positive approach Flashcards
outline the positive assumption of ‘focus on the good life’
def ;refers to the factors that contribute most predominately to a well lived life. The qualities that define the good life are those that enrich our lives, make life worth living and make a strong character. Seligman distinguishes between 3 desirable lives .
Ex; The pleasant life is about happiness coming from pursing positive emotions and daily satisfaction. .
the good life - pursuing activities that positively absorb and engage us , which helps us reach a state of flow.
the meaningful life is about knowing what strengths are and using them provide a service for others.
Exa; flow theory is about reaching a state of fully engaged in an activity. Different activities lead to a flow state for different people. it needs to be balance between the level of challenge the activity present and the skills we have to deal with it
using an example from psychology , describe the positive assumption of ‘authenticity of goodness and excellence ‘
Def ; psychology focuses on the negative usually. Positive psychology balances this out with focus on goodness
Ex ;goodness and excellence are just as authentic as disorder and distress and should get as much attention. Seligman believes that there are 6 virtues ; transcendence , temperance wisdom , courage , justice and humanity.
Exa ;Seligman believe we should focus on Signature strengths – innate traits we must nurture to be authentically happy – example temperance virtue is about character strengths that protect us against excesses. if we apply our core strengths to everyday life we will experience happiness.
describe the positive assumption ‘ acknowledgment of free will ‘
Def ; humans are active agents we behave the way we do because we have the ability to choose and we can control our own behaviour .
Ex ;positive psychologist believe that we are not determined by internal or/and external pressures ,which contrast the view of other approaches .
happiness is accessible to all of us , we are responsible for own emotional wellbeing .
being too deterministic can leave us feeling powerless and helpless to change.
happiness comes from acknowledge that we have free will.
Exa ; Diener and Seligman - explored ties that students had their friends and family measured by time they invested in those relationship and find out that choose to spent most time with family were more happier.
