Past to Present- The Positive Approach Flashcards
Assumption 1
Acknowledgement of free will
Assumption 1: Acknowledgement of free will
The positive approach believes humans have free will to control their emotions and improve their lives by developing strengths and virtues. Seligman argues happiness is not based on genetics or luck but on recognising and enhancing our strengths. This contrasts with determinist approaches like the biological, psychodynamic, and behaviourist perspectives, which suggest behaviour is shaped by factors beyond our control.
Assumption 1: Psychological example
Diener and Seligman (2002) found that students with strong ties to friends and family were happier, with a negative correlation between happiness and depression. This supports the idea of free will, suggesting we can control our happiness by choosing activities that boost well-being and reduce low mood.
Assumption 2
Authenticity of goodness and excellence
Assumption 2: Authenticity of goodness and excellence
The positive approach argues that psychology has focused too much on negative traits like stress and depression, aiming to fix problems rather than celebrate strengths. This creates an unbalanced view, as most people function well and seek personal growth. Researching and supporting well-being is just as important as treating mental illness. By focusing on positive traits and self-improvement, this approach promotes a more optimistic view of human behaviour.
Assumption 2: Psychological example
Seligman’s (2002) theory of signature strengths suggests that individuals possess 24 character strengths, such as curiosity, fairness, and honesty. To improve well-being, people should nurture and develop these strengths. These traits were classified in the VIA Classification of Character Strengths and Virtues (Peterson & Seligman, 2004) and later developed into an online self-report questionnaire for personal growth.
Assumption 3
Focus on ‘the good life’
Assumption 3: Focus on ‘the good life’
Positive psychology focuses on factors that contribute to a well-lived life. Seligman (2003) distinguishes three types of desirable lives:
The Pleasant Life – Happiness from positive emotions related to past, present, and future.
The Good Life – Happiness from engaging in activities that absorb and involve us.
The Meaningful Life – Fulfillment from living with a purpose greater than oneself.
Seligman suggests that while the pleasant life is a starting point, we should aim for the good life and ultimately seek a meaningful life for true happiness.
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Assumption 3: Focus on ‘the good life’
To achieve the good life, we need to develop our strengths and virtues (e.g., wisdom, courage, spirituality, love). These strengths help us find gratification and cope with adversity. Seligman identifies three key elements of the good life:
Positive connection to others – The ability to love, trust, enjoy happiness, forgive, and develop spiritual connections.
Positive individual traits – Qualities like integrity, morality, creativity, bravery, courage, and humility.
Life regulation qualities – Abilities to regulate, monitor, and control behavior to achieve goals, such as autonomy, independence, decision-making faith, and wisdom.
Assumption 3: Psychological example
An example of the ‘good life’ is the concept of ‘flow’, developed by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Flow is the state of being fully engaged in an activity, where a person loses track of time and becomes completely absorbed. To achieve flow, there needs to be a balance between the level of challenge an activity presents and the skills we have to handle it. Different activities lead to flow for different people.
Applying acknowledgement of free will to the
formation of relationships
Sonja Lyubomirsky suggests that 40% of our happiness comes from intentional activities, which are actions we choose to engage in, exercising our free will. Examples include exercising, reframing events positively, and nurturing social relationships. For instance, reconnecting with old friends or strengthening existing relationships can boost happiness and well-being.
Applying authenticity of goodness and excellence
to the formation of relationships
Positive psychology emphasizes character strengths to improve well-being, particularly in relationships. Humanity strengths like kindness, love, and social intelligence enhance social bonds. Focusing on what’s going well in relationships and celebrating your partner’s strengths can strengthen connections. Kashdan et al. (2017) found that appreciating your partner’s strengths leads to more commitment and mutual support.
Applying focus on ‘the good life’ to the formation
of relationships
Humans are naturally social, and building relationships is crucial for happiness. One key element of the good life is forming positive connections with others, which improve subjective well-being. Additionally, engaging in activities like sports with friends can lead to a flow state, enriching our happiness. Diener & Seligman (2002) found that students with strong romantic and social relationships were happier than those with weaker connections.
