Introduction to Positive Psychology

Question 1

What are the three components of positive psychology?

Answer 1

1. positive subjective states.
2. positive individual traits.
3. positive institutions.

Question 2

Explain the Good Life

Answer 2

There are three factors that lead to well-being.

1. positive individual traits.
2. positive connections to others.
3. life regulation qualities.

Question 3

Explain the Complete Model of Mental Health.

Answer 3

This model operates on the two dimensions of well-being and mental health. It results in the following four sub-categories: floundering, flourishing, struggling and languishing.

Question 4

Run through the history of Positive Psychology.

Answer 4

1. Greeks: hedonism.
2. Aristotle: golden mean & eudaimonia.
3. Christianity: sins and virtues.
4. Renaissance: utilitarianism.
5. Romanticism
6. Pre-WWI: William James, Carl Jung & Alfred Adler.
7. Humanistic psychology: Maslow.