Positive Approach Flashcards
What were the methodologies of myers and diener ?
Not a study- as they did not carry out own experiment
No IV or DV so was not scientific
Carried out a literature review- collected findings of many studies to draw overall conclusion.
Used secondary sources of data interview, questionnaires, correlations which assessed subjective wellbeing.
Evaluate the methodology of myers and diener
Self report studies are subjective and may have researcher bias
Showed correlations, but ignore the cause bc there is no iv or dv. Could be intervening variables. E.g are people more happy bc they are married or bc of other factors within the marriage ie money ?
Literature reviews are a secondary source. Have a lack of accuracy.
In questionnaires participants may give socially desirable answers.
Research has found thsoe that give socially desireablity scores correlate with happiness scores. So happy people tend to give desireable answers.So still valid.
Observations may lead to participants acting differently.
Evaluate sampling used in myers and diener?
Lack of population validity as conducted mainly in USA.
Cannot generalise findings to entire population.
Evaluate ethical implications of myers and dieners ?
Risk of trauma
stress and anxiety due to participants reflecting on how happy they may be.
Risk to values and beliefs
People may feel uncomfortable talking about their opinions on the topic and may conform to the idea proposed.
Evaluate social implications of myers and diener ?
Socially sensitive research
Highlight between different groups in society for example individualist and collectivist cultures.
What are the components of mindfulness ?
Meditation and breathing
Informal practices
Gaining control of thoughts
What is mindfulness ?
Mindfulness is a positive therapy that gets people to focus on the present.
Brings mind into focus. Helps people deal with stress.
Where is mindfulness applied ?
Informally in apps widely available such as headspace.
Applied in schools/ armed forces
Aims of mindfulness
Paying attention to the the present moment using , meditation, breathing and yoga.
Become more aware of our own thoughts.
Avoid becoming overwhelmed by better management of our thoughts.
What is meant by meditation and mindful breathing ?
Meditation is usually learned through guided instruction and personal practice.
Individual is asked to sit with spine straight and pay attention to breathing.
They pay attention to body sensations and present thoughts and feelings.
This refocuses the mind on the present.
Teaches that thoughts come and go.
Negative thoughts are not permanent and can be changed.
What is meant by gaining control of thoughts?
Being mindful focus on present thoughts, feeling and emotions.
We tend to focus on past (old feelings) or future (worrying endlessly)
To become aware of incoming thoughts and accept them.
Focusing on the present allows us to gain greater awareness of negative thoughts, therefore going control over them.
What is meant by informal practices ?
Once learnt, mindfulness can be applied throughout daily activities.
Whilst cleaning, driving or showering e.g.
asks individuals to focus on present surroundings e.g sensation of water on skin.
When attention begins to wander attention should be brought back to these sensations.
How has mindfulness based cognitive therapy been applied ?
Has been used to help prevent patients with depression from relapse.
What was the research conducted for MBCT? How does it show its effective ?
Teasdale et al
145 recurrently depressed patients.
Randomly allocated to receive treatment as usual plus eight class of MBCT.
Relapse to depression was Assessed over 60 weeks.
Helped- who had suffered the most previous episodes.
No effect- only 2 episodes in past
Reduced risk- those who had three or more.
Effectiveness of mindfulness in mindfulness based stress reduction
MBSR used for those suffering from painful chronic or terminal conditions.
Reibel et al reported MBSR decreased levels of anxiety and depression in 136 patients in an 8 week programme.
