Psychology Chapter on Well-Being Theories

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

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?

Neglect of negative emotions Signup and view all the answers

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

Positive psychology Signup and view all the answers

What did William C. Compton study before pursuing psychology?

Far Eastern Studies Signup and view all the answers

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

1989 Signup and view all the answers

What course did Compton create in 1992?

Psychology of well-being Signup and view all the answers

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

Positive psychology Signup and view all the answers

What is one of Compton's research focuses?

Optimal well-being Signup and view all the answers

What form of meditation has Compton studied extensively?

Zen Buddhist meditation Signup and view all the answers

Who is Edward Hoffman?

A leading scholar in humanistic psychology Signup and view all the answers

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

15 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of positive psychology?

The scientific study of positive human functioning Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT typically studied within positive psychology?

Psychological disorders Signup and view all the answers

How does positive psychology contribute to understanding institutions?

By investigating how they can better support citizens Signup and view all the answers

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

An understanding derived from philosophy about a fulfilling life Signup and view all the answers

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

Styles of psychotherapy focusing on topics of regret Signup and view all the answers

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

Martin E.P. Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Signup and view all the answers

What role does positive psychology assign to virtues?

They strengthen authentic happiness Signup and view all the answers

What critical shift did positive psychology encourage among psychologists?

Paying closer attention to successful human behaviors Signup and view all the answers

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

Pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain Signup and view all the answers

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

Sensual pleasures are fleeting and require constant effort Signup and view all the answers

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

They contributed to the development of a social identity and relationship with God Signup and view all the answers

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

Divine command theory Signup and view all the answers

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

Rational thinking Signup and view all the answers

How do societies generally view the hedonistic pursuit of pleasure?

As self-defeating and problematic Signup and view all the answers

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

Sensual pleasures Signup and view all the answers

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

It creates lasting benefits to personality Signup and view all the answers

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

Faith, Hope, Charity Signup and view all the answers

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

Both positive and negative emotions affect health. Signup and view all the answers

What did Maimonides suggest as essential for healthy functioning?

Mindfulness and present focus Signup and view all the answers

Which concept influenced Maimonides regarding emotional self-regulation?

Aristotle's concept of the golden mean Signup and view all the answers

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

Intense practice of contemplative spirituality Signup and view all the answers

How did the Renaissance shift the understanding of personhood?

It encouraged exploration of classic teachings and humanism. Signup and view all the answers

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

Cheerfulness, friendliness, and generosity Signup and view all the answers

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

The satisfaction of a spiritual relationship with God Signup and view all the answers

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

True happiness is delayed until after death and resurrection. Signup and view all the answers

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

Man was considered a being caught in a conflict between spiritual and carnal desires. Signup and view all the answers

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

To protect individuals from the dangers of worldly distractions. Signup and view all the answers

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

Charity Signup and view all the answers

What are the four cardinal virtues designed to promote?

Behaviors that lead to virtuous conduct and avoidance of sin. Signup and view all the answers

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

It resembles Freud’s concept of the balance between the id and the ego. Signup and view all the answers

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

The constant internal battle between spiritual aspirations and physical desires. Signup and view all the answers

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

Self-indulgent hedonism. Signup and view all the answers

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.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

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.