Editing Positive psychology (section)

=== Equality gaps and underrepresentation  ===

==== Demographic diversity ====
Positive psychology has historically been critiqued for its lack of demographic diversity, both in terms of its research populations and its theoretical frameworks. Much of the early research in positive psychology was conducted predominantly with Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) populations, leading to concerns about the generalizability of its findings across different demographic groups.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Henrich |first1=Joseph |last2=Heine |first2=Steven J. |last3=Norenzayan |first3=Ara |title=The weirdest people in the world? |journal=Behavioral and Brain Sciences |date=June 2010 |volume=33 |issue=2–3 |pages=61–83 |doi=10.1017/S0140525X0999152X |pmid=20550733 |url=https://www2.psych.ubc.ca/~henrich/pdfs/WeirdPeople.pdf }}</ref> Recent studies have highlighted the need for more inclusive research that encompasses a broader range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds to ensure that positive psychology interventions are applicable and effective for diverse populations.

==== Cultural sensitivity  ====
The concept of cultural sensitivity is crucial for positive psychology, yet it has faced criticism for insufficient consideration of cultural contexts. Positive psychology's principles, such as subjective well-being and character strengths, may not universally apply or be valued equally across all cultures. For instance, in collectivist cultures, individuals prioritize collective well-being over individual happiness, and thus, frameworks like the PERMA model may need adaptation to reflect these values. Additionally, there is a call for more cross-cultural research to validate the applicability of positive psychology interventions globally and to integrate culturally relevant practices and perspectives.<ref name="Lomas 60–77">{{cite journal |last1=Lomas |first1=Tim |title=Positive cross-cultural psychology: Exploring similarity and difference in constructions and experiences of wellbeing |journal=International Journal of Wellbeing |date=17 December 2015 |volume=5 |issue=4 |pages=60–77 |doi=10.5502/ijw.v5i4.437 }}</ref>

==== Accessibility  ====
Accessibility issues are a significant concern within positive psychology. Interventions and practices derived from positive psychology may not be equally accessible to all populations, particularly those from marginalized or lower socioeconomic backgrounds. There is evidence that socioeconomic factors can impact the effectiveness and availability of positive psychology interventions, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kern |first1=Margaret L. |last2=Waters |first2=Lea E. |last3=Adler |first3=Alejandro |last4=White |first4=Mathew A. |title=A multidimensional approach to measuring well-being in students: Application of the PERMA framework |journal=The Journal of Positive Psychology |date=4 May 2015 |volume=10 |issue=3 |pages=262–271 |doi=10.1080/17439760.2014.936962 |pmc=4337659 |pmid=25745508 }}</ref> To address these gaps, there is a growing emphasis on developing and implementing positive psychology practices that are affordable and accessible to diverse communities, including those with limited resources.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Diener |first1=Ed |last2=Seligman |first2=Martin E.P. |title=Beyond Money: Toward an Economy of Well-Being |journal=Psychological Science in the Public Interest |date=July 2004 |volume=5 |issue=1 |pages=1–31 |doi=10.1111/j.0963-7214.2004.00501001.x |pmid=26158992 }}</ref>