Positive Assumptions Flashcards
Who is the founder of the positive approach?
Martin Seligman
What is the first assumption of the positive approach?
Acknowledgment of free will
What is free will?
The idea that we choose our own course of action and are responsible for our own behaviour
What were the findings of Deiner and Seligman’s (2002) ‘Very Happy People’ study?
Found that students who had stronger ties to friends and family, were happier than those who did not
How does the Deiner and Seligman (2002) study demonstrate free will?
Suggests we can control our own happiness and choose to engage in activities that make us happy and our emotional state is within our control
What is the second assumption of the positive approach?
Authenticity of goodness snd excellence
What are the three dimensions to happiness?
The Pleasant life, the Good life and the Meaningful life
What is the pleasant life?
Activities focused on positive emotions that make us feel good e.g. listening to your fave song
What is the good life?
Engaging in activities that absorb us and help us to reach a state of flow e.g. dancing
What is ‘flow’?
State of being fully engaged in an activity with a balance of challenge and ability
What is the meaningful life?
A state of fulfilment from using our character strengths for a deeper purpose e.g. volunteering
What is the third assumption of the positive approach?
Authenticity of goodness and excellence
What does authenticity of goodness and excellence suggest about outlook on behaviour?
Psychologists focus too much on the negative aspects of behaviour and need to consider that positive emotions are just as authentic and important as negative ones
What is Seligman’s theory of signature strengths?
The character strengths that should be encouraged to develop happiness and well-being
