Assumptions of the Positive Approach

Question 1

What are the assumptions?

Answer 1

Acknowledgement of free will
Authenticity of goodness and excellence
Focus on the good life

Question 2

What is the acknowledgement of free will?

Answer 2

Beleiving that we are in charge of our emotions and have the free will to change. We can lead a good life and use our strengths and virtues for enhancement. Better than determinist approaches. Diener and Seligman found strong ties to friends and family had a negative correlation to depression

Question 3

What was Diener and Seligman’s study supporting the acknowledgement of free will?

Answer 3

Studied the ties students had to friends and family. They found that strong ties had a negative correlation to depression.

Question 4

What is the authenticity of goodness and excellence?

Answer 4

Positive emotions are just as valid as negative ones. We can use signiture strengths to transform our lives. Focus on negative is an obstacle in research

Question 5

What are signiture strengths?

Answer 5

Inherant good traits such as kindness and humour

Question 6

What is the focus on the good life?

Answer 6

Selgiman distinguishes between three types of desirable lives: Pleasant, good and meaningful.

Question 7

What is the pleasant life?

Answer 7

Happiness comes from persuing pleasant activities in relation to past, present and future.

Question 8

What is the good life?

Answer 8

Happiness comes from persuing activites that positively absorb and engage us. It’s a combination of positive connection to others, positive individual traits and self-regulation.

Question 9

What is the meaningful life?

Answer 9

Happiness comes from living for a purpose greater than the individual. We develop our strengths to seek gratification and help us in times of adversity

Question 10

What assumptions can be applied to relationship formation?

Answer 10

Authenticity of goodness and excellence

The good life

Question 11

How can the authenticity of goodness and excellence be used to explain relationship formation?

Answer 11

It allows us to develop and express our signiture strengths. The person will strive towards a happy life where they are able to nurture these qualities.

Question 12

How can the good life be used to explain relationship formation?

Answer 12

One of the key elements is positive relationships with others. It eables us to persue activites that engage and absorb us. Being absorbed in another person enables us to feel we are living a good life