Positive Debate Flashcards
Outline the supporting argument for the relevance of positive psychology in the workplace.
Positive psychology is relevant in the workplace as there have been successful applications in the workplace - it can improve self-regulation and attention.
Give an example of the supporting argument for the relevance of mindfulness in the workplace.
Roeser et al randomised 113 public school teachers into a waitlist control and an 8 week mindfulness intervention. Mindfulness group found significantly greater improvements in self compassion and mindfulness post-intervention and they helped reduce stress and burnout after 3 months. Teachers in the mindfulness condition showed improvements in attention and working memory capacity
Give an economic implication for the supporting argument for the relevance of mindfulness in the workplace.
This saves the companies money as they have to pay less sick pay.
Link the supporting argument for the relevance of mindfulness in the workplace to the question.
This shows that positive psychology is relevant in the workplace as mental health is the leading cause of sick leave in the UK, so mindfulness (due to it accessibility) can help improve mental health disorders whilst reducing the amount of sick days.
Outline the opposing argument that positive psychology isn’t relevant in the workplace.
Research remains embryonic.
Give an example for the opposing argument that positive psychology isn’t relevant in the workplace.
A forthcoming systematic review found 145 mindfulness studies focused on the workplace (Lomas et al) and the quality of this research fluctuated. Only 1/3 of the studies had strong designs like randomised controlled trials.
Give an ethical implication of the opposing argument that positive psychology isn’t relevant in the workplace.
Ethically wrong as if the research isn’t reliable, then they are promoting interventions that aren’t backed up by quality evidence and workplaces may waste money on ineffective treatments.
Link the opposing argument that positive psychology isn’t relevant in the workplace to the question.
This shows that the quality of research varies too much to make a reliable conclusion and more standardised studies need to be conducted for positive psychology to be relevant in the workplace.
Outline the supporting argument for the relevance of positive psychology in education.
Positive psychology in education can improve mental health when studying/learning.
Give an example for the supporting argument for the relevance of positive psychology in education.
Dufour et al conducted a study where 616 students were randomised across 2 groups which were all offered access to comprehensive centralised support at the uni of Cambridge counselling service and health services from the NHS. 1/2 were offered mindfulness skills (8 weeks of sessions). They were encouraged to practice at home and filter into their daily life. Students who took mindfulness course experienced lower distress scores during exam season than those with normal support.
Give a social implication of the supporting argument for the relevance of positive psychology in education.
It can have a positive impact on students as it can reduce stress which means they will perform better so they have more positive attachments to to school and therefore create a more educated society.
Link the supporting argument for the relevance of positive psychology in education to the question.
This shows that positive psychology is relevant as it can help reduce stress in students and therefore reduce MH issues and improve grades.
Outline the opposing argument for the relevance of positive psychology in education.
It may be inaffective.
Give an example for the opposing argument for the relevance of positive psychology in education.
Ford et al conducted a survey where 11-14 year olds answered questions surrounding MH. Across 85 schools, 33% reported significant social-emotional-behavioural problems and depressive symptoms. Only 16% were flourishing. Wilde et al also said that mindfulness isn’t easy to introduce to schools as it requires committed staff, resources and time.
Give a social implication for the opposing argument for the relevance of positive psychology in education.
Students may not take mindfulness seriously which means it’s a waste of time and money.
Link the opposing argument for the relevance of positive psychology in education to the question.
This shows that positive psychology isn’t relevant as it may not be worth the time and effort that goes into it and even if they did, mental health is very prominent within young people.
Outline the supporting argument for the relevance of positive psychology in healthcare.
It can improve well-being.
Give an example for the supporting argument for the relevance of positive psychology in healthcare.
Ceremony et al intervention based on positive psychology in women with breast cancer. 175 women were randomly assigned to an experimental group with no intervention. For those who received treatment, group intervention was used to improve psychological strengths. They showed higher scores on all of the study variables after the intervention. Ps reported improved self-esteem, emotional intelligence and optimism as well as well-being.
Give an economic implication for the supporting argument for the relevance of positive psychology in healthcare.
It can improve health which means that there’s less stress on the NHS and more money is saved and spent elsewhere.
Link supporting argument for the relevance of positive psychology in healthcare to the question.
This shows that positive psychology is relevant as it can improve the psychological health of female breast cancer patients, making them feel more motivated.
Outline the opposing evidence for the relevance of positive psychology in healthcare.
The evidence isn’t fully reliable.
Give an example for the opposing evidence for the relevance of positive psychology in healthcare.
Coyne and Tennen studied positive psychology in cancer care. They looked at the role of positive factors like ‘fighting spirit’ in extending the life of people with cancer, the effects of interventions on immune functioning/cancer progression and post-traumatic growth following serious illnesses.
Give an ethical implication for the opposing evidence for the relevance of positive psychology in healthcare.
By saying that mindfulness can treat cancer creates a false hope for terminally ill people which doesn’t protect them from harm.
Link the opposing evidence for the relevance of positive psychology in healthcare to the question.
This shows that positive psychology isn’t relevant as the results of research saying that interventions that enhance benefit finding improving the progression of cancer patients by strengthening the immune system is implausible. More research needs to be conducted.
