The Tale of Positive Psychology and Behavioral Economics
With the recent rise and popularisation of behavioral economics, there has been a proliferation of research on the applications of psychological principles in influencing decision making. The primary tools used by behavioral economists are nudges, which are methods of influencing behavior by employing the very biases and barriers that prevent us from carrying out a desirable behavior.
While social psychology and cognitive neuroscience have shared the limelight with behavioral economics in designing nudges, there has been little mention of the connection with positive psychology, and its contributions to the field. This article seeks to make salient the impact of positive psychology on behavioral economics for practitioners and students alike. We will do this by examining existing research and constructs from both fields, with relevance to education, healthcare, and everyday optimal living.
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About the Author
Fahima Mohideen
Fahima is a graduate student in Applied Psychology at Pondicherry University, India. Her research interests span the areas of group dynamics, moral decision making, and behavioural economics.
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