Psychology Chapter on Well-Being Theories
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is considered a top-down predictor of subjective well-being?

  • Impact of discrimination
  • Positive relationships with other people (correct)
  • Gender differences in happiness
  • Money and wealth

What is a bottom-up predictor of subjective well-being?

  • Personality traits
  • Quality of life therapy
  • Intensity of positive emotions
  • Income and wealth (correct)

What aspect is emphasized in Fordyce’s Happiness Training Program?

  • Creating sustainable happiness (correct)
  • Rapid mood changes
  • Ignoring external factors
  • Increased negative emotions

Which of the following could be a potential downside of feeling overly happy?

<p>Neglect of negative emotions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept is associated with Barbara Fredrickson’s work regarding happiness?

<p>Positive psychology (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did William C. Compton study before pursuing psychology?

<p>Far Eastern Studies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year did Compton join the psychology faculty at Middle Tennessee State University?

<p>1989 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What course did Compton create in 1992?

<p>Psychology of well-being (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which research area was influenced by Compton's course in the late 1990s?

<p>Positive psychology (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of Compton's research focuses?

<p>Optimal well-being (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What form of meditation has Compton studied extensively?

<p>Zen Buddhist meditation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is Edward Hoffman?

<p>A leading scholar in humanistic psychology (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many books has Hoffman authored in psychology and related fields?

<p>15 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of positive psychology?

<p>The scientific study of positive human functioning (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT typically studied within positive psychology?

<p>Psychological disorders (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does positive psychology contribute to understanding institutions?

<p>By investigating how they can better support citizens (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'the good life' refer to in the context of positive psychology?

<p>An understanding derived from philosophy about a fulfilling life (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following themes is not included in the potential studies of positive psychology?

<p>Styles of psychotherapy focusing on topics of regret (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who are the prominent figures associated with the foundational principles of positive psychology?

<p>Martin E.P. Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does positive psychology assign to virtues?

<p>They strengthen authentic happiness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical shift did positive psychology encourage among psychologists?

<p>Paying closer attention to successful human behaviors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of hedonism in relation to well-being?

<p>Pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why has the exclusive pursuit of pleasure been deemed unworkable by many societies?

<p>Sensual pleasures are fleeting and require constant effort (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the ancient Hebrews play in shaping Western civilization?

<p>They contributed to the development of a social identity and relationship with God (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical theory describes happiness as living according to divine commands?

<p>Divine command theory (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a prohibition established by the Ten Commandments for the ancient Hebrews?

<p>Rational thinking (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do societies generally view the hedonistic pursuit of pleasure?

<p>As self-defeating and problematic (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key component do hedonists believe is essential for the good life?

<p>Sensual pleasures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the pursuit of pleasure according to the discussions on hedonism?

<p>It creates lasting benefits to personality (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three theological virtues added by medieval scholastics to the original four virtues?

<p>Faith, Hope, Charity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Moses Maimonides attribute to emotions in relation to health?

<p>Both positive and negative emotions affect health. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Maimonides suggest as essential for healthy functioning?

<p>Mindfulness and present focus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept influenced Maimonides regarding emotional self-regulation?

<p>Aristotle's concept of the golden mean (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the personal pursuit of mysticism during the Middle Ages?

<p>Intense practice of contemplative spirituality (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Renaissance shift the understanding of personhood?

<p>It encouraged exploration of classic teachings and humanism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which positive character traits did Maimonides encourage for leading a worthy life?

<p>Cheerfulness, friendliness, and generosity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main concern of monks engaged in contemplative spirituality during the Middle Ages?

<p>The satisfaction of a spiritual relationship with God (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction made in the medieval conception of happiness?

<p>True happiness is delayed until after death and resurrection. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the nature of man in the Middle Ages according to Lowry?

<p>Man was considered a being caught in a conflict between spiritual and carnal desires. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What purpose did the Church's doctrine of the seven deadly sins serve during the Middle Ages?

<p>To protect individuals from the dangers of worldly distractions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the seven deadly sins outlined during the Middle Ages?

<p>Charity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the four cardinal virtues designed to promote?

<p>Behaviors that lead to virtuous conduct and avoidance of sin. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the medieval internal conflict between flesh and spirit relate to modern psychological theories?

<p>It resembles Freud’s concept of the balance between the id and the ego. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of human nature was emphasized as inherently flawed during the Middle Ages?

<p>The constant internal battle between spiritual aspirations and physical desires. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these behaviors are condemned by the Church according to the list of seven deadly sins?

<p>Self-indulgent hedonism. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Top-Down Predictors of Well-Being

Factors like thoughts, relationships, and personality traits influencing happiness.

Bottom-Up Predictors of Well-Being

External factors like wealth, gender, and environment influencing happiness.

Leisure

Activities enjoyed for their own sake, contributing to well-being.

Subjective Well-being

Individual's personal assessment of their quality of life and happiness.

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Positive Emotions

Experiences like joy, enthusiasm, and contentment that contribute to well-being.

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Compton's field of study

Compton's research focused on positive mental health, optimal well-being, and meditation.

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Compton's career path

He started as a Far Eastern Studies major, earned a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, taught at Middle Tennessee State University and maintained a private practice.

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Positive Psychology Course

In 1992, Compton created a course focused on the psychology of well-being, one of the first worldwide.

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Positive Psychology emergence

Seligman and others later grouped similar material from Compton's courses under the "positive psychology" research area.

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Hoffman's area of expertise

Hoffman is a humanistic psychologist specializing in well-being, higher motivation, and spirituality.

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Hoffman's teaching role

Hoffman created and taught a course on positive psychology at Yeshiva University.

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Hoffman's publications

Hoffman authored over 15 books on psychology, including biographies of prominent figures and Maslow's unpublished work.

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Hoffman's approach

Study and spread of knowledge related to well-being, higher motivation, and spirituality.

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Positive Psychology

The scientific study of positive human functioning and thriving across various life aspects (biological, personal, relational, institutional, cultural, global).

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Good Life

From a psychological perspective, not just about wealth but about what constitutes a fulfilling and successful existence.

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Civic Virtues

Positive traits promoting a healthy society, such as responsibility and good citizenship.

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Healthy Families

Families with positive functioning, relationships and well-being.

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Healthy Work Environments

Work places that support employee well-being and success.

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Altruism

Unselfish concern for the well-being of others.

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Psychological Benefits of Zen Meditation

The positive impacts of a practice focused on mindfulness and mental clarity on psychological health.

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Hedonism

The belief that the pursuit of well-being is primarily about seeking individual pleasures and avoiding pain.

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Limitations of Hedonism

Hedonism is often seen as self-defeating because pleasures are temporary and require constant effort, leading to no lasting personal growth.

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Early Hebrews' Influence

The ancient Hebrews, through Judaism, played a crucial role in shaping the Western worldview, alongside Greek civilization and Christianity.

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Divine Command Theory

The belief that happiness is achieved by living according to the rules or commands issued by a Supreme Being.

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Prohibitions of the Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments prohibit self-centeredness, greed, and irrational anger, encouraging a focus on God and others.

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Ancient Hebrews' Social Identity

The ancient Hebrews developed a unique social identity through their distinct relationship with their own personal God.

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Focus on God (Hebrews)

For the Hebrews, happiness stemmed from accepting the singular God of the ancient Hebrews, focusing on their relationship with him.

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Happiness Through Obedience (Hebrews)

The ancient Hebrews believed that happiness is achieved by obeying the divine commands and aligning one's life with God's will.

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What are the four cardinal virtues?

The four cardinal virtues are fortitude, justice, prudence, and temperance. They are considered fundamental to living a virtuous life.

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What are the three theological virtues?

The three theological virtues are faith, hope, and charity. They transcend human reason and are gifts from God.

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Who is Moses Maimonides?

Moses Maimonides (1138–1204) was a Jewish religious leader, philosopher, and physician known for his wisdom and emphasis on positive emotions and character traits.

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What did Maimonides warn about?

Maimonides warned about the negative impact of chronic anger and sadness on health.

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What is the golden mean in emotional self-regulation?

The golden mean, inspired by Aristotle, is a balance in emotional expression, avoiding extremes and finding a middle ground.

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What is mysticism?

Mysticism is the practice of seeking a profound and direct relationship with the divine through contemplation and spiritual experiences.

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What is humanism?

Humanism emphasizes human potential and reason, focusing on human experience and values rather than religious dogma.

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What is the Renaissance?

The Renaissance was a period of great cultural and artistic flourishing in Europe, characterized by renewed interest in classical learning and humanism.

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Medieval Conception of Happiness

During the early Middle Ages (500-1200 CE), happiness was seen as something achievable only after death and resurrection into heaven. It was separate from worldly pleasures and focused on spiritual fulfillment.

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Internal Battle: Spirit vs. Flesh

Medieval thought saw a constant struggle between the spiritual nature (seeking virtue) and the physical desires (of the flesh). This was considered a defining aspect of human nature.

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Seven Deadly Sins

The Church identified seven core evils that destroy character and lead to further sin. These are: anger, envy, greed, intemperance, lust, pride, and sloth.

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Cardinal Virtues

In contrast to the deadly sins, four cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance) were seen as fundamental to virtuous behavior and were viewed as essential for overcoming the seven deadly sins.

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Theological Virtues

These are three virtues that go beyond the cardinal virtues: faith, hope, and charity. They are seen as divine gifts and important for achieving true spiritual fulfillment.

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Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory

Even today, the idea of an internal conflict between desires and rational thinking remains relevant. Freud suggested the 'id' (representing irrational desires) needs to be controlled by the 'ego' (driven by reality).

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Virtue Theory in the Middle Ages

This theory emphasizes the importance of developing good character and engaging in virtuous behaviors to achieve true happiness. It reflects the Church's focus on spiritual development over worldly pleasures.

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Study Notes

Top-Down and Bottom-Up Theories of Subjective Well-Being

  • Top-Down predictors: Focus on individual thoughts and perceptions (cognition), relationships, and personality traits.
  • Bottom-Up predictors: Focus on external factors like money, gender, attractiveness, climate, and discrimination.

Increasing Happiness and Life Satisfaction

  • Intensity and Frequency of Positive Emotions: Are key to satisfaction.
  • Strategies for Creating a Good Mood: Various methods exist to improve mood.
  • Happiness Training Programs (Fordyce): Programs to cultivate happiness.
  • Sustainable Happiness: The search for lasting happiness and fulfillment.
  • Positivity Research (Fredrickson): Focus on positive aspects to improve well-being.
  • Quality of Life Therapy: Addressing quality of life issues for better well-being.
  • Effective Interventions: Enhancing the effectiveness of interventions.

Cautionary Tales: The Down Side of Feeling Up

  • Need for Negative Emotions: Negative emotions are necessary for balance.

Leisure, Flow, Mindfulness, and Peak Performance

  • Leisure and Well-Being: Connection between leisure and well-being.
  • Characteristics of Leisure Activities: What separates leisure activities from other activities?
  • Notable Figures in the Study of Well-being: Compton (focus on positive psychology), and Hoffman (contributions to humanistic psychology).
  • Positive Psychology: Defined as the scientific study of positive human functioning and flourishing, and its scope.

Scope of Positive Psychology

  • Focus on Human Strengths: Positive psychology's interest in human strengths (altruism, compassion, creativity).
  • Relevance of Positive Psychology: Relevance of the approach today.
  • Good Life: The concept of a good life, explored philosophically and across cultures.

Hedonism

  • Definition: Pursuit of individual sensual pleasures and avoidance of pain.
  • Criticisms: Considered insufficient for long-term well-being.

Ancient Hebrews

  • Divine Command Theory: Happiness is achieved by following God's commands.

Medieval Church

  • Separation of Spirit and Flesh: Separation between spiritual and physical pleasures.
  • Seven Deadly Sins and Cardinal Virtues: A framework for understanding and avoiding vice and practicing virtue.

Moses Maimonides

  • Positive and Negative Emotions: Recognition of both positive and negative emotions impact on health.
  • Mindfulness Practices: Importance of focused awareness on the present moment.

Mysticism and the Renaissance

  • Mysticism: Intense practice of contemplative spirituality.
  • Humanism (Renaissance): Shift towards exploring classic teachings, away from strict religious dogma.

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Explore the Top-Down and Bottom-Up theories of subjective well-being. This quiz covers various strategies to increase happiness, the importance of positive emotions, and the effectiveness of happiness training programs. Assess your knowledge of key concepts in well-being research and interventions.

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