Positive Psychology

Question 1

Positive Psychology Defined

Answer 1

The scientific study of optimal human functioning (Linley, Joseph, Harrington & Wood).

The scientific study of the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive (Seligman).

Question 2

Authentic Happiness

Answer 2

A general sense of well-being, content and calm (Seligman).

Question 3

3 Key Elements of Authentic Happiness

Answer 3

Three key elements
Positive emotions – pleasure, enjoyment, satisfaction etc)

Engagement (FLOW in leisure and work)

Meaning (purpose and goals)

Question 4

Happiness Formula

Answer 4

Genetic set point 50%
Volunteer activities 40%
Circumstances 10%

*Volunteer / intentional activities include: character strengths use at work/home, gratefulness, building social connections, mindfulness, forgiveness

Question 5

Research findings in positive psychology

Answer 5

A rich and fulfilling social life, with close relationships is the best predictor of happiness

Wealth – once the basic needs are met it has little correlation to happiness

Gratitude and altruism ( giving back is strongly correlated with happiness

Question 6

Growth of Positive Psychology

Answer 6

The Journal of Positive Psychology
Journal of Happiness Studies

Authentic Happiness or Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman

Therapeutic recreation

Question 7

Positive Psychology & Leisure

Answer 7

Positive emotions
Flow
Meaning
– purpose and goals

Discuss how they relate.

Shared aims and the focus on strengths, positive emotions, flow, and meaning via purpose and goals

Tremendous value in expanding our knowledge and use of interventions to address the full range of human experience

Question 8

Roles related to Society

Answer 8

Sense of belonging
Body of shared values
System of social organization
Sense of interdependency
Contributes to the economy
Can promote group solidarity
Can promote inclusion

Question 9

Leisure’s Many Roles

Answer 9

Individual - Is a source of enjoyment – choice, is intrinsically motivated – do it for it’s own sake, provides us the opportunity to use our own skills in interesting ways – we feel good after we partake in leisure – life satisfaction – enhances how we feel about our lives
Leisure interacts with our identity – if you had to describe yourself – I’m a mother, a wife, a recreation therapist, a golfer, a photographer, a quilter, a bike rider, a hiker, a kayaker, a canner, a snowshoer,
Helps to develop your sense of self – freedom to explore – try on different roles – discover ourselves – provides us a sense of value a sense of worth or purpose can contrain identify formation – gender roles – girls don’t play football, boys don’t do ballet – LGTBQ community may feel they have to conceal their identity, contributes to skill development, communication skills, problem solving, decision making, leads to personal wellness –fitness – protects against the development of diseases and illnesses opportunities to learn, spiritual connection

Family - : is the basic social unit of life – shared family experiences – can facilitate family bonding and cohesion – creates a learning environment – parents pass on new knowledge, values, and expectations of behaviour, develop leisure, passing on personal interests. Family and marital satisfaction – can limit cause frustration – watch tv – limit interaction – leisure allows the transmitting of family traditions and culture and cultural values

Question 10

Socialization

Answer 10

Socialization is the process through which members of society internalize group values so that they can conform to expectations
Values such as cooperation, responsibility, helping others, and respect can all be taught by participating in some leisure activities
The relationship between society’s values and leisure is dynamic – work ethic influences how much free time people have to play