Positive Assumptions

Question 1

Acknowledgement of Free Will

Answer 1

We are in charge of emotions and have free will to change them

‘The Good Life’ achievable if recognise strengths + work to develop them to make lives better

*Assumption contrasts bio approach in terms of determinism/ free will

Seligman+Diener = Participants with strong family ties happier. This something can change with free will.

Question 2

Authenticity of goodness and excellence

Answer 2

The belief that positive emotions just as authentic as negative ones, so psychology should also focus on them equally

Seligman: We have signature strengths e.g. kindness that should focus on

Used in positive psychology as way of alleviating MH problems by helping patient understand traits can be developed so happier

Question 3

Focus on ‘The Good Life’

Answer 3

Seligman created 3 ‘lives’:

Pleasant life = Happiness comes from pursuing pos emotions

Good life = Happiness from engaging activities that absorb us

Meaningful life = Happiness from living for purpose greater than oneself

Seligman encourages working through ‘lives’ to achieve happiness. Good life achieved by developing strengths.