Positive Psychology and Positive Criminology: Similarities and Differences

• Author: Ety Elisha,Natti Ronel
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1177/08874034211065992
• Published date: 01 February 2023
• Date: 01 February 2023
• Subject Matter: Articles

https://doi.org/10.1177/08874034211065992

Criminal Justice Policy Review

2023, Vol. 34(1) 8 –19

© The Author(s) 2022

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DOI: 10.1177/08874034211065992

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Article

Positive Psychology and

Positive Criminology:

Similarities and Differences

Ety Elisha1 and Natti Ronel2

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to highlight the similarities and differences between

positive psychology and positive criminology—both relatively new concepts that

represent an optimistic view of human beings and their ability to recover—while

calling for a change of focus in the discourse and research of their respective fields.

To this end, we first present a brief overview of each of these perspectives, along

with findings of studies that confirm their assumptions, and then address their

similarities and differences, with an emphasis on positive criminology which is our

area of expertise. We conclude that both approaches seek to improve the quality of

life and well-being of individuals, families, and communities through the development

of human strengths and skills and the provision of social assistance.

Keywords

positive psychology, positive criminology, well-being, recovery, rehabilitation.

Introduction

Congratulations are to the editorial board for this special issue on positive psychology

and positive criminology. It is highly apposite: Both approaches are relatively new and

attempt to bring a refreshing voice into existing behavioral science. The two are natu-

rally interrelated, at least in part, in their basic premises and goals—but despite their

similarities, and the impact of positive psychology on positive criminology thinking,

its younger sibling, there are also marked differences between them. In this article, we

aim to briefly describe positive psychology and provide a firsthand description of

1The Max Sterm Yzreel Valley College, Israel

2Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel

Corresponding Author:

Ety Elisha, Department of Criminology, The Max Sterm Yzreel Valley College, Yzreel Valley, Emek

Yezreel 1930600, Israel.

Email: etye@yvc.ac.il

1065992CJPXXX10.1177/08874034211065992Criminal Justice Policy ReviewElisha and Ronel

research-article2022