Assumptions

Question 1

What are the 3 assumptions of the positive approach?

Answer 1

The acknowledgement of free will

Authenticity of goodness and excellence

Focus on ‘the good life’

Question 2

Explain the focus on ‘the good life’

Answer 2

The positive approach believes that we should all strive to achieve the good life - which is made from a combination of 3 elements

Question 3

What are the 3 elements Seligman (2002) highlighted make up the good life?

Answer 3

Positive connections to others

Positive individual traits

Life regulation qualities

Question 4

What are 3 types of life Seilgman (2002) highlighted?

Answer 4

The pleasant life

The good life

The meaningful life

Question 5

Explain the assumption of free will

Answer 5

The positive approach believes that humans are in control of their own emotions so it is down to us nurture our signature strengths to enhance our lives

Question 6

What is the authenticity of goodness and excellence?

Answer 6

The idea that feelings of happiness and goodness are as natural as feelings of anxiety or stress . We also have signature strengths that we need to focus on to improve our lives