Positive Psychology in Southern Europe (Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain)

This chapter illustrates the main applied research conducted in Southern Europe in the field of positive psychology. Even though this field is relatively new and underrepresented in this part of the world, by a theoretical viewpoint, the philosophical roots of positive psychology are intrinsically embedded in Southern Europe cultural history. Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece have their national Associations of Positive Psychology, where academics, researchers and private practitionaires can meet and share their contributions in applying positive psychology in the clinical, educational, school and organizational settings. Well-being has been evalutaed and promoted in different age populations, from children to adult and aging individuals, with a peculiar emphasis on longevity, which is becaming a common phenomenon in Southern Europe.