One of the early pioneers of positive psychology was Abraham Maslow, who

developed the concept of the hierarchy of needs. Maslow argued that once basic
physiological and safety needs are met, individuals strive for higher needs, such as
love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. Maslow's work emphasized the
importance of focusing on the positive aspects of human experience, rather than just
the negative ones.

Another influential figure in the development of positive psychology was Martin

Seligman, who is often considered the founder of the field. Seligman argued that
psychology had become too focused on mental illness and pathology, and that it was
important to study positive aspects of human experience, such as happiness, well-
being, and resilience. Seligman developed the concept of "learned helplessness" to
describe the phenomenon in which individuals learn to be helpless in the face of
adversity, and he developed interventions to help individuals develop greater
resilience and optimism.

Positive psychology has continued to develop and grow over the past few decades,
with researchers studying a wide range of topics related to well-being, including
positive emotions, strengths and virtues, meaning and purpose, positive
relationships, and engagement in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. The field
has also developed a range of interventions and programs aimed at promoting well-
being, and these interventions have been applied in a variety of settings, including
schools, workplaces, and communities.

Overall, the historical view of positive psychology is one of an evolving field that has
emerged in response to the recognition that psychology should not only focus on
treating mental illness and pathology, but also on promoting human flourishing and
well-being.