Positive Research

Question 1

Methodology

Answer 1

Literature review on topic of happiness from other research, so no procedures

Interviews:
Assessing subjective well being using closed questions e.g. how happy are you? Very happy/happy/Not happy

Observations:
Asking P’s to report what they’re doing and how happy they feel at selected times

Correlations:
Finding what factors correlate with happiness e.g. money, faith, culture, age, gender

Question 2

Findings

Answer 2

Myths of happiness
Age- 170,000 different countries no difference
Gender- 80% men and women said fairly happy
Race- 10% Portugal 40% Netherlands
Money-Modest correlation

Happy people
Traits- High self esteem, optimism, extraversion
Relationships- Married 39% happy non married 24% happy
Faith- Religious people happier

Question 3

Conclusions

Answer 3

Importance of adaptation (The effects of negative events fade over time, those experiencing trauma can recover (CC)
+
Only the last 3 months affect SWB

Cultural attitudes predispose to interpret life different, some cultures emphasise neg emotion

Those with high SWB have goals, so factors such as money only matter for happiness if it aligns with personal goals

Question 4

Methodology/ Procedures evaluation

Answer 4

-All self report techniques so poses threat of social desirability + subjective interpretation of happiness

-Good protection from harm

-May lead to people gaining stereotypes e.g. all Portuguese are unhappy

Question 5

Social Implications

Answer 5

Penn Resilience Programme