Positive Psychology: Nature, Scope, and Purpose

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Questions and Answers

According to Sheldon et al. (1999), positive psychology should consider optimal functioning at how many levels?

  • Five levels
  • Seven levels (correct)
  • Six levels
  • Four levels

From the history of positive psychology, what did Aristotle clarify in Book I of the Nicomachean Ethics?

  • The pursuit of good as a universal goal (correct)
  • The differentiation between bad and good character
  • The concept of optimal functioning
  • The importance of character over action

In the context of positive psychology, what is meant by 'teleological goals'?

  • Setting goals for future achievements (correct)
  • Ignoring long-term aspirations
  • Focusing only on present actions
  • Reflecting on past experiences

What did the basic assumptions of positive psychology by Seligman (2002) state about character?

<p>Character comes in two forms - bad and good virtuous character (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the manifesto mentioned, what is the core human nature perspective that change toward something good comprises?

<p>Optimal functioning or perfectionism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which foundation of positive psychology did Aristotle describe growth or change as the fundamental dimension?

<p>Aristotelian Foundation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophy advocated for the 'greatest good for the greatest number of people'?

<p>Utilitarianism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to William James, when do emotions occur?

<p>After physically acting out (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Humanistic Psychology?

<p>Fulfilling human potential through internal motivation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many categories were included in the tool created by Utilitarianism to measure happiness?

<p>Seven (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Existential Psychology frequently draw on in positive psychology?

<p>Existential thinkers, themes, and terminology (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Utilitarianism, what is the right act or policy for government based on?

<p>'The greatest good for the greatest number of people' (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi (2000), what critique did they have of contemporary psychology?

<p>It focuses too much on pathology, faults, and dysfunctions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does positive psychology aim to revitalize, according to Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi (2000)?

<p>Positive subjective experiences (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Seligman (2002a), why is character essential in understanding human behavior?

<p>Science needs to prioritize character in studying human behavior. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does positive psychology aim to study?

<p>Optimal functioning and thriving (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of positive psychology, what does 'optimal functioning' refer to?

<p>Reaching the highest potential in various areas of life (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi (2000) argue for the need of positive psychology?

<p>To revitalize positive subjective experiences and virtues in psychology. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Optimal Functioning

The idea that positive psychology should focus on how people can function at their best in different areas of life - like work, relationships, and personal growth.

Eudaimonia

A Greek term for a life filled with purpose, virtue, and fulfillment. It's about living well and being happy.

Teleological Goals

Goals that help individuals find meaning and purpose in life, leading them toward a fulfilling existence.

Character in Positive Psychology

The basic assumption that our personality traits and values play a major role in understanding human potential.

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Core Human Nature Perspective

The belief that change is a journey toward a positive state - becoming better and happier over time.

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Growth and Change in Well-Being

The idea that human growth and change are essential for well-being. It's about constantly developing and evolving.

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Utilitarianism

An ethical theory that focuses on the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. It's about making choices that benefit everyone.

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James-Lange Theory of Emotion

The theory that our physical reactions to events come before our emotions. It's about how our bodies influence how we feel.

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Humanistic Psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on individual potential, personal growth, and a holistic approach to well-being.

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Happiness Measurement

The use of tools and methods to measure happiness and well-being, taking into account different aspects of a person's life.

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Existential Psychology

A school of thought that explores concepts like meaning, freedom, and the human condition, incorporating them into the framework of positive psychology.

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Government Policy in Utilitarianism

The principle that the best government policies are those that maximize happiness for the majority of the population.

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Critique of Contemporary Psychology

A criticism of traditional psychology for focusing too much on mental illness and not enough on positive aspects, like human strengths.

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Goals of Positive Psychology

The goal of positive psychology is to shift the focus from illness to the strengths and virtues of individuals, promoting well-being and happiness.

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Importance of Character

Understanding character is crucial for a complete understanding of human behavior and potential, encompassing not just actions but also inner values and traits.

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Study of Positive Psychology

The study of the factors that contribute to human flourishing, focusing on optimal functioning in various areas of life to enhance well-being.

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Optimal Functioning

The concept of individuals thriving in different areas of life - emotionally, socially, and psychologically - reaching their full potential.

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Advocacy for Positive Psychology

A call for a shift in psychological research to focus not just on mental disorders but also on positive experiences and character development.

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Study Notes

Positive Psychology Overview

  • Sheldon et al. (1999) argue that positive psychology should consider optimal functioning at multiple levels.
  • Aristotle, in Book I of the Nicomachean Ethics, clarifies the importance of achieving eudaimonia, a life of virtue and fulfillment.

Teleological Goals and Character

  • 'Teleological goals' in positive psychology refer to objectives that are oriented toward achieving a meaningful and purpose-driven life.
  • Seligman (2002) states that positive psychology's basic assumptions emphasize that character, rather than just behavior, is critical for understanding human potential.

Core Human Nature and Change

  • The manifesto on positive psychology suggests that the core human nature perspective is that change entails improvement toward a positive state.
  • Aristotle's work positioned growth or change as fundamental for understanding well-being within the foundations of positive psychology.

Philosophical Underpinnings

  • Utilitarianism advocates for the principle of maximizing the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
  • William James posits that emotions occur after physiological responses, emphasizing the body's role in emotional experience.

Focus of Humanistic Psychology

  • The main focus of Humanistic Psychology revolves around individual potential and personal growth, emphasizing a holistic approach to well-being.

Happiness Measurement

  • Utilitarianism's tool for measuring happiness includes several distinct categories that encapsulate various aspects of well-being.

Existential Psychology

  • Existential Psychology often draws on themes such as meaning, freedom, and the human condition, integrating them into positive psychology's framework.

Government Policy in Utilitarianism

  • According to Utilitarianism, the right act or policy for the government is based on the principle that it should yield the greatest overall happiness.

Critique of Contemporary Psychology

  • Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi (2000) critique contemporary psychology for its focus on pathology and dysfunction rather than strength and optimal performance.

Goals of Positive Psychology

  • Positive psychology aims to revitalize the field of psychology by shifting attention from illness to the strengths and virtues of individuals.
  • Seligman (2002a) emphasizes that understanding character is essential for a comprehensive view of human behavior and potential.

Study of Positive Psychology

  • Positive psychology aims to study factors that contribute to human flourishing and optimal functioning, enhancing life satisfaction and well-being.
  • In this context, 'optimal functioning' refers to individuals thriving in various aspects of life, including emotional, social, and psychological well-being.

Advocacy for Positive Psychology

  • Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi (2000) advocated for the need for positive psychology to address the imbalances within psychological research, focusing not just on mental disorders but also on positive experiences and character development.

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