Evaluation Flashcards
What are the key points for the holistic evaluation point?
The positive approach takes into account a range of factors when explaining happiness and well-being.
Rather than just focusing on low-level explanations (reductionism), it takes the whole person into account.
The inclusion of such a broad range of factors in explaining behaviour makes this approach more holistic than others.
What did Lyubomirsky et al (2005) suggest?
Suggest that genetics are an important factor in our happiness levels.
What does Seligman (2011)’s PERMA model of happiness highlight?
Importance of higher-level concepts such as engagement in activities (flow).
What are the key points for the reductionist evaluation point?
This approach may also be defined as reductionist.
It simplifies behaviour into a matter of choice.
Therefore it may be seen as reductionist as it isn’t necessarily holistic.
What are the key points for the Nature VS Nurture evaluation point?
The positive approach recognises the role of different factors in influencing our levels of happiness.
What did Lyubomirsky et al (2005) find in relation to Nature VS Nurture?
Carried out a twin study on over 2000 twins and suggested that 50% of the variance in happiness is due to genetics.
Research also suggested that 10% was attributable to our circumstances (e.g. wealth, education etc) and 40% to intentional activity. Intentional activity can include a range of activities that people engage in as part of their everyday lives.
What are the key points for the successful applications evaluation point?
Therapies such as mindfulness are informally used by many individuals through apps like Headspace.
More formal mindfulness programmes such as MBCT (mindfulness-based cognitive therapy) are also used in healthcare settings.
What did The Mental Health Foundation highlight?
Published a report in 2010 highlighting the benefits of mindfulness for those with psychological problems such as depression but also for well-being in general.
What are the key points for the free will evaluation point?
The positive approach suggests that humans have the free will to develop their signature strengths and have control over their own well-being.
This can be seen in the use of therapies such as mindfulness and quality of life therapy.
Individuals are encouraged to become more aware of their own feelings and emotions.
Through these therapies, they are able to exercise free will to be more conscious of the present.
What are the key points for the “Can happiness be measured?” evaluation point?
Defining happiness is challenging because its subjective.
When individuals refer to “being happy” they likely refer to very different causes and states of being.
This becomes a problem when developing an objective scientific measurement of a subjective state of mind.
