Positive approach

Question 1

Who introduced the positive approach?

Answer 1

Martin Seleignman towards the end of the 20th century

Question 2

About positive approach?

Answer 2

3 assumptions
Explanation for relationship formation
Mindfulness (therapy)
Classic evidence – Myers and Diener (1995) methodology, procedures, findings, conclusion
Classic evidence – Myers and Diener’s (1995) evaluation of methodology, ethical and social issues, alternative evidence
Contemporary debate relevance of positive psychology in today’s society (Unit 2)
Evaluating the positive approach

Question 3

What is the primary focus of the positive approach?

Answer 3

positive aspect of human nature.

Question 4

What does this include?

Answer 4

The good qualities that people have and how they can be nurtured.

Question 5

What is positive psychology approach to understanding human behaviour based on?

Answer 5

the belief that people wish to enhance their lives

Question 6

Why do people wish to do?

Answer 6

make their lives more meaningful and to increase their levels of happiness to achieve greater fulfillment.

Question 7

What do many researchers believe?

Answer 7

that psychology as a discipline, has been dominated by a focus on the understanding of mental illness.
Thus, a shift is needed in order to understand how people may flourish as individuals.

Question 8

What are the 3 assumptions?

Answer 8

Acknowledgement of free will
Authenticity of goodness and excellence
Focus on the good life

Question 9

Acknowledgement of free will?

Answer 9

The positive approach asserts that humans have control over their emotions and the free will to change how they direct them. It assumes that people are self-directing and adaptive, and that a fulfilling life can be achieved by leveraging strengths and virtues. Seligman posits that happiness stems not from genetics or luck, but from recognizing and developing personal strengths to improve life and reduce negativity. This view contrasts with other psychological approaches that are more determinist in nature.

Question 10

Determinist definition?

Answer 10

the view that an individuals behaviour is shaped or controlled by internal or external forces, rather than the individual’s will to do something, i.e free will

Question 11

Who was the free will assumption further supported by?

Answer 11

Ed Diener
he has carried out research as to why people are happy
He devoted much research time to finding out about the factors that increase wellbeing and happiness

Question 12

What did Diner and Selegman 2002 do?

Answer 12

carried out research that looked at the ties that students had to friends and family
Measured it in terms of the amounts of time they invested in their relationships
Research found that students who have the strongest ties to friends and family were happier
They found there was a negative correlation between levels of happiness and depression.

Question 13

What did they highlight?

Answer 13

the fact that we are in control of our happiness, i.e., we can choose to engage in activities that are known to make us happy which will alleviate feelings of low mood.

Question 14

Assumption 2?

Answer 14

Authenticity of goodness and excellence

Question 15

What does this assumption state?

Answer 15

That feelings of happiness and goodness are as natural as feelings of anxiety and stress.
Therefore, psychologists need to assign these positivist states of mind equal attention.
according to selegman ( 2002) the belief that traits such as virtue and happiness are less authentic than negative traits, e.g., anxiety and depression, has been an obstacle in psychological research.
Selegman believes that we all have inherent traits.
He calls these signature strengths
For example, kindness, generosity, and humour
To transform our lives, we must nurture positive traits. Traditionally, psychology has focused on mental disorders and negative states, but the primary goal of positive psychology is to shift this focus toward celebrating the good in life. This approach influences therapies that prioritize facilitating positive well-being rather than merely fixing problems. It aims to help individuals achieve fulfillment by developing traits that promote goodness and excellence. Additionally, it encourages the enhancement of natural, valuable traits and fosters altruism, promoting selflessness and concern for others. The positivist approach posits that this understanding can act as a buffer against future mental health issues.
involves focusing on celebrating the good things in life instead of magnifying the worst

Question 16

The role of a positivist therapist?

Answer 16

facilitate positive wellbeing

Question 17

Assumption 3?

Answer 17

Focus on the good life?

Question 18

Focus on the good life?

Answer 18

One of the primary focuses of positivist psychology is on the good life , i.e., those factors that contribute most predominately to a well-lived life.
Selegman (2003) distinguishes between 3 desirable lives
pleasant
good
meaningful life
pleasant life acts as a a starting life followed by the good life, which is a place of happiness, good relationships and work.
Hiweverm selegman encourages people to go further than the goo life and seek a meaningful life in their continuing quest for happiness.In order to achieve the good life, we need to develop our strengths and virtues, e.g wisdom, spirituality, courage and love.
these are the natural routes to gratification and help us function in the face of adversity. Selegman suggests the good life is the combination of 3 elements

Question 19

The pleasant life?

Answer 19

happiness comes from pursuing positive emotion in relation to the past, present, and future.

Question 20

The good life?

Answer 20

happiness comes from pursuing activities that positively absorb and engage us

Question 21

The meaningful life?

Answer 21

happiness comes from the deep
self - fulfillment by living for a purpose much greater than oneself

Question 22

What is the combination of 3 elements makes the good life that Selegeman suggests?

Answer 22

Positive connection to others
Positive individual traits
Life regulation qualities

Question 23

Positive connection to others?

Answer 23

this encompasses our ability to love,trust, enjoy happiness, forgive and develop spiritual connection with ourselves and others

Question 24

Positive individual traits?

Answer 24

They include personal qualities, e.g a sense of integrity, morality, creativity, bravery, courage and humility

Question 25

Life-regulation qualities?

Answer 25

These are qualities that we need to develop and regulate, monitor, and control our behaviour in order to accomplish our goals.

Question 26

Positive explanation for relationship formation?

Answer 26

The positive approach emphasizes that positive relationships—such as friendships, family connections, and romantic partnerships—contribute to overall well-being. Positive psychology focuses on nurturing the conditions that foster happiness.

Question 27

Authenticity of goodness and excellence?

Answer 27

Positive psychologists view love, kindness, generosity, and forgiveness as genuine positive qualities that foster relationships. Building and maintaining these connections allows individuals to develop and express their strengths, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life. Through relationships, people can nurture these qualities, practicing generosity and kindness. The positive approach suggests that we are socially programmed to seek and cultivate relationships, which, when positive, enhance our happiness.

Question 28

The good life?

Answer 28

Positive psychology advocates for individuals to strive for a good life, characterized by happiness, meaningful relationships, and fulfilling work. Seligman highlights that positive connections with others—rooted in love, trust, joy, and forgiveness—are essential for forming and maintaining healthy relationships. He suggests that pursuing engaging activities, particularly in social and romantic contexts, contributes to overall happiness.

Research supports this, indicating that people in relationships tend to be happier, with marriage often cited as a strong predictor of happiness. For instance, a 2005 PEW Research Center study found that 43% of married respondents reported being very happy, compared to 24% of unmarried individuals.

Friendships serve multiple purposes: they foster authentic emotional expression, provide support during challenges, and act as a buffer against negative states like depression and anxiety. Positive psychology considers friendships vital for happiness, as they promote the use of individual strengths to cultivate mutually beneficial connections, enhancing overall well-being. Howell et al. (2009) found that people feel happier when engaging in activities that strengthen friendships.

Question 29

Martin Selegman?

Answer 29

Born in 1942 - still living
He is a professor at the University of Pennsylvania; his earlier research in psychology focused on different kinds of learning.
Selegman conducted research on learned helplessness.
This is a syndrome that develops when an individual persistently feels unable to control events in their life.
It often leads to depression; however, in the 1980s , he became the driving force of the new psychology movement and has been referred to as its founding father.

Question 30

Therapy 1: mindfulness

Answer 30

The positive approach focusses on the study of topics such as happiness, optimism, and wellbeing.
It’s concerned with 3 issues.
1) Positive emotions
2) Positive individual traits
3) Positive institutions

Unlike other psychological approaches, positive psychology does not aim to explain or treat psychological illness. Instead, it focuses on celebrating individual happiness and contentment by developing natural positive traits, ultimately enhancing overall well-being.

Question 31

How positive assumptions apply to mindfulness?

Answer 31

The positive approach aims to promote human flourishing by developing individual strengths and virtues. It posits that positive traits are as authentic as negative ones, encouraging individuals to pursue greater life fulfillment. Mindfulness plays a key role by enhancing characteristics like optimism through acceptance-based methods that foster virtues such as gratitude and flexibility.

A fundamental assumption of the positive approach is the recognition of free will, emphasizing conscious awareness of present thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness enhances self-regulation, helping individuals gain control over their thoughts and emotions, reduce negative thinking, and improve overall life satisfaction and contentment.

Question 32

Main components/ principles of mindfulness

Answer 32

Mindfulness, rooted in ancient Buddhist practice, teaches individuals to control their minds by increasing awareness of present thoughts. Although it may seem straightforward, it counters our typical mental habits, where we often operate on autopilot, fixating on the past or future.

Question 33

Gaining control of thoughts?

Answer 33

Mindfulness helps us focus on the present, rather than getting caught up in past emotions or future worries. It encourages awareness and acceptance of our thoughts and feelings, aiming to identify and reduce negative automatic thinking that can lead to anxiety and depression. By practicing mindfulness, we can better recognize these thought patterns and respond more reflectively, ultimately gaining greater control over our mental state.

Question 34

Meditation and Mindful breathing?

Answer 34

Meditation is central to developing mindfulness skills, as it removes individuals from daily distractions and allows focused practice. Typically learned through guided instruction, meditation involves sitting comfortably, maintaining good posture, and paying attention to breath and bodily sensations. This practice helps individuals reprocess their internal experiences, recognize the impermanence of thoughts and emotions, and reduces automatic reactions to them.

Question 35

Informal practices of mindfulness?

Answer 35

Once learned, mindfulness can be integrated into daily life through informal practices during activities like driving, cleaning, or showering. This involves focusing on one task at a time and paying attention to surroundings, such as body sensations and sounds. When attention wanders, individuals are encouraged to refocus on these sensations. Informal mindfulness offers a break from habitual thought patterns and enhances overall awareness.

Question 36

Evaluation: effectiveness; integration with other therapies?

Answer 36

Mindfulness techniques are increasingly integrated into therapies like psychoanalysis and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), leading to approaches such as mindfulness-based CBT (MBCT). This four-stage method combines mindfulness with CBT to change the thinking process rather than just addressing the content of thoughts. Mindfulness has proven to be an effective therapeutic technique.

Question 37

Application in mindfulness - based cognitive therapy?

Answer 37

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) helps prevent relapse in patients with recurrent depression. Teasdale et al. (2000) evaluated its effectiveness on 145 patients, finding that MBCT significantly reduced relapse risk for those with three or more previous episodes, but had no impact on individuals with only two episodes.

applicaton in mindfulness based sstres reduction
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), developed for patients with chronic or terminal conditions, also shows benefits. Reibel et al. (2001) found that an 8-week MBSR program reduced anxiety and depression in 136 participants, with lasting effects observed a year later.

Question 38

Group vs individual mindfulness?

Answer 38

Evidence suggests that mindfulness meditation may be more effective in group settings for certain psychological issues. Mant Zios and Grannou (2014) studied 170 participants trying to lose weight, randomly assigning them to group or individual meditation for six weeks. The group participants experienced greater weight loss and reduced cognitive behavioural avoidance, leading researchers to caution against overestimating the benefits of individual mindfulness practice.

Question 39

Evaluation of ethical issues?

Answer 39

Mindfulness therapy offers a positive approach by avoiding the exploration of past events to explain present behavior, thereby reducing client anxiety. Unlike other therapies, it does not adopt a deterministic stance, allowing individuals to feel more empowered. Mindfulness focuses on accepting thoughts rather than changing them, making it less frustrating than therapies like CBT, which can lead to feelings of guilt about one’s thoughts. This emphasis on acceptance fosters a more positive therapeutic experience.

Question 40

Mindfulness and morality?

Answer 40

Mindfulness is essential for maintaining moral and ethical standards and is increasingly taught in organizations to enhance leadership skills, as it focuses on decision-making. Rudey and Schweitzer (2010) found that individuals with high mindfulness are less likely to cheat on tasks. Thus, improving our state of mind through mindfulness can lead to greater moral integrity in various aspects of life.

Question 41

John Kabat zinn?

Answer 41

He’s a professor of medicine, writer, and meditation teacher who has integrated mindfulness into mainstream medicine and society. Born in 1944, he studied molecular biology and later focused on mind-body interactions in healing. In 1979, he founded the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, combining Buddhist mindfulness with stress reduction techniques. This approach, known as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), is now used in 250 medical centers and clinics worldwide.

Question 42

Metholodogy and procedures?

Answer 42

This article reviews research on happiness, highlighting a surge of studies in the early 1980s and 1990s that examined people’s sense of well-being.

Question 43

Interviews and Questionnaires?

Answer 43

Happiness can be assessed through subjective well-being (SWB), which involves asking individuals about their life satisfaction. This can be done with a simple closed question, such as, “How satisfied are you with your life as a whole?” or through a multi-item questionnaire with various happiness-related questions. Both methods produce a quantitative measure to represent happiness numerically.

Question 44

Observation?

Answer 44

Researchers can assess people’s activities by using beepers to prompt participants to report what they are doing or thinking at specific times. This method provides a way to sample individuals’ behavior in real-time.

Question 45

Correlations?

Answer 45

To understand happiness, researchers examine factors that co-vary with it. Some may contribute to happiness, while others could result from it, making causality unclear. Individuals with high subjective well-being (SWB) often have a positive view of life events, but this perspective might also enhance their SWB, creating a cyclical relationship.

Question 46

Reviews?

Answer 46

This study reviews various research, including multiple studies, reviews, and meta-analyses. The researcher analyzes findings from different studies to draw general conclusions about a specific hypothesis or theory.

Question 47

Findings?

Answer 47

A survey of 170,000 people across 16 countries found no significant differences in happiness among age groups, with an average life satisfaction score of 80% (Inglehart, 1990). However, factors contributing to happiness varied with age, such as the increasing importance of social relationships and health. Criticism was not limited to specific ages, debunking the notion of a midlife crisis (Hezog et al., 1982).

Regarding gender, Inglehart’s survey indicated that 80% of both men and women reported satisfaction with life. Further research showed that gender accounted for just 1% of global well-being (Haring et al., 1984), though women are found to be twice as vulnerable to depression compared to men (Robins and Regier, 1991).

Question 48

Is happiness related to race or culture?

Answer 48

Diener (1993) found that African Americans report nearly twice the happiness of European Americans. There are significant differences between countries; for example, only 10% of people in Portugal reported being happy compared to 40% in the Netherlands (Inglehart, 1990). Additionally, individuals in individualist cultures tend to report higher subjective well-being (SWB) than those in collectivist cultures, as individualist societies prioritize personal needs while collectivist societies focus on group needs.

Question 49

Happy people?

Answer 49

appears that some people are simply happier than others regarding of life’s ups and downs
costa et al ( 1987) - reported that people who are happy in 1973 were still happy the following decade

Question 50

What are the key characteristics of happy people?

Answer 50

High self esteem
sense of personal control
optimism
extraversion

Question 51

High self esteem?

Answer 51

these individuals like themselves and typically agree with statements, such as I’m a lot of fun to be with and I have good ideas.’

Question 52

sense of personal control

Answer 52

people who feel empowered rather than helpless cope better in school; they cope better with stress and are typically happier.

Question 53

Optimisim

Answer 53

these people tend to agree with the statement.
‘ When I undertake something new, I expect to succeed.

Question 54

Extraversion

Answer 54

people who are more outgoing are happier when with other people and also when they are alone.

Question 55

Relationships of happy people?

Answer 55

Philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre (1973) famously stated, “hell is other people,” suggesting that relationships can create more stress and unhappiness for some. However, for most, the benefits of relationships outweigh the drawbacks. Research indicates that individuals who can name several close friends are happier and healthier than those who cannot. Additionally, married people report higher happiness levels, with one study showing rates of 35% for married individuals versus 24% for unmarried ones (Lee et al., 1991). A meta-analysis of 93 studies found that both women and men reported similar levels of happiness (Wood et al., 1989).

Question 56

Work and the flow of happy people?

Answer 56

Work satisfaction significantly impacts happiness. Individuals who are unemployed tend to be less happy than those who are employed, as work offers personal identity, a sense of purpose, and community. However, if work is unsatisfying or stressful, it can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Question 57

Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi?

Answer 57

He introduced the concept of flow, which describes how deeply we become immersed in an activity, making other concerns less significant. By using beepers to survey people’s activities and happiness throughout the day, he found that individuals were happiest when engaged in mindful challenges and experiencing flow.

In North America and Europe, religious individuals report higher levels of happiness. Poloma and Pendleton (1990) found that those with strong spiritual commitment are twice as likely to say they are happy. People who consider their religious faith the most important aspect of their lives also report significantly higher happiness. Additionally, happiness correlates with the strength of religious affiliation and the frequency of worship attendance.

Question 58

Conclusions?

Answer 58

3 elements can be identified that are part of the theory of happiness

Question 59

The importance of adaptation?

Answer 59

The effects of positive and negative events diminish over time. For example, lottery winners experience only a short-term boost in happiness, while survivors of psychological trauma, such as concentration camp survivors, can regain hope for happiness. A recent longitudinal study found that only events from the last three months significantly impact subjective well-being. This adaptability reflects the human capacity to adjust to life changes.

Question 60

Cultural worldview?

Answer 60

Cultural attitudes shape how individuals interpret life events. Some cultures view the world as benevolent and controllable, while others focus on negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, and guilt.

Question 61

Values and goals?

Answer 61

Individuals with a high sense of subjective well-being (SWB) have goals and ambitions that they strive to achieve. Factors like money and intelligence are only significant if they relate to these goals. In poorer countries, money is relevant to achieving personal goals, while in more affluent societies, it matters less as it may not be a primary factor for success.

Question 62

The future?

Answer 62

A person’s happiness is not determined by age, gender, or affluence, but it is linked to race and culture. Happy individuals tend to have close relationships, enjoy their work, and engage in religious practices. Understanding these traits can help psychologists foster environments that enhance human well-being.

Question 63

Evaluation: methodology and procedures?

Answer 63

Self-report studies on subjective well-being (SWB) rely on individuals’ subjective assessments, making it difficult to verify their accuracy. Respondents may provide socially desirable answers to present themselves positively. Research shows that social desirability scores correlate with happiness scores, and friends’ ratings of individuals’ happiness also align with their social desirability scores, supporting the validity of self-reported happiness. While some may think they are happy while repressing true feelings of unhappiness (a psychodynamic perspective), this is unlikely, as those who report happiness also express satisfaction with their lives, family, and friends.

Question 64

Correlation?

Answer 64

Many findings on happiness are correlational, meaning we cannot definitively identify causal factors. For example, the link between marriage and happiness might be influenced by other factors, such as married couples having more disposable income due to two incomes, which could contribute to greater happiness. Additionally, correlational data do not clarify the direction of the relationship. Research suggests that happy individuals are more attractive as marriage partners, indicating that happiness may increase the likelihood of marriage rather than the other way around.

Question 65

The samples?

Answer 65

Much of the research on happiness is based on Western samples, particularly from the USA, which may not reflect global perspectives. Happiness roots can differ across cultures; individualist cultures report higher happiness levels, while collectivist cultures might be equally happy but express it differently. In collectivist societies, happiness often stems from group success rather than individual achievements.

Question 66

Evaluating: alternative evidence?

Answer 66

A key finding from this classic study is that happiness tends to remain relatively stable throughout life, with occasional highs and lows, often referred to as a “happiness set point.” Some researchers suggest this may be linked to genetics, particularly the 5-HTT gene, which influences serotonin levels; individuals with certain gene variants report higher life satisfaction. However, not all psychologists agree. Sonja Lyubomirsky (2013) proposed that happiness is composed of 50% genetics, 10% circumstances, and 40% self-control—factors individuals can influence. These percentages were derived from studies comparing the happiness of twins and family members to assess genetic influences and examining the impacts of life circumstances.

Question 67

Psychological harm?

Answer 67

One benefit of this research is that it poses little risk of harm to participants, as their behavior is not manipulated. However, some unhappy individuals may not appreciate being asked about their happiness and could feel more depressed afterward. Researchers must be sensitive to participants’ needs and provide appropriate debriefing. The British Psychological Society’s ethical guidelines advise psychologists to operate within their competence, meaning they should not attempt to address issues like depression during debriefing but rather recommend professional help.

Question 68

Socially sensitive research?

Answer 68

Some research is considered socially sensitive because it can lead to biased perceptions about specific cultural groups. For instance, Myers and Diener (1995) reference Inglehart’s 1990 study, which found that only 10% of people in Portugal reported being happy, compared to 40% in the Netherlands. This could lead to assumptions that all Portuguese individuals are unhappy and all Dutch individuals are very happy. Therefore, caution is needed when interpreting such statistics, as they may not accurately represent the broader populations of Portugal and the Netherlands.

Question 69

Contemporary debate: relevance of positive psychology in todays society?

Answer 69

Linley (2006) argues that positive psychology emphasizes scientific inquiry, aiming to help people lead productive and fulfilling lives. While society is generally wealthier and healthier than in the past, this doesn’t necessarily translate to increased happiness. For example, in 2014, the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index ranked the UK 76th in global happiness. This raises questions about the relevance of positive psychology in today’s society.

Question 70

Education?

Answer 70

Martin Seligman, a prominent figure in positive psychology, proposed the introduction of a positive psychology curriculum (PPC) to promote skills valued by parents and enhance student well-being and behavior. Evidence from the PEN Resiliency program supported his claims, showing that participants had reduced depression symptoms; 22% of the program group showed symptoms 24 months post-intervention compared to 44% in the control group. In a study by Seligman et al. (2009) involving 347 ninth-grade students, those in the PPC class displayed greater cooperation and better social skills. Seligman argued that enhancing well-being skills aligns with, rather than detracts from, traditional classroom goals.

Question 71

Work?

Answer 71

Mihaly Csikszentmihaly’s research highlights that work can be a significant source of happiness, as shown in his flow theory. He argued that work experiences are most positive when both challenges and skills are high, leading to enjoyment, skill development, and increased self-esteem. Csikszentmihaly found that people experience flow at work more than three times as often as during leisure time, suggesting that work environments often provide more opportunities for positive experiences. He proposed that recognizing work as enjoyable as leisure could enhance worker effectiveness and overall quality of life.

Question 72

Mihalyi Csikszentmihaly’s
Le Fevre

Answer 72

People can enhance their experience of flow and improve their quality of life by being more mindful and proactive in their leisure activities. Positive psychology is reflected in various online initiatives aimed at improving life in UK society, such as Action for Happiness. This movement promotes positive social change by uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds who want to foster a happier society. The site also provides support for those dealing with depression and offers “10 keys to healthier living.”

Question 73

Health?

Answer 73

Kubzansky and Thurston (2007) conducted a 20-year study involving over 6,000 men and women aged 25 to 74. They found that participants with high emotional vitality—characterized by enthusiasm, hopefulness, life engagement, and emotional balance—had a reduced risk of coronary heart disease.

Question 74

Conclusion?

Answer 74

Positive psychology shifts the focus of psychology toward research and strategies that enhance people’s lives and benefit society, rather than concentrating on negatives like aggression or addiction. Consequently, new programs are being implemented in schools, workplaces, and leisure activities. However, some argue that positive psychology is not relevant in today’s society.

Question 75

Education?
one issue concerns the lack of emprirical evidence for most positive psychology problems

Answer 75

Numbers?
Spence Shortt (2007) argued that existing positive psychology research is often based on small-scale or short-term interventions. They recommend pursuing longer-term studies in schools to gather more comprehensive data. Seligman et al. (2009) also noted the need for further research to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs across diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Additionally, incorporating psychology into school curricula may require dropping other subjects due to limited budgets and curricular demands, potentially resulting in students graduating with fewer academic qualifications, as highlighted by a Financial Times article (2007).

Question 76

Work?

Answer 76

Positive psychology often echoes the idea that “choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life,” raising questions about whether it offers more than empirical support for this notion. While work can bring happiness, the financial aspect—earning more money—seems less relevant to overall happiness. Diener et al. (1993) found only a modest correlation between income and happiness, with money being more significant in poorer societies. In Western cultures, individuals may pursue happiness through work, but in other contexts, work primarily serves as a means to financial stability.

Question 77

Leisure and lifestyle advice?

Answer 77

Many leisure activities that could enhance flow experiences are often inaccessible due to limited free time or financial constraints.

Question 78

Health?

Answer 78

Establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between happiness and health is challenging: it’s unclear whether good health leads to happiness or vice versa. While positive psychology has potential influence in the health sector, it struggles to produce research that definitively demonstrates these connections.

Question 79

Conclusion?

Answer 79

Positive psychology shifts focus toward research and strategies that enhance individual and societal well-being, moving away from negative issues like aggression and addiction. While new programs in schools, workplaces, and leisure activities show promise, their limited reach may result in minimal daily impact. This approach appears more relevant to Western societies and is still emerging, meaning its long-term effects may take time to materialize.

Question 80

ethical, social and economic implications?

Answer 80

Evidence suggests that positive psychology benefits the economy by reducing costs associated with employee unhappiness and stress. In the UK, staff sickness costs approximately £26 billion annually. Research by Oswald et al. (2009) found that happy workers are 12% more productive, indicating a link between happiness and productivity. While initiatives to boost happiness may seem costly, they can lead to significant long-term savings—such as the NHS potentially saving £555 million by improving work environments. Companies like Google have seen benefits from investing in employee well-being, but broader adoption of positive psychology may be slow without demonstrable, large-scale results, especially during economic uncertainty.

Question 81

Evaluating the positive approach?

Answer 81

The positive approach in psychology emphasizes the celebration and enhancement of human goodness, shifting focus away from pathological disorders to highlight well-being and potential.

Question 82

Strengths of the positive approach?

Answer 82

The positive psychology approach shifts the focus of psychology from treating disorders to celebrating human strengths and fostering greater life contentment. It emphasizes positive states like happiness and optimism, contrasting with the traditional negative bias that often highlights anxiety and depression. Sheldon and King (2001) argue that psychology has historically neglected human growth by concentrating on weaknesses rather than strengths. Positive psychology encourages a proactive mindset, recognizing individuals’ desire to shape their futures and exercise free will over their emotions. Martin Seligman (2000) advocates for this shift, aiming to balance the study of adversity with the cultivation of positive qualities.

Question 83

Applications?

Answer 83

Positive psychology principles have been applied across various fields to promote flourishing in individuals, organizations, and communities, notably in education, occupational psychology, and therapy. One significant application is resilience training for the US Army, aimed at improving emotional and spiritual resilience to reduce stress symptoms and suicide rates after deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. This training focuses on building mental toughness by identifying strengths like humor, courage, and perseverance.

In education, positive psychology curricula (PPCs) are being adopted in schools to enhance overall wellbeing through intentional activities that foster positive cognition, emotions, and behaviors. The US Department of Education awarded a grant for teaching positive psychology to ninth graders, while the UK has set targets to improve children’s wellbeing. Wellington College in the UK has integrated positive psychology into its core curriculum since 2006.

Question 84

Free will approach?

Answer 84

A key strength of positive psychology is its rejection of a deterministic view of human behavior, emphasizing that individuals have the freedom to grow and develop their unique strengths and virtues. This approach challenges traditional deterministic models, such as biological or psychodynamic theories, which often depict individuals as victims of their circumstances. Seligman argues that such pessimism hinders personal development.

Positive psychology posits that humans are self-regulating, capable of cultivating character strengths that enhance life satisfaction and mental wellbeing. By fostering these authentic strengths, individuals can achieve greater fulfillment and happiness. This emphasis on free will and personal motivation is essential for human flourishing.

Question 85

Weakenesses of the positive approach?
not a new idea

Answer 85

Many psychologists embrace the positive psychology movement as a refreshing approach to enhancing human behavior, tracing its roots back to Maslow and the humanistic psychology movement of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Critics argue that Seligman overlooks the contributions of earlier psychologists like Maslow, Rogers, and Jung, who challenged negativity in traditional psychology. Humanistic psychology emerged as a response to behaviorism and psychoanalysis, focusing on higher human needs and potential. While positive psychology seeks to distinguish itself from humanistic psychology, it remains fundamentally connected to it, highlighting a longstanding recognition of deficits in psychological research.

Question 86

Can happiness be measured?

Answer 86

A key question in positive psychology is whether happiness can be scientifically measured and defined. Defining happiness is complex, as it varies between individuals, complicating measurement. However, advancements in neuroscience have enabled researchers to objectively assess happiness-related emotions. For instance, Wager et al. (2003) found that positive emotions are more likely to activate the basal ganglia than negative emotions. This research prompts further inquiry into whether happiness can be classified as a discrete emotion measurable in a laboratory context.

Question 87

Ignoring individual differences?

Answer 87

Critics argue that the positive psychology approach overlooks individual and cultural differences. Christopher and Hickinbottom label it as ethnocentric, rooted in Western ideas of individual autonomy and fulfillment. They note that American culture emphasizes positive emotions as essential for a good life, while collectivism prevails in 70% of the world. Norem (2001) warns against the assumption that all positive qualities are universally beneficial, highlighting the risks of ignoring individual differences.