Positive Psychology

Question 1

Positive psychology

Answer 1

the study of the strenghts and virtues that enable people to thrive (be content)

don’t mean momentary happiness, but ultimate satisfaction

Question 2

Benefits of being happy or optimistic

Answer 2

better physical health (due to lower stress), better performance in all aspects of life, lower incidence of depression, better personal relationships

Question 3

Benefits of expressing gratitude

Answer 3

better physical health, optimism, and progress towards goals, better self regulation

Question 4

Factors that do not determine happiness

Answer 4

NOT wealth (as long as above poverty line), gender, age, temporary gratification (like eating fat hamburger), trying to maximize happiness (like people who just go for high paying jobs)

Question 5

Achieving happiness

Answer 5

people want to be happy and are usually ahppy. Average happiness score is 7/10. 83% of americans are satisfied with life, and 30% are VERY happy.
Subjective well-being (aka happiness) tends to be stable across the life span, regardless of changes in personal income.

positive illusions help with happiness

Question 6

positive illusions

Answer 6

make people happier and healthier. ignorant bliss kind of/optimism

e.g i still applied to ivies even though my scores were meh and their acceptance rate was 8%. it motivated me to work harder on my essays and during first semester

Question 7

happiness factors

Answer 7

genetic set point, circumstances, intentional activity

Question 8

genetic set point

Answer 8

50% of happiness depends on genetics and the disposition we were born with. very stable across life span

Question 9

circumstances

Answer 9

10% of happiness: incidental but stable aspects of individual’s life

some are general, like nationality, age, and gender

cultur matters b/c it affects how you perceive what happiness is and what it looks like

more specific and variable: personal history (car accident or winning lottery), life status (marriage status, income, religiosity). These are affected by hedonic adaptation

Question 10

hedonic adaptation

Answer 10

we adjust to new experiences and achieving our goals, returning to baseline happiness after temporary spike/dip in happiness

Question 11

Intentional activity

Answer 11

40% of happiness: the actions you do to make yourself happier (content)

Things you can do: change your mindset, count your blessings

Instead of thinking of studying biology as something you have to do, think about it like a step in your ultimate goal of becoming a doctor and saving lives.
Count your blessings
Appreciate your social support
Resolution! Every time you wake up, think about something you are thankful and excited for