Positive Psychology Flashcards
What is the definition of positive psychology
the practice of psychology has adopted a treatment focus > “curing” already developed problems, focuses on human happiness, emotional health, resilience and its causes
Who is the founder of the discipline of positive psychology?
Martin Seligman > the scientific study of positive human functioning on multiple levels (ie. biological, personal, relational, etc.)
Socrates on Positive Psychology
= key to understanding the good life is self-knowledge, which motivates virtuous behaviour
Plato on Positive Psychology
= distrusted sensory experiences to reveal the truth, believing instead that one must look deeper within themselves
Aristotle on Positive Psychology
= eudaemonia: happiness possessed of true well-being that is a by-product of living a virtuous life
Happiness as Subjective Well-Being. Based on 4 things:
happiness is determined by one’s appraisal of life satisfaction & positive feelings. based on 1) life satisfaction 2) satisfaction with important life domains 3) positive affect 4) low levels of negative affect
Happiness as a Prescriptive View (must exhibit high levels in 6 dimensions)
specifies (ie. prescribes) that certain factors must be present for an individual to feel happiness & well-being. 1) self-acceptance 2) positive relations with others 3) autonomy 4) environmental mastery 5) purpose in life 6) personal growth
What is the Happiness Set Point?
= happiness levels are fixed + stable across time, good stability of subjective well-being across time, even in changing circumstances
Happiness & Personality
Happiness & well-being levels are stable across the lifespan & personality factors seem to contribute to this stability
Hedonic Adaptation
= happiness due to circumstances tends to be temporary as individuals generally adjust soon to new circumstances
Hedonic Treadmill
= (a metaphor for hedonic adaptation) no matter how slow/fast one moves, happiness levels stay the same
What is Resilience?
= the ability to recover, or respond positively, to a negative event
Resilient individuals…
1) cope with negative event 2) experience distress but display healthy & timely trajectories of flexible adaptations 3) adversarial growth in response to hardship 4) thrive
Resilience is _________ and developed through a ____________ interaction between ___________ and ____________ ______________ resources
Resilience is multi-level and developed through a dynamic interaction between personal and available external resources.
Individual Level Protective Factors
Optimism, hope, self-efficacy & good social skills
Family Level Protective Factors
family cohesion, warmth, emotionally responsive caregiving
Community Level Protective Factors
peer networks & school environment
What are the 5 Vulnerability Factors that reduce resilience?
1) poverty
2) social exclusion
3) low self-esteem
4) lack of social networks
5) family dysfunction
Why does optimism have advantages over pessimism for coping with stress and promoting well-being?
Optimism views events as temporary, and specific to the situation caused by external factors, therefore there is a more approach while coping and less avoidance.
What is hope and how does it differ from optimism?
Hope is the motivational trait-like perception that a wide range of goals can be pursued. Optimism is associated with a higher likelihood of being subjective and more perceived control over hope
What is the relationship between positive and negative affect?
Eliminating negative emotions does not necessarily lead to positive ones; Positive & negative affect are independently & weakly inversely related factors
What is Frederickson’s Broaden and Build Model?
explains the adaptive value of positive emotions:
-By broadening thought-action repertoires, positive emotions help us build personal resources
What is self-compassion and its consequences?
= kind & caring feelings toward oneself when exposed to personal distress, & the acknowledgement that one’s suffering & failure are a part of life. Results include the less likelihood to:
1) magnify negative events
2) feel anxious following stressful situations
3) avoid challenges for fear of failure
What is mindfulness and what are its consequences?
= being fully aware and accepting the present. Results include
1. overall higher level of psychological well-being
2. less mood disturbance and stress in patients with cancer
What is gratitude and what are the benefits?
= appreciation for something good another has brought about. Some benefits are:
1) enhancing enjoyment of benefits
2) fostering positive emotions (focus on good aspects)
3) enhanced social relationships
4) helping to cope better with stress & other difficult circumstances (ie. focusing more on the benefits of stressful events)
5) enabling access to more positive memories
