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Questions and Answers
What does positive psychology study?
What does positive psychology study?
Positive psychology studies the conditions that contribute to the optimal functioning of people, groups, and institutions, focusing on positive subjective experience, positive individual traits, and positive institutions.
When did positive psychology emerge as a new domain of psychology?
When did positive psychology emerge as a new domain of psychology?
Positive psychology began as a new domain of psychology in 1998 when Martin Seligman chose it as the theme for his term as president of the American Psychological Association.
What is positive psychology's reaction against?
What is positive psychology's reaction against?
It is a reaction against past practices which tended to focus on mental illness and which emphasized maladaptive behavior and negative thinking.
Which philosophical tradition does positive psychology rely on?
Which philosophical tradition does positive psychology rely on?
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What are some factors that positive psychologists suggest may contribute to happiness and subjective well-being?
What are some factors that positive psychologists suggest may contribute to happiness and subjective well-being?
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Who chose positive psychology as the theme for his term as president of the American Psychological Association?
Who chose positive psychology as the theme for his term as president of the American Psychological Association?
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Which movement does positive psychology build on?
Which movement does positive psychology build on?
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What does positive psychology largely rely on in terms of philosophical tradition?
What does positive psychology largely rely on in terms of philosophical tradition?
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What are the positive psychologists studying empirically?
What are the positive psychologists studying empirically?
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Which factors do positive psychologists suggest may contribute to happiness and subjective well-being?
Which factors do positive psychologists suggest may contribute to happiness and subjective well-being?
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Study Notes
Positive Psychology
- Studies the positive aspects of human experience, focusing on strengths and virtues to enhance well-being and happiness.
- Emerged as a new domain of psychology in the late 1990s.
Reaction and Roots
- Reacts against the focus on pathologies and deficits in traditional psychology.
- Relying on the philosophical tradition of Virtue Ethics, which emphasizes the development of good character.
Pursuit of Happiness
- Positive psychologists suggest that factors contributing to happiness and subjective well-being include:
- Positive emotions
- Strengths of character
- Meaningful social relationships
- Flow experiences
- Gratitude
- Mindfulness
- Acts of altruism
Founding and Influence
- Martin Seligman chose positive psychology as the theme for his term as president of the American Psychological Association in 1998.
- Builds on the Humanistic Psychology movement, which emphasizes human dignity and growth.
Empirical Focus
- Positive psychologists study empirically the factors that contribute to well-being, happiness, and flourishing lives.
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Description
Test your knowledge of positive psychology with this quiz! Learn about the principles and practices that contribute to optimal human functioning, positive individual traits, and the improvement of quality of life. Explore the history and key concepts of this field and discover how it has become an important domain within psychology.
