Promoting wellness: integrating community and positive psychology

Abstract Many psychological researchers and practitioners aim to promote the wellness of individuals and communities. Community psychology has a rich theoretical tradition related to building competencies and promoting adaptive functioning. Many of these theories, however, have limited empirical support. Recently, the field of positive psychology has pushed for research investigating three areas related to optimal psychological functioning: positive emotions, positive character traits, and positive institutions. Although this call for research has advanced the study of individual well‐being, positive psychology researchers have largely ignored positive institutions. This article aims to tie together the themes and theories of community psychology and positive psychology and highlight how a synthesis of the fields can help better promote community wellness. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.