The Positive Approach Flashcards
1
Q
What is the aim of positive psychology?
A
- cure mental illness
- Nature talent
- Make people happy
2
Q
What are the three assumptions of positive approach
A
- authenticity of goodness and excellence
- acknowledgment of free will
- focus on ‘the good life’
3
Q
Assumption 1: authenticity of goodness and excellence
A
- this assumption is that qualities of goodness and excellence are just as worthy of our attention
- this focus on goodness and excellence can be seen in the development of the theory of signature strengths developed by Seligman.
4
Q
The theory of signature strengths
A
- there are 24 character strength, including curiosity, fairness and honesty. Each individual has all of these strengths in different degrees and should be encouraged to nurture and develop them to improve their wellbeing
5
Q
Assumption 2: acknowledgment of free will
A
- humans have the freewill to develop their signatures strengths and have control over their own well being
- therefore happiness is accessible to all of us as we are in control
- Myer’s and denier found that a belief in freewill and personal control is associated with a greater subjective well-being.
6
Q
Assumption 3: focus on the ‘good life’
A
- seligman suggests that there are three dimensions to happiness: the pleasant life, the good life and the meaningful life
7
Q
Pleasant life
A
- happiness comes from pursing positive emotions in relation to the past, present and future
8
Q
Good life
A
- ## happiness comes from pursuing activities that positively absorb and engage us that help us reach a state of flow
9
Q
The meaningful life
A
- Happiness comes from a deep sense of fulfilment by living for a purpose much greater than oneself
- seligman encourages people to go seek a meaningful life in their continuing quest for happiness
10
Q
How can authenticity of goodness and excellence link to mindfulness ?
A
- human traits are as authentic as negative ones and that individuals strive to achieve greater life fulfilment by developing their natural strengths and virtues.
- in regards to this, ,mindfulness aims to enhance a persons positive characteristics through ‘acceptance-based methods’ which encourages the individual to develop core virtues such as gratitude
11
Q
How can the acknowledgment of free will link to mindfulness?
A
- being aware of one’s present thoughts and feelings involves self regulation of attention.
- Therefore, mindfulness enhances self regulation, and encourages people to gain control of their thoughts and emotions in order to develop a more productive attitude towards them
