debate: relevance of positive psychology

Question 1

points to make in the introduction

Answer 1

seligman says that positive positive psychology is not intended to replace traditional therapy
supporters of positive psychology see the approach as a useful tool that can improve well-being and happiness for all
however some psychologists objects the claims made by positive psychology
the question is whether positive psychology is relevant in todays society

Question 2

opening sentence in relevance of psychology in education

Answer 2

positive psychology is extremely relevant and can be very useful when in education. positive education is defined as educating for both traditional skills and happiness. the high percentage of depression among young people and connection between learning and positive emotion all argue that skills for happiness should be taught in school

Question 3

evidence of the relevance of psychology in education

Answer 3

penn resiliency program has provided support for Seligmans claim. students on this programme showed reduced symptoms of depression compared to a control group
Gillam et al.

Question 4

strength of the relevance of psychology in education

Answer 4

this suggests adopting the principles of positive psychology in education can help improve the mental health of young people which therefore will help them reach there potential

Question 5

weakness of the relevance of psychology in education

Answer 5

there is an issue with the range of evidence that supports the use of positive psychology in education. The main issue is the lack of empirical evidence for most positive psychology programmes. spence and shortt argue that the research that does exist tends to be based on short-term intervention. therefore positive psychology in schools shouldn’t be used without further long-term research

Question 6

mini conclusion of relevance of psychology in education

Answer 6

this suggests that despite being promising the long-term effectiveness of positive psychology needs to be done. so, it might not be as relevant as other approaches which are supported with empirical evidence

Question 7

opening sentence of the relevance of psychology in the workplace

Answer 7

positive psychology is also really relevant and can be very useful when applied to the workplace

Question 8

evidence for the relevance of psychology in the workplace

Answer 8

Mihaly Czikzenntmihalyi’s research has shown that eork can be a major source of our happiness. proposes that our experiences will be most positive when both challenge and skills are high. because the person is both enjoying the moment and challenging themselves they are more likely to learn new skills and increase self-esteem

Question 9

strength of the relevance of positive psychology in the workplace

Answer 9

this suggests our work environment can offer opportunity for positive experiences. if we can promote flow in the workplace this will boost productivity in the workplace

Question 10

weakness of the relevance of positive psychology in the workplace

Answer 10

however, in societies where people are poor, money is more important as work is a means to attaining the money necessary to survive the developed world. people may have the luxury of seeking happiness through work

Question 11

mini conclusion of the relevance of positive psychology in the workplace

Answer 11

this suggests there is a potential for positive psychology to be used in the workplace to boost the economy, benefits might not be universal across all workplace. it’s relevance is therefore more limited than other approaches.

Question 12

opening sentence of the relevance of positive psychology in health

Answer 12

healthcare is extremely relevant to positive psychology

Question 13

evidence of the relevance of positive psychology in healthcare

Answer 13

Kubzansky and thorstons research followed more than 600 men and women aged 25-74 for 20 years. she found that the pps with high levels of emotional validity had a reduced risk of coronary heart disease

Question 14

strength of the relevance of positive psychology in healthcare

Answer 14

this suggests there are potentially huge benefits to society if we can increase the prevelance of positive psychology techniques. this could help create a happier and healthier society

Question 15

weakness of the relevance of positive psychology in healthcare

Answer 15

however its difficult to provide a cause and effect relationship between happiness and health. question as to whether people are healthy because they’re happy or the other way around. the health sector is influenced by positive psychology. it might not be taken seriously as it has difficulty drawing cause and effect

Question 16

mini conclusion of the relevance of positive psychology in healthcare

Answer 16

this suggests that it isn’t taken seriously, it’s difficult to prove a cause and effect relationship between happiness and health