Positive Psychology Quiz and Flashcards: Test Your Knowledge

Positive Psychology Quiz

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.

Created by

@AffirmativeWhite8759

Questions and Answers

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?

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?

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?

Positive psychology largely relies on concepts from the Western philosophical tradition, such as the Aristotelian concept of eudaimonia, which is typically rendered in English with the terms 'flourishing', 'the good life' or 'happiness'. Signup and view all the answers

What are some factors that positive psychologists suggest may contribute to happiness and subjective well-being?

Positive psychologists suggest factors such as social ties, membership in clubs or social organizations, physical exercise, and the practice of meditation may contribute to happiness and subjective well-being. Signup and view all the answers

Who chose positive psychology as the theme for his term as president of the American Psychological Association?

Martin Seligman Signup and view all the answers

Which movement does positive psychology build on?

Humanistic movement Signup and view all the answers

What does positive psychology largely rely on in terms of philosophical tradition?

Western philosophical tradition Signup and view all the answers

What are the positive psychologists studying empirically?

Conditions and processes that contribute to flourishing, subjective well-being, and happiness Signup and view all the answers

Which factors do positive psychologists suggest may contribute to happiness and subjective well-being?

Social ties, membership in clubs, physical exercise, and the practice of meditation Signup and view all the answers

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.