Faith from the perspective of positive psychology

Positive psychology is a current scientific discipline that emphasizes the positive characteristics of the individual. In the history of psychology, religion has been dominated by prejudiced and negative perspectives mostly. However, researchers of positive psychology have begun to examine religion, spirituality and the concepts related to both in more detail, scientifically and without prejudice. In the center of both the religious and the spiritual, it is faith that is related to the sacred, is inside and outside the institutional context, and is at the core of both. Faith is one of the twenty-four character strengths identified by Peterson and Seligman. Faith is a complete psychological state and the only psychological factor that includes the whole personality. Faith functions as a powerful resource that gives meaning, direction and value to life. Also, faith is effective in all areas of life such as individual, bilateral and social relations, as it affects the personality and contributes to the structuring of the personality with its sanctions such as meaning, self-control and self-regulation. Therefore, it has a great importance in the development of personality and character, in the intervention and prevention of many diseases. In this way, it supports well-being, which is the goal of positive psychology, and makes optimal human functioning. Keywords: Positive psychology, religion, spirit, faith, well-being, optimal human functioning