Positive Assumptions Flashcards
Acknowledgement of Free Will
We are in charge of emotions and have free will to dictate them
*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, as we can engage in family activities
Authenticity of goodness and excellence
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, gratitude, bravery that we should focus on
Used in positive psychology as way of alleviating MH problems by helping patient understand traits can be developed so happier
‘The Good Life’ achievable if recognise strengths + work to develop them to make lives better
Focus on ‘The Good Life’
Seligman created 3 ‘lives to work through to reach happiness:
Pleasant life = Happiness comes from pursuing pos emotions e.g eating favourite food
Good life = Happiness from engaging activities that absorb us e.g. engaging in favourite hobby
Meaningful life = Happiness from living for purpose greater than oneself e.g. volunteering to help people
‘The Positive Concept of Flow’:
Become fully engaged in activity by perfectly balancing challenge with our own ability
