1.5.3 Strengths & Weaknesses Positive

Question 1

(S - real life applications) the positive approach has led to many what?

Answer 1

Useful and successful real life applications

Question 2

(S - real life applications) e.g. Schools are embracing what?

Answer 2

Positive psychology curriculums

Question 3

(S - real life applications) what activities do positive psychology curriculums involve?

Answer 3

Mediation assemblies designed to decrease stress and improve concentration improving student wellbeing

Question 4

(S - real life applications) e.g. The developments of mindfulness which is s therapy involving gaining what?

Answer 4

Control of thoughts through meditation and mindful breathing decreasing depression and increasing happiness

Question 5

(S - real life applications) mindfulness has gone on to influence what?

Answer 5

Education
Work
Health
Making people happier

Question 6

(S - real life applications) This is a strength as it helps who be happier?

Answer 6

Individuals
Organisations
Communities

Question 7

(S - Free will) the positive approach is a free will approach saying we have choices and what?

Answer 7

Control over our lives to grow and develop signature strengths

Question 8

(S - Free will) e.g. A key assumption of the positive approach is what?

Answer 8

Free Will

We have free will to recognise and develops our strengths and direct emotions to increase happiness

Question 9

(S - Free will) e.g. Free will - people can choose to engage in activities that make them what?

Answer 9

Happy such as spending time with family

Question 10

(S - Free will) this is a strength as it means anyone can be what?

Answer 10

Happy

And unhappy people can change their happiness

Question 11

(S - Free will) it is not deterministic saying behaviour is what?

Answer 11

Controlled by other factors giving people an excuse not to take responsibility for their wellbeing

Question 12

(W - Free will) weakness - but it could be viewed as a weakness as those who are unhappy are blamed for what?

Answer 12

Not taking control of their situation - but this is not always straight forward e.g. Depression

Question 13

(W - Free will) why does free will make the approach less scientific?

Answer 13

Science is deterministic

Question 14

(W - Eurocentric) the approach has been said to be Eurocentric what does this mean?

Answer 14

Research based on western societies

Question 15

(W - Eurocentric) e.g. The approach is based on culture bound western ideas centred on what?

Answer 15

Individual autonomy and fulfilment

Question 16

(W - Eurocentric) e.g. Individualistic ideas such as what?

Answer 16

Seeking a good life

Question 17

(W - Eurocentric) e.g. But non western cultures are more what?

Answer 17

Collectivist

Question 18

(W - Eurocentric) e.g. Some societies don’t put the same emphasis on achieving happiness such as?

Answer 18

Japan or Iran

There is the belief happiness is followed by unhappiness so they don’t strive for it

Question 19

(W - Eurocentric) and the research tools such as happiness questionnaires are often developed where?

Answer 19

In the west

Question 20

(W - Eurocentric) this is a weakness as it suggests the approach is culturally what?

Answer 20

Biased and not valid in all cultures - we are ignoring important cultural differences

Question 21

(W - humanistic psychology) the positive assumptions are based upon what?

Answer 21

Humanistic psychology

Question 22

(W - humanistic psychology) mindfulness is based in what?

Answer 22

Ancient Buddhist techniques

Question 23

(W - humanistic psychology) e.g. One assumptions of the humanistic approach says we should research what?

Answer 23

Areas meaningful and important to human existence and not neglect them because they are too difficult

Question 24

(W - humanistic psychology) e.g. This assumption links to which positive approach assumption?

Answer 24

Authenticity of goodness and excellence - shouldn’t neglect happy states

Question 25

(W - humanistic psychology) e.g. The humanistic approach says psychology should be applied to do what?

Answer 25

Enrich human life

Question 26

(W - humanistic psychology) the idea psychology should be used to enrich human life links to what?

Answer 26

The positive idea of developing signature strengths to improve happiness
And mindfulness to create conditions for contentment

Question 27

(W - humanistic psychology) this is a weakness as it means the positive approach is not what?

Answer 27

Unique or innovative - isn’t telling us anything we don’t already know

Question 28

(W - humanistic psychology) the appropriation of mindfulness has angered who?

Answer 28

Some buddhists who feel their religion is misrepresented

Question 29

(W - humanistic psychology) but positive psychologists claim they are doing what?

Answer 29

Advancing the humanistic approach with a more scientific study of wellbeing