C1-Positive approach- Debate

Question 1

In the debate of relevance of positive psychology in todays society, what are the reasons against in terms of education?(2)

Answer 1

• Spense and Short 2007 claim that the evidence for positive psychology programmes is based on small scale or short term interventions and believe implementation of positive psychology in schools shouldnt go ahead without further research
• also adding positive psychology to curriculum is likely to mean that other subjects have to be dropped

Question 2

In the debate of relevance of positive psychology in todays society, what are the reasons against in terms of workplace?(2)

Answer 2

• work my make you happy but other aspects of work having ore money, doesnt appear to be relevant to happiness
• Derer et al 1993 found modest correlation between income and happiness. But in societies where people are poor, money is more important and work may be important for money rather than happiness- west may have luxury of seeking pleasure through work which other cultures might not have

Question 3

In the debate of relevance of positive psychology in todays society, what are the reasons for in terms of workplace?(2)

Answer 3

• Czwiszentmihayl’s work flow theory claims that when people enjoy the moment and have motivating challenges can be a strong contributor to personal happiness
• Csik and Le Ferne 1989 found that people experience ‘flow’ situations more than 3x as much at work then during leisure time. They suggest that if people admit to themselves that work can be more enjoyable than their leisure time, they might improve quality of life in process

Question 4

In the debate of relevance of positive psychology in todays society, what are the reasons against in terms of leisure advice?(1)

Answer 4

-leisure activities that increase flow and quality of life that Csik and Le Ferne refer to, are more likely to be limited to only some of society- could be because many dont have either income or disposable leisure time to partake in activities

Question 5

In the debate of relevance of positive psychology in todays society, what are the reasons for in terms of leisure advice?(1)

Answer 5

-Csik and Le Ferne 1989 say that being more conscious in leisure time can increase quality of life. Action for happiness, a project aiming to make life better in the UK, claim to bring people from different areas together in order to make society happier

Question 6

In the debate of relevance of positive psychology in todays society, what are the reasons against in terms of health?(2)

Answer 6

• hard to establish cause and effect when investigating health and happiness
• positive psychology isnt taken seriously in health sector possibly because it fails to deliver any clear cause and effect conclusions from its research

Question 7

In the debate of relevance of positive psychology in todays society, what are the reasons for in terms of health?(2)

Answer 7

• Kibonsky and Thurston 2007 research followed 6000 men and women aged 25-74 for 20 years and found that pps with high emotional vitality had reduced risk of coronary heart disease
• advice regarding happiness and well being is often given to parents by medical practioners along with standard lifestyle advice

Question 8

In the debate of relevance of positive psychology in todays society, what are the economic implications?(1)

Answer 8

-implication of pp could have huge economic advantages in many areas of society eg stress and poor health currently costs the uk 26 billion per year and Oswald et al 2009 found happy workers were found to be 12% more productive

Question 9

In the debate of relevance of positive psychology in todays society, what are the social implications?(1)

Answer 9

-looks beyond individuals and looks at what makes groups thrive. One feature of a thinking community is having institutions that support individuals in being better citizens

Question 10

In the debate of relevance of positive psychology in todays society, what are the ethical implications?(1)

Answer 10

-Segerston and Sepriton 2010 shows that not everyone benefits from being more optimistic so needs to be approached with caution

Question 11

In the debate of relevance of positive psychology in todays society, what are the reasons for in terms of education?(2)

Answer 11

• one positive psychology curriculm called Penn Resiliency programme, showed that students on this programme, had reduced symptoms of depression compared to controls
• Gillian et al 1995 after 24 months only 22% of PRP groups showed symptoms compared to 44% of controls. It helps improve wellbeing

Question 12

What are the sections in the debate of relevance of positive psychology in todays society?(4)

Answer 12

• education
• workplace
• health
• leisure activities