Evaluation Flashcards
Holistic
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.
Lyubomirsky et al (2005)
Suggest that genetics are an important factor in our happiness levels.
Seligman (2011)
Seligman’s (2011) PERMA model of happiness highlights the importance of higher-level concepts such as engagement in activities (flow).
Reductionist
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.
Nature VS Nurture
The positive approach recognises the role of different factors in influencing our levels of happiness.
Lyubomirsky et al (2005) - 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.
The 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.
Successful applications
The positive approach has been applied across a range of aspects of society.
Successful applications - example (therapies)
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.
The Mental Health Foundation
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.
Successful applications - example (schools)
Positive psychology interventions are also becoming widely used in schools and the workplace.
The coronavirus pandemic has brought into sharp focus the importance of mental health and well-being for children in particular.
Many schools offer well-being interventions as part of their curriculum such as mindfulness training.
Free will
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.
Can happiness be measured?
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.
Wagner et al (2008)
Positive emotions were found to more likely activate the basal ganglia region of the brain than negative emotions.
This presents issues of validity.
