pastoral theology and care. The article then offers a critical evaluation of positive psychology, noting its strengths and weaknesses from a pastoral theological perspective, as well as critiques in the scholarly and popular literature. The article concludes with apreliminary assessment of the value of positive psychology for the field of pastoral theology and care.