Positive Psychology Flashcards
What are the core principles of Positive Psychology, and how do they differ from traditional psychology?
Positive Psychology focuses on strengths, well-being, and human flourishing rather than just mental illness. Unlike traditional psychology, which often centers on treating disorders, Positive Psychology aims to enhance life satisfaction, build resilience, and foster positive emotions.
How does the PERMA model explain well-being, and how can it be applied in everyday life?
The PERMA model, proposed by Martin Seligman, consists of five elements: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. It can be applied in daily life by fostering gratitude, pursuing meaningful work, building strong social connections, and setting achievable goals.
What is resilience, and what factors contribute to developing resilience in individuals?
Resilience is the ability to adapt and recover from adversity. Factors that contribute to resilience include strong social support, a positive mindset, coping skills, self-efficacy, and the ability to regulate emotions effectively.
How does practicing gratitude influence emotional well-being and mental health?
Practicing gratitude has been shown to improve emotional well-being by increasing positive emotions, reducing stress, and enhancing life satisfaction. It shifts focus from what is lacking to appreciating what one has, fostering a sense of contentment.
Compare and contrast hedonic and eudaimonic happiness. Which do you think leads to a more fulfilling life?
Hedonic happiness is based on pleasure and avoiding pain, while eudaimonic happiness is about finding meaning and self-growth. Research suggests that eudaimonic happiness leads to greater long-term satisfaction because it fosters a sense of purpose.
How does social comparison affect self-esteem and overall happiness? Provide examples.
Social comparison can either boost or lower self-esteem. Comparing oneself to those who are more successful (upward comparison) can be motivating but also discouraging. Downward comparison (comparing to those less fortunate) can enhance gratitude but may also lead to complacency.
Explain the role of emotional intelligence in maintaining strong personal and professional relationships.
Emotional intelligence involves self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. It helps in understanding emotions in oneself and others, leading to better communication, conflict resolution, and stronger relationships.
Discuss the psychological impact of mindfulness practices on stress reduction and well-being.
Mindfulness reduces stress by encouraging present-moment awareness. It helps individuals detach from negative thoughts, lowers anxiety, and enhances well-being by fostering a greater sense of control over emotions.
Evaluate the effectiveness of Positive Psychology interventions in improving mental health and well-being. Include supporting studies.
Positive Psychology interventions, such as gratitude exercises, strength-based therapy, and mindfulness, have been shown to improve well-being. Studies indicate that these interventions reduce depression and increase life satisfaction by fostering positive emotions and resilience.
How do cultural differences influence the experience and perception of happiness? Compare different cultural approaches.
Happiness is perceived differently across cultures. Western cultures often associate it with personal achievements, while collectivist cultures emphasize community well-being. Understanding these differences helps tailor well-being interventions to diverse populations.
Discuss the Broaden-and-Build theory of positive emotions by Barbara Fredrickson. How do positive emotions contribute to long-term well-being?
Barbara Fredrickson’s Broaden-and-Build theory suggests that positive emotions expand cognitive and behavioral repertoires. Over time, they help build lasting psychological, social, and intellectual resources, leading to long-term well-being.
Explain the role of intrinsic motivation in personal growth and success. How does it compare to extrinsic motivation?
Intrinsic motivation comes from personal fulfillment, whereas extrinsic motivation is driven by rewards. Research shows that intrinsic motivation leads to deeper engagement and long-term success, as individuals are more passionate about their goals.
