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ABSTRACT
Appreciative inquiry, which emphasizes using affirmative questions, can help create a positive environment.
J Contin Educ Nurs 2008;39(3):104.
Appreciative inquiry builds on the "positive psychology" movement that began with Seligman in the late 1990s. Seligman believed that psychology is the study of weaknesses and damage as well as strengths and virtue. Thus, treatment includes the traditional disease processes and the nurturing of the best in ourselves and each other. Appreciative inquiry, which emphasizes using affirmative questions, also employs the concepts of positive psychology to engage and encourage strengths and overcome weaknesses.
Affirmative or positive questions can help create a positive environment. Negative questions focus attention on what is wrong. Positive questions focus on solutions rather than problems. Asking and answering positive questions supports new ideas, alternatives, enthusiasm, and commitment from coworkers.
Positive questions can enhance...