L9 Theories, Goals and Engaging Activities

Question 1

Happiness is an ongoing process, not a destination

Answer 1

It is dynamic, requires continuing fresh involvement with life
SWB requires purpose, meaning, and goals

Question 2

Activities

Answer 2

Engaging and interesting activities are a major source of our happiness

Question 3

4 determinants of engaging and interesting activities

Answer 3

1. Flow
   - challenge and skill in balance
2. Values
   - the activity is viewed as worthwhile by that individual and is related to goals
3. Novelty
4. Heavy on intrinsic motivation

Question 4

The Flow Model

Answer 4

Csikzentmihalyi
A balance of challenge and skill

Task is too challenging for person–> anxiety
Task is not stimulating enough –> Boredom

Characteristics of flow activities
- highly involving, challenge and skill balanced, time flies, loss of self-consciousness, merging of action and awareness, highly pleasurable

Question 5

Values

Answer 5

Activities must be congruent with our values and goals

Question 6

Goals are necessary for thriving

Answer 6

Victor Frankl- having motivation and goals helped you survive in Nazi concentration camp

Harvard undergrads- having goals led to high achievement and success

Illinois hedonistic undergrads- pleasure seeking vs. goal striving students

Question 7

Goals striving and types of SWB

Answer 7

Engagement with goals & movement toward goals
- positive affect

Having important goals & success at reaching goals
- life satisfaction

Conflict & ambivalence about one’s goals
- negative affect

Question 8

Goals and desires

Answer 8

The cute puppy problem

Wanting versus liking

Question 9

Wanting wisely

Answer 9

Desiring the right things

1. beyond flash and stereotypes
2. relevant experience
   - crisis line, mental health aid volunteer, working in a mental hospital
3. considering all aspects of the choice
   - the good, the bad, and the ugly
4. considering adaptation
   - moving beyond current mood
5. considering ongoing activities
   - ex. getting that promotion

Question 10

Novelty

Answer 10

Appropriate level of novelty

• not exactly the same forever
• not completely different either (would lead to chaos)

Question 11

Instrinsic Motivation

Answer 11

Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic

• goals of others, imposed by others, are not internal
• extrinsic- wanting to impress others
• intrinsic- this is who I am, what interests me, what I enjoy

Question 12

Holland’s Hexagon - RIASEC

Answer 12

Assesses interests (not aptitudes)
R- realistic- doers
I- investigative- thinkers
A- artistic- creators
S- social- helpers
E- enterprising- persuaders
C- conventional- organizers