Positive psychology & Minfulness

Question 1

What determines our happiness when comparing happiness between individuals?

Answer 1

50% genetic ‘set point’
40% intentional activity
10% circumstances

Question 2

What is the two-continuum model and which two continuums are there?

Answer 2

This model emphasizes that mental health exists on a spectrum rather than being a binary state of being ‘healthy’ or ‘ill’.

1. Mental health continuum
   This continuum represents positive mental health, ranging from optimal well-being to emotional distress.
2. Mental illness continuum
   This continuum represents the presence of symptoms or disorders that affect an individual’s mental health.

–> The two continuums are interconnected, meaning that someone with a mental health condition can still experience moments of positive mental health, and vice versa.

Question 3

What is meant by ‘flourishing’?

Answer 3

A state of optimal human functioning and well-being

Question 4

The beef about happiness used to be about hedonism vs eudaimonia
What do these theories focus on?

Answer 4

Hedonism: maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain
–> short-term pleasure
–> feeling well

Eudaimonia: achieving potential and personal growth
–> long-term fulfillment
–> functioning well

Question 5

The beef about happiness now is about emotional vs social vs psychological well-being
What do these theories focus on?

Answer 5

Emotional well-being: focus on positive emotions and pleasure
(aligns with hedonism)

Social well-being: importance of social connections and meaning
(aligns with eudaimonia)

Psychological well-being: Emphasizes self-actualization* and purpose
(aligns with eudaimonia)

*= verder willen ontwikkelen dan de basis needs die je nodig hebt (bovenkant piramide Maslow)

Question 6

Which two factors do laypeople (leken) define when they give a definition of happiness?

Answer 6

Family and social relationships
(which is already widely acknowledged)

Inner harmony
(which is so far neglected in the research field –> that’s weird)

Question 7

What are the three key concepts in positive psychology according to Waters et. al (2022), about different ways in which positive emotions, conditions, and relationships can impact mental health?

Answer 7

1. Buffering effect
   when positive emotions/conditions/relationships serve to reduce psychological ill health
2. Bolstering effect
   when positive emotions/conditions/relationships help maintain mental health despite a crisis. This effect emphasizes the importance of sustaining mental well-being during tough times.
3. Building effect
   when the individual is able to use a crisis as an opportunity to develop new practices, processes, or outlooks that can lead to improved mental health in the future

Question 8

Give an example for each key concept in positive psychology

Answer 8

Buffering effect: e.g. If a person faces a significant life stressor, such as losing a job, having strong social support from friends and family can buffer against feelings of depression or anxiety.
→ focus op verminderen van negatieve gevolgen (een buffer hebben)

Bolstering effect: e.g. A person who regularly practices gratitude and has a strong network of supportive friends may find that they can maintain their mental health during a crisis, such as a sudden bad health diagnosis.
→ focus op het behouden van het mentale welzijn

Building effect: e.g. After experiencing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster (e.g. earthquake), someone might develop a new appreciation for life and prioritize their mental health

Question 9

What does the Broaden-and-build Theory of Emotions explain?

Answer 9

How positive emotions can lead to a cycle* of personal growth and increased well-being

*including an upward spiral

Question 10

What are physical benefits of experiencing positive emotions?

Answer 10

• handle stress better
• better recovery from illness
• less likely to develop illness like the flu

Question 11

What are the two different types of positive emotions? And what interventions could improve these types?

Answer 11

1. High-arousal
   e.g. pride, joy, amusement
   Gratitude intervention improved high-arousal
2. Low arousal
   e.g. interest, inspiration, hope, love
   Multi-component positive psychology intervention improved low arousal emotions

Question 12

What are the three self-determination theory constructs?

Answer 12

Autonomy: Being the master of your own life
Relatedness: Feeling connected to others
Competence: Feeling that you are good at something

Question 13

What is mindfulness as a health promotion technique?

Answer 13

A technique that involves paying attention to the present moment with openness,
intention and non-judgement.

Question 14

What are 3 examples of mindfulness-based interventions?

Answer 14

1. Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
   Mindfulness practices to reduce stress
2. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
   Identifies dysfunctional thoughts, cognitive restructuring
3. Mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy
   Combination of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy