Positive Psychology Interventions

22 Questions

What is the primary goal of positive interventions, according to Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009)?

To cultivate positive feelings, behaviors, or cognitions

What is a critical criterion for positive interventions, as suggested by Parks and Biswas-Diener (2013)?

The intervention should be evidence-based

Which of the following is a characteristic of positive interventions, as defined by Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009)?

They focus on promoting a positive outcome

What should positive interventions prioritize, according to Parks and Biswas-Diener (2013)?

Applying the intervention optimally, responsibly, and ethically

What is a key distinction between positive interventions and traditional interventions, as suggested by Parks and Biswas-Diener (2013)?

Positive interventions focus on cultivating positive processes, while traditional interventions focus on repairing flaws

Which of the following is not a characteristic of positive interventions, as defined by Sin and Lyubomirsky (2009)?

They are applied to repair flaws or address deficiencies

What is the effect of setting goals that you have control over the outcome?

You receive more positive emotions.

What is the primary function of commitment devices?

To influence behavior through unconscious attention.

How do social norms affect behavior?

Through unconscious attention and automatic processes.

What is the context approach to behavior change?

A approach that leverages priming, defaults, commitments, and others to influence behavior.

What is the purpose of setting a date for a jam session with a friend or audience in the context of behavior change?

To create a sense of accountability.

What is the benefit of using smaller plates in the context of weight loss?

It influences behavior through priming and unconscious attention.

What is the purpose of joining an online community of guitar players in the context of behavior change?

To create a sense of accountability and commitment.

What is the goal of aligning System 1 and System 2 thinking?

To enhance decision-making and support sustained happiness.

What is the name of the programme that focuses on elevating self-awareness and supporting identity clarification?

Identity interventions

Which discrete activity involves inducing reflection and assigning meaning?

Expressive writing

Which of the following is a type of composite programme?

The Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction programme

What is the name of the model that organises discrete activities into seven categories?

A.C.T.I.O.N.S model

Who developed the programme Voyages to Wellbeing?

Cloninger

Which of the following is an example of a calming activity?

Yoga

What is the focus of the discrete activity 'Acts of kindness'?

Increasing positive emotions and social connections

Which discrete activity is associated with Lyubomirsky et al. (2005)?

Acts of kindness

Study Notes

Defining Positive Psychology Interventions

A positive intervention is an intentional activity that aims to cultivate positive feelings, behaviors, or cognitions (Sin and Lyubomirsky, 2009).
Positive activities should promote a positive outcome, operate through a positive mechanism, be evidence-based, and be applied optimally, responsibly, and ethically (Parks and Biswas-Diener, 2013).

Commitments and Positive Interventions

Setting goals that you have control over can lead to more positive emotions (Ryan, 1996).
Bite-size commitments are more effective than starting big.
Penalties can be an effective commitment strategy.

Context Approach to Behavior Change

Priming: influence behavior through unconscious attention (Bargh & Williams, 2006).
Defaults: use automatic inclination to put people into groups to influence behavior.
Commitments: set specific goals and make them concrete.
Others: use social norms and accountability to influence behavior.

Examples of Context Approach to Behavior Change

Play more guitar: move guitar to a visible location, set browser homepage to guitar tab website, set a date for a jam session, and join an online community of guitar players.
Wake up earlier: use light exposure, move alarm clock, and set meetings or duties early in the morning.
Lose weight: use a smaller plate, set non-negotiable activity in calendar, and join a club or team.

System 1 and System 2 Thinking

Aligning these systems can enhance decision-making and support sustained happiness.

Types of Positive Interventions

Composite programmes: The Fundamentals for Happiness Programme, The Voyages to Wellbeing programme, Wellbeing Therapy, Quality of Life Therapy, Positive Psychotherapy, The Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction programme, The Penn Resilience Programme, and Meaning in life intervention: The PURE model.
Discrete activities: Gratitude interventions, Acts of kindness, Best possible self, Active-Constructive Response - Capitalisation, Empathy, Forgiveness, Savouring, and Expressive writing.

A.C.T.I.O.N.S Model

A.C.T.I.O.N.S model organizes discrete activities into seven categories according to their aims and core mechanisms:
- Active interventions: physical activities such as yoga, aerobic exercise, and dance.
- Calming activities: self-soothing exercises drawing on mindfulness and meditative practices.
- Thinking exercises: activities that induce reflection and assign meaning, such as expressive writing and cognitive reframing.
- Identity interventions: exercises designed to elevate self-awareness, support identity clarification, and encourage self-development.

Learn about positive psychology interventions, their mechanisms, and application. Explore how setting goals and promoting positive outcomes can lead to more well-being.

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