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USC Off the Beaten Path: The Search for Spirituality

Positive Psychology

Can the power of thinking positively bridge science and religion?
By Chantal Allan, Allison Louie, July 24, 2007
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"Be happy," "count your blessings," "I forgive you." Sound familiar? These phrases are part of everyday language. But behind the words is a multi-million-dollar movement called positive psychology.

It started in the 1990s in reaction to what was seen as psychology's preoccupation with the negative. Some say the movement has religious aspects to it, and worry about the intentions of its major funder, the John Templeton Foundation.

The foundation gives up to $10 million — that’s 15 percent of its budget — to positive psychologists every year. It also granted millions to build the Positive Psychology Center in Philadelphia.

Chantal Allan reports for NPR's Day to Day. Researched by Allison Louie.

Heard on NPR

• Listen to Chantal Allen's report heard Sept. 4, 2007 on NPR's midday news program Day to Day:


Links

• Learn more about the John Templeton Foundation at Templeton.org

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