Positive Approach

Question 1

Describe and give an example in Acknowledgement of free will assumption:

Answer 1

Suggests that humans have the free will to develop their strengths and have control over their well-being.

Seligmen/Deiner-> Studied the ties between a student and their friends/family. They found that the students with the strongest ties were happier which proves we are in control of our own happiness as we can chose activities which make us happy.

Question 2

Describe and give an example in Authenticity of goodness and excellence:

Answer 2

Feeling of happiness are as natural as feelings of anxiety and therefore need to give it equal amount of attention, shifts away from constantly worrying and focusing on the negative.

Seligman, believes we have a series of “signature strengths” like kindness and generosity which we need to focus on. Traditionally, psychology focuses on disorders and negative states of mind but we should celebrate the good things.

Question 3

Describe and give an example in Focus on “the goodlife”

Answer 3

Seligman suggests there are three dimensions of happiness-> pleasant life= Happiness comes through pursing positive emotions relation to past, present and future. Goodlife= Happiness comes from pursuing activities that positively engage us. Meaningful life= Happiness comes from a deep sense of fulfilment by living for a purpose much greater than oneself.