p2 - topic 9: positive psychology

Question 1

seligman 3 central concerns

Answer 1

positive emotions
positive individual traits
positive intuitions

Question 2

positive psychology foundation

Answer 2

mihaly csikszentmihalyi
martin seligman
considered mental health consisted of more than just the absence of illness and ushered in a new era that investigated sources of human happiness and fulfillment

Question 3

strategies to improve human condition

Answer 3

to relieve what is negative in life -> mainstream psych focus
to strengthen what is positive -> positive psych focus

Question 4

happiness orientations

Answer 4

individual’s predominant approach / attitude toward achieving and experiencing happiness
1. hedonistic orientation (short term rewards, immediate gratification; maximising pleasure + minimising pain)
2. eudaimonic orientation (living a meaningful and purposeful life in line with one’s values, long-term fulfillment)
3. social / relational orientation (deriving happiness from relationships and social connections)
4. achievement oriented happiness (finding happiness through accomplishments and reaching goals)

Question 5

positive emotions entails the study of…

Answer 5

contentment with the past
happiness in the present
hope for the future (savouring)

Question 6

savouring definition

Answer 6

use of thoughts and actions to increase the intensity, duration and appreciation of positive emotions (by sharing our positive feelings with others, we can increase duration of these emotions)

Question 7

positive individual traits

Answer 7

capacity for love and work
courage
compassion
resilience
creativity
curiosity
integrity
self-knowledge
moderation
self-control
wisdom

Question 8

difference between positive thinking and positive psychology

Answer 8

positive psychology: grounded in empirical and replicable scientific research
positive thinking urges positivity on us for all times and places

Question 9

martin seligman’s five elements of well-being

Answer 9

positive emotion
engagement
relationships
meaning
achievement

Question 10

sobja lyubomirsky: the how of happiness

Answer 10

50% human’s long term happiness level is genetically determined (based on twin studies)
10% affected by life circumstances + situations
40% self control