[Talk Psychology 2025] Healthy positivity – the key to lasting happiness
Join the third session of the Talk Psychology 2025 Forum, "Rebirth Through Positive Emotions and Life’s Meaning," to explore the differences between "healthy positivity" and "toxic positivity" and learn how to manage emotions authentically.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Cheer up, don’t be negative!” when you’re feeling down? Did it actually make you feel better?
When someone says, “Just think positive, and everything will be fine!” do you feel understood or pressured?
“You must always be strong, never weak!” – Have you ever just wanted to rest and recover instead of constantly pushing yourself?
Is “positivity” really good when we are forced to be happy even when we feel sad or stressed? This is one of four key issues that Vinsers will discuss and analyze in Talk Psychology 2025 – Session 3, the final session of the Psychology Forum 2025, with the guidance of Associate Professor Dr. Vũ Thu Trang, a psychology expert.
According to Fredrickson (2021), genuine positive emotions (healthy positivity) are built on fully accepting all emotions—including negative ones. Living positively does not mean being happy all the time; rather, it involves facing challenges, maintaining emotional balance, and finding meaning in every moment.
Toxic positivity occurs when people try to embrace only happy emotions while avoiding negative ones. This unintentionally creates pressure to always appear optimistic, leading to emotional suppression, increased stress, and even negative effects on mental health.
- How can we recognize and avoid the trap of toxic positivity?
- How can we cultivate an optimistic mindset while still respecting our true emotions?
Join the third session of the Talk Psychology 2025 Forum, “Rebirth Through Positive Emotions and Life’s Meaning” to explore the differences between “healthy positivity” and “toxic positivity” and learn how to manage emotions authentically.
