Positive approach - Assumption 2: Authenticity of goodness and excellence

Question 1

what does positive psychology critique traditional psychology for

Answer 1

• it’s too focused on negative aspects (e.g. stress/depression)
• It’s too focused on fixing you rather than celebrating what’s right
  –> it’s important that we research people that are ‘ok’ as well
  –> qualities of goodness and excellence are just as worthy of our attention

Question 2

what is the example from psychology

Answer 2

Seligman’s (2002) theory of signature strengths

Question 3

what did the example from psychology suggest

Answer 3

we have inherent traits such as kindness, generosity, and humour that should be encouraged to nurture and develop them in order to improve our well being

Question 4

explain the VIA (Values in action)

Answer 4

• global study by Peterson and Seligman and 55 other scientists that took 3 years.
• they created a classification of positive character traits which is known as the VIA
• It outlines 24 character strengths

Question 5

what was the point of the VIA

Answer 5

if we focus on building these characteristics we can achieve more happiness

Question 6

what are the different virtues that each set belongs to in the VIA

Answer 6

• Wisdom
• Humanity
• Courage
• Temperance
• Transcendence
• Justice

Question 7

what strengths are in the wisdom set

Answer 7

• creativity
• curiosity
• Judgment
• perspective
• Love of Learning

Question 8

what strengths are in the humanity set

Answer 8

• social intelligence
• kindness
• love

Question 9

what strengths are in the courage set

Answer 9

• Bravery
• perseverance
• zest
• honesty

Question 10

what strengths are in the Temperance set

Answer 10

• forgiveness
• self-regulations
• humility
• prudence

Question 11

what strengths are in the Transcendence

Answer 11

• gratitude
• spirituality
• appreciation of beauty
• hope
• humour

Question 12

what strengths are in the justice set

Answer 12

• fairness
• teamwork
• leadership

Question 13

What the behaviour this assumption can be linked to

Answer 13

• developing and maintaining social relationships
• we can improve relationships by being aware of your partner’s character strengths and celebrating these, rather than taking them for granted
• Kashdan et al found when individuals showed a greater appreciation of their partner’s character strengths, this was associated with positive outcomes of the relationship, such as greater commitment and support for each other’s goals

Question 14

Fr fr?

Answer 14

No