Existential Positive Psychology as an integrative evidence-based paradigm: Theory, advances, and future directions

In memory of the recent passing of Prof. Paul T. P. Wong, this article synthesizes the current state of existential positive psychology as part of his profound legacy in the field of psychology. The primary aim is to present existential positive psychology as a unique evidence-based paradigm of vital relevance to today’s global challenges. To this end, the paper reconceptualizes the entire paradigm and its six foundational pillars, while reviewing the existing body of research supporting their significance for well-being. These pillars are: 1) life is viewed through a realistic existential lens that integrates both life’s bright and dark aspects; 2) personal suffering is approached with a positive mindset that accepts and makes meaning of vulnerability; 3) dialectical coping is crucial for resilience and flourishing; 4) meaning in life is central to well-being amid adversity; 5) meaning in life is inherently relational and grounded in self-transcendence; and 6) existential well-being takes the form of mature happiness and culminates in authentic flourishing and fructification (a novel construct proposed in this paper). These pillars capture the fundamental assumptions that underpin an existential positive psychology approach to human nature, theory, principles, models, and methodology. The article further proposes an integrative process model and outlines promising future directions for this emerging psychological paradigm. With its integrative and cross-cultural foundation, existential positive psychology provides a unifying framework for guiding scientific inquiry across psychology and the broader field of human flourishing.