Psychology of Emotions and Interactions

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following emotions are considered self-conscious emotions?

Happiness

Surprise

Anger

Guilt (correct)

What is the main finding of the online interaction study regarding mimicry?

Mimicry only increases with positive interactions.

Mimicry increases when social affiliation goals are unmet. (correct)

Mimicry occurs regardless of social goals.

Mimicry decreases during online interactions.

What does the contamination hypothesis suggest about low self-esteem individuals?

They may degrade their partner to avoid potential rejection. (correct)

They actively seek out positive feedback regardless of history.

They enhance their partner's self-esteem during self-doubt.

They often remain indifferent to their partner's feelings.

Which of the following best describes conformity?

Changing behavior to align with group norms. Signup and view all the answers

How do less human-like avatars affect emotions in online interactions?

They are perceived as lacking self-conscious emotions. Signup and view all the answers

What is an outcome when individuals accurately rank group contributions despite overestimating their own?

It indicates a self-serving bias without impairing overall perception. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between compliance and obedience?

Compliance is based on social pressure, obedience on authority commands. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does exposure to death-related content have on conscious thoughts?

It triggers efforts to minimize or distract from death thoughts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the rebound effect in the context of suppressed thoughts?

Suppressed thoughts return more intensely after a short period. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes global bias in partner idolization?

Seeing a partner in overly positive, broad terms. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Matching Hypothesis in romantic relationships suggest?

People often end up with partners of similar attractiveness. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the enhancement effect on individuals?

It causes individuals to doubt excessive positive feedback. Signup and view all the answers

According to Leary's Sociometer Model, what does low self-esteem signify?

A need for social connection due to exclusion. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of Mary Ainsworth's Strange Situation procedure?

Evaluating attachment styles through caregiver interactions. Signup and view all the answers

Which attachment style is characterized by high anxiety and low avoidance?

Preoccupied attachment. Signup and view all the answers

What behavior typically distinguishes securely attached individuals during stress?

They tend to seek support from others. Signup and view all the answers

What type of attachment is characterized by a fear of closeness?

Avoidant attachment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of excessive positive feedback over time?

It can create doubt about self-competence. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of attachment theory, what is a 'secure base'?

The ability of a caregiver to provide comfort during distress. Signup and view all the answers

How does attachment style affect coping with stress?

Secure attachments often correlate with seeking social support. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'fearful attachment' relate to?

High anxiety and avoidance due to adverse experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the attachment system in response to perceived threats?

It assesses the availability of support from attachment figures. Signup and view all the answers

What self-protective strategy do individuals with low self-esteem often engage in?

Derogating or devaluing their partner Signup and view all the answers

Which concept describes how a supportive partner can enhance the qualities of someone with low self-esteem?

The Michelangelo Effect Signup and view all the answers

Implicit self-esteem is particularly predictive of what in relation to relationships?

Changes in relationship satisfaction Signup and view all the answers

What is crucial for maintaining relationship health according to the discussed concepts?

Balancing positive illusions with awareness of specific behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What role do deliberative mindsets play in relationships?

They help recognize problems within the relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the four moral motives that influence behavior?

Unity Signup and view all the answers

What effect does self-objectification have on women's behaviors?

Engagement in symbolic eating due to body shame Signup and view all the answers

What effect does mortality salience have on individuals according to Terror Management Theory?

It increases anxiety about death, prompting a defense of cultural worldviews. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Ascent of Man scale measure in the context of dehumanization?

Conscious attitudes towards others Signup and view all the answers

What does system justification refer to in a social context?

Supporting and rationalizing systems even if they disadvantage one's group Signup and view all the answers

How does self-control relate to prejudiced behavior?

Depletion of self-control can lead to more prejudiced behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What did Batson’s altruism argument emphasize?

Empathy leads to altruistic behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What does ego depletion affect in terms of self-control?

Reduces self-control leading to impulsive behavior Signup and view all the answers

According to the studies, how do individuals with low self-esteem interpret minor complaints?

As signs of rejection Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential outcome of engaging in pro-social behavior?

Enhanced personal happiness Signup and view all the answers

What does the Hedonic Treadmill concept suggest about happiness?

Positive experiences require ongoing effort to sustain happiness. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is a significant predictor of happiness, according to the studies?

Unemployment Signup and view all the answers

What is a common effect of relationship illusions?

They can be harmful when misperceiving specific behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aspects is a focus of Moral Foundations Theory?

Five moral foundations guiding judgments. Signup and view all the answers

What role do situational cues play in construct activation?

They can activate constructs typically not on one’s mind. Signup and view all the answers

What do gratitude exercises generally aim to improve?

Subjective well-being Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'reciprocal concessions' refer to in interpersonal interactions?

A mutual back-and-forth of concessions Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon describes the tendency to overestimate the lasting emotional impact of specific events?

Durability Bias Signup and view all the answers

What primary assertion does Cialdini make regarding altruistic behavior?

Personal distress motivates altruism. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the intimacy model in relationships?

Understanding, accepting, and caring for one’s partner Signup and view all the answers

In the Snack Choice Study, which behavior did participants exhibit over time?

Regretting their choice for variety Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of adaptation reflects the long-term adjustment after significant life events?

Adaptation Phase. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key takeaway regarding resilience and happiness?

Recognizing our capacity for adaptation helps in navigating challenges Signup and view all the answers

What did the German Socioeconomic Panel Study suggest about happiness?

A significant percentage of participants showed changes in happiness over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of the Ascent of Man Scale in relation to dehumanization?

It focuses on assessing implicit attitudes associated with negative stereotypes. Signup and view all the answers

What does misattribution of arousal refer to in social contexts?

Mistaking physiological responses for romantic attraction Signup and view all the answers

Which statement aligns with the research on life satisfaction in relation to time duration?

People evaluate experiences based on peak and end moments Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome attributed to system justification?

Justifying disadvantageous structures for one’s own group. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the baseline phase regarding subjective well-being?

It establishes subjective well-being before life events. Signup and view all the answers

In the Focalism Study, what did students in both sunny and less sunny regions underestimate?

The role of relationships and health in satisfaction Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of implicit processes in psychology?

They can predict behaviors without conscious awareness. Signup and view all the answers

How can happiness strategies change an individual's long-term well-being?

They can lead to permanent lifestyle alterations Signup and view all the answers

What can the impacts of losing a job be compared to other life setbacks?

Harder to recover from Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of soft setpoint theory?

Happiness can be influenced by major life events. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by self-control depletion in relation to biases?

It may increase biased and prejudiced responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'duration neglect'?

Tending to overlook pain duration in preference judgments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is most strongly associated with happiness beyond basic needs?

Social relationships Signup and view all the answers

What is a common bias people experience when predicting future happiness?

Overestimating the impact of single events Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the stability in happiness over time is attributed to genetic factors, according to the Minnesota Twin Registry findings?

80% Signup and view all the answers

During which phase do individuals usually experience temporary changes in happiness after a significant life event?

Reaction phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of studying subjective well-being (SWB)?

To improve public health policies. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the concept of adaptation in happiness following major life events?

Individuals eventually return to baseline happiness after some time. Signup and view all the answers

What does the heritability of happiness suggest overall?

There are both genetic and environmental influences on happiness. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component measured by subjective well-being (SWB)?

Financial security Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'felt security' refer to in the context of attachment?

The identification of the primary attachment figure Signup and view all the answers

What role does social desirability bias play in happiness ratings?

It encourages people to give socially acceptable responses. Signup and view all the answers

How do different attachment styles influence behavior in response to stress?

Secure attachment typically enhances positive behavioral responses. Signup and view all the answers

What temporary effect is commonly observed after marriage according to Rich Lucas's study?

Increased happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of individuals typically remain in the same attachment category across time points?

70% Signup and view all the answers

How does attachment vary across different relationships?

People can exhibit different attachment styles with different individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the diminishing effect of money on overall happiness?

After meeting basic needs, additional wealth has little effect. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of twins showed a higher correlation in happiness levels according to the Minnesota Twin Registry?

Monozygotic twins raised together. Signup and view all the answers

What impact do secure attachment figures have on coping with stress?

They help individuals cope better through subliminal priming. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'baseline phase' refer to in the context of happiness and life events?

Happiness levels before the life event occurs. Signup and view all the answers

In what way can early experiences influence new relationships according to transference?

Past attachments are unconsciously compared with new individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which attachment style is suggested to be the most stable over time?

Secure Signup and view all the answers

What behavior is associated with individuals who have secure attachments?

Enhanced compassion and altruism Signup and view all the answers

How does Leary's sociometer hypothesis relate to self-esteem?

Self-esteem decreases when social belongingness needs are unmet. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Baldwin's study on attachment across relationships?

To analyze how secure individuals feel in various relationships Signup and view all the answers

What effect does subliminal priming with secure attachment figures have?

It can significantly enhance coping mechanisms in stressful situations. Signup and view all the answers

How do secure individuals typically respond to threats compared to avoidant individuals?

They seek support from their attachment figures. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Americans reported being above average in life satisfaction according to Diener's research?

84-89% Signup and view all the answers

What did the Nun Study suggest about nuns who expressed high positive emotion in their autobiographies?

They lived, on average, 7 years longer. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor accounts for a significant portion of happiness over the long term?

Life conditions Signup and view all the answers

How does happiness correlate with physical health according to the content?

Happiness improves physical health and increases life expectancy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the correlation versus causality debate regarding wealth and subjective well-being?

Other factors may influence both wealth and happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What trend was observed regarding wealth and happiness from 1990 to 2020?

Social media exposure led to increased dissatisfaction. Signup and view all the answers

How does a person with a chronic attachment model typically interpret relationships compared to someone whose attachment style is situationally activated?

They have a more critical interpretation of relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does wealth have on individuals in poorer nations compared to wealthier nations?

Wealth's impact on happiness is stronger in poorer nations. Signup and view all the answers

Which measure was found to be a better predictor of happiness in newlyweds according to the findings of McNulty?

Unconscious feelings or associations. Signup and view all the answers

According to the findings, how do super-rich individuals compare to the general population regarding happiness?

Super-rich individuals report higher levels of happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What type of threat is primarily concerned with one's self-esteem?

Ego Threat. Signup and view all the answers

What does Set Point Theory suggest about the influence of life events on happiness?

Happiness levels stabilize after life events without lasting effects. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the relationship between wealth and happiness within countries?

The correlation between wealth and happiness is weaker. Signup and view all the answers

What portion of happiness can be attributed to genetics over the long term?

24% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary implication of the Hedonic Treadmill concept?

People adapt to both positive and negative changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of positive psychology as initiated by Ed Diener?

Improving human functioning. Signup and view all the answers

Which finding about recent life events and subjective well-being is correct?

Their effects tend to diminish over time. Signup and view all the answers

Individuals with lower happiness levels tend to show which pattern in their emotional states?

Greater variability in happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main conclusion regarding the relationship between wealth and happiness?

Wealth can enhance happiness, but its effects are influenced by other factors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following life conditions has a lasting impact on happiness?

Health Signup and view all the answers

How does materialism typically affect happiness?

It can decrease happiness if negative motives are involved. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of miswanting?

Pursuing material possessions for fulfillment. Signup and view all the answers

Which research found that 84-89% of people across countries reported being above average in life satisfaction?

The Diener et al. Study Signup and view all the answers

Which factor was found to correlate with higher happiness among older adults?

Increased physical activity. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does pro-social spending have on individual happiness according to the UBC study?

It increases happiness compared to spending on oneself. Signup and view all the answers

What did research on happiness in poorer countries indicate?

Wealth has a significant impact on subjective well-being. Signup and view all the answers

According to research, what happens to happiness levels after marriage and widowhood?

Widowhood has a more prolonged negative impact than marriage. Signup and view all the answers

Which motivation for seeking wealth is associated with greater well-being?

Acquiring wealth for security and to support loved ones. Signup and view all the answers

What does Soft Set Point Theory propose about happiness compared to the original theory?

Some individuals experience permanent happiness changes after events. Signup and view all the answers

What does Biswas-Diener's research suggest about happiness in simpler communities?

Lifestyle choices and values can lead to happiness independent of wealth. Signup and view all the answers

How do lottery winners' happiness levels change over time, according to Brickman's study?

They return to baseline happiness after about a year. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes profiles of happy people across different demographics?

They tend to have strong social connections. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does an increase in income typically have on happiness?

As aspirations rise, the benefits of increased income on happiness may diminish. Signup and view all the answers

What role do personal perspectives play in subjective well-being?

They shape reactions to events and overall happiness. Signup and view all the answers

How does cheerfulness relate to income generation for young adults?

Cheerfulness is positively correlated with greater earning success. Signup and view all the answers

Which group is particularly affected by high fluctuations in happiness levels?

People facing less stability in circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the effect of wealth on the wealthy?

Wealth does not significantly increase happiness but does not reduce it either. Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does spending money on others serve related to subjective well-being?

It enhances one's own happiness and well-being. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding immigrant happiness is accurate?

Immigrants to wealthier countries often report increased happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key takeaway regarding happiness and lifestyle from the content?

Happiness can stem from how we live and what we value, not just from wealth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of systemic barriers on cheerfulness and wealth accumulation?

For those in poverty, cheerfulness alone does not overcome systemic barriers. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main finding of the Frequency vs. Intensity Study regarding happiness?

Regularly good days contribute to greater happiness than a mix of extremes. Signup and view all the answers

What factor significantly limits the impact of additional income on happiness?

The amount of wealth accumulated beyond basic needs. Signup and view all the answers

How does unemployment impact an individual's happiness according to the findings?

It has lasting negative effects beyond financial issues. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of the 'hedonic treadmill' reveal about emotional adaptation?

Sustainable happiness is influenced by interpretation of life events. Signup and view all the answers

What is one implication of Francis Bacon's metaphor about wealth and happiness?

The way money is spent can enhance well-being. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main finding of the study that involved participants being primed with secure attachment figures?

Participants engaged more in unpleasant tasks when supported by secure attachment figures. Signup and view all the answers

What role does religion play in influencing happiness according to the studies?

Its effects on happiness diminish in more secular societies. Signup and view all the answers

What error does affective forecasting highlight regarding future emotional states?

People often misjudge the emotional impact of future events. Signup and view all the answers

In the Stress Buffer Study, what was the impact of priming participants with warm, supportive words?

Participants coped better during stressful imagery tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What finding relates to the spending on experiences versus material possessions?

Experiences lead to greater and longer-lasting happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Sociometer Hypothesis suggest about self-esteem?

Self-esteem acts as a gauge for social inclusion and belonging. Signup and view all the answers

Which common bias affects our understanding of what brings happiness?

Miswanting and durability bias. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'positive illusions in relationships'?

Viewing partners in an overly favorable light for relationship satisfaction. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept explains why individuals might project their ideal partner traits onto their current partner?

Projection of Ideal Characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is a pronounced effect of the hedonic treadmill on happiness following life events?

Emotional impact from wealth changes diminishes over time. Signup and view all the answers

According to the studies, what trend is commonly expected to happen in long-term relationships regarding illusions?

There is a shift from relationship illusions to self-verification for stability. Signup and view all the answers

How do relationships affect happiness levels based on the studies?

They are crucial predictors of long-term happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of happiness does the concept of construal pertain to?

The interpretation of experiences through personal motives. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the Better-than-Average Effect in relationships, particularly regarding self-ratings?

Partners rate each other more positively than themselves. Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis explains how a partner’s positive view can influence the other’s self-esteem?

Reflected Appraisal Hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between income and happiness?

Income significantly impacts happiness only up to a certain threshold. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Transformation Hypothesis suggest about interpreting relationship flaws?

Partners can reinterpret flaws as virtues. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect contributes to happiness more than mere financial wealth?

Generosity and altruism. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is indicated as a heavier predictor of happiness than material wealth?

Employment stability. Signup and view all the answers

Individuals with low self-esteem tend to engage in which behavior in their relationships?

They project self-doubt and assume rejection. Signup and view all the answers

Which research finding indicated that idealizing a partner can increase relationship satisfaction?

Sandra Murray's Research Signup and view all the answers

What is one way reflected appraisal can affect individuals in a relationship?

It allows one partner's perception to enhance the other’s self-esteem. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does low self-esteem generally have on relationship dynamics?

It can result in feelings of vulnerability and relationship distress. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Buffering Hypothesis in relationship satisfaction?

It indicates that illusions help withstand negativity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the adaptation phase in the context of happiness?

The time after life events where individuals return to baseline happiness levels. Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis suggests that happier individuals are more likely to get married?

Selection Hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What does the ceiling effect in hedonic leveling imply?

Individuals at a high happiness level have less room for further increases. Signup and view all the answers

What was observed about life satisfaction in the year prior to marriage?

It usually shows a significant increase due to relationship anticipation. Signup and view all the answers

How do individuals generally react to widowhood according to reaction patterns?

Widows show varied reactions, including relief in some cases. Signup and view all the answers

What does the critique of setpoint theory suggest about individual happiness?

There is variability in how people react and adapt to life changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is miswanting in the context of happiness?

Mistakenly thinking certain achievements will lead to lasting happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What does the hedonic treadmill phenomenon refer to?

The tendency to require constant achievements for sustained happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'duration neglect' refer to?

Evaluating experiences primarily based on the most intense moments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the James Dean Effect?

Short, highly pleasurable experiences are viewed as more desirable. Signup and view all the answers

What age-specific need might young adults prioritize over others?

Personal growth and relationship quality. Signup and view all the answers

What is typically observed about satisfaction levels of individuals making over $75,000?

Satisfaction plateaus while increasing for super-rich individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What is an expected reaction for individuals with less happiness prior to marriage?

They show stronger positive reactions to marriage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of social role theory in understanding widowhood?

It outlines the unique happiness challenges faced by different marital statuses. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Self-Conscious Emotions

Examples include embarrassment, guilt, and shame.
Reflect self-awareness and help regulate social behavior.
Considered distinctly human emotions, requiring understanding societal norms and self-evaluation.
Avatars and emotions: More human-like avatars evoke self-conscious emotions; less human-like avatars don't because they are less relatable.

Online Interaction Study

Design: Examined mimicry and affiliation in interactions.
Conditions: Participants interacted with people displaying friendly or unfriendly behaviors; some participants were primed for social connection.
Findings: When the affiliation goal succeeded, no mimicry was needed. When it failed, unconscious mimicry increased to build connection. Mimicry promotes closeness and strengthens relationships when affiliation is desired.

Overestimating Bias and Tracking Accuracy

People overestimate their contributions to group tasks due to self-serving bias.
Individuals can accurately rank others’ contributions despite overestimations.
This bias doesn't impair overall group dynamic perception.

Compensation vs. Contamination Hypothesis

Compensation Hypothesis: Low self-esteem individuals seek partner reassurance to counter their self-doubt, relying on positive feedback.
Contamination Hypothesis: Low self-esteem individuals with rejection histories can devalue partners during periods of self-doubt to lessen the pain of potential future rejection.

Conformity, Compliance, and Obedience

Conformity: Adjusting behavior to match group norms.
Sherif's Autokinetic Light Test: Studied conformity with ambiguous stimuli (light movement).
Asch Line Study: Studied conformity with explicit, obvious stimuli (line lengths).
Compliance: Agreeing to requests due to social pressure.
Obedience: Following authority's orders (e.g., Milgram's experiment).

Conscious vs. Unconscious Thoughts of Death

Conscious Prime: Exposure to death-related content triggers conscious attempts at minimization (e.g., trivializing death). A rebound effect occurs, making thoughts return more intensely.
Unconscious Prime: Subliminal exposure (e.g., flashing "death") bypasses conscious defenses, making thoughts inescapable and persistent.

Global Bias vs. Specific Accuracy in Partner Idolization

Global Bias: Viewing a partner generally in overly positive terms, like "My partner is very kind."
Specific Accuracy: Evaluating specific partner behaviors, such as "My partner cooked dinner twice this week." Specific behaviors are harder to idealize revealing more grounded perceptions.

Matching Hypothesis (Romantic Relationships)

People desire the most attractive partner but usually end up with someone matching their attractiveness.
Perceived compatibility and social dynamics influence the actual matches.

Enhancement vs. Verification

Enhancement: Compliments or positive feedback temporarily boost mood. But doubts can arise about the praise's accuracy.
Verification: Individuals seek feedback aligning with their self-image, even negative feedback. This is driven by strong self-concepts, a desire for authentic relationships, and avoiding cognitive dissonance.

Attachment Theory

Self-Esteem as Social Indicator (Leary): Self-esteem gauges social inclusion/exclusion. Exclusion leads to lower self-esteem and the need for connection.
Attachment Theory (Bowlby): Early childhood attachment is vital for emotional development. Attachment figures' importance is emphasized. Attachment functions include maintaining proximity, providing a secure base, and offering comfort.
Strange Situation Procedure (Ainsworth): Assesses infant attachment using separations and reunions with the caregiver, identifying:
- Secure: Comforted by caregiver's return.
- Anxious-Ambivalent: Inconsistent responses create distress.
- Avoidant: Caregiver rejection leads to less emotional response.
Attachment in Adult Relationships: Attachment patterns influence adult romantic relationships, linking early attachment to adult romantic styles. Hazan & Shaver's Love Quiz assessed this link.
Attachment-Related Behaviors:
- Secure: Seek support during stress.
- Anxious-Ambivalent: Use emotion-focused coping, preoccupied with distress.
- Avoidant: Use distancing strategies to cope with stress.
Four Attachment Styles: Secure, Preoccupied, Dismissing, Fearful.

Key Concepts in Happiness and Decision-Making

Mispredicting Happiness ("Miswanting"): Variety Effect (people overestimate their desire for variety); Affective Contamination (current emotions bias future predictions).
Durability Bias (Overestimation): We overestimate the duration of emotional responses to events (positive or negative).
Focalism (Overemphasis): Focusing on one salient aspect when evaluating experiences, like weather affecting overall happiness, while neglecting other factors.
Immune Neglect (Underestimation): People underestimate their psychological resilience to negative events.
Duration Neglect (Focus on Peaks and Ends): Evaluating overall experiences by the peak and ending moments.
Misattribution of Arousal (Attraction): Mistaking excitement from a movie for romantic feelings toward the date.
Happiness Correlates: Unemployment significantly lowers happiness, relationships and good physical health boost. Religiousness can increase happiness within religious societies.
Frequency vs. Intensity: Consistent positive experiences are more significant than occasional strong ones.
Material Simplicity and Happiness: Biswas-Diener's research on isolated communities that live more modestly in comparison, shows that happiness is not solely reliant on wealth.
Pro-Social Spending: Studies suggest that altruistic spending, such as donating, enhances happiness more than self-serving spending.
Weather and Mood: Weather's influence on mood is complex, sometimes influenced by contrast with prior good weather, not a consistent predictor.

Wealth and Subjective Well-Being

Correlation vs. Causality: Wealth correlation with happiness doesn’t imply causation; other factors might influence both.
Historical & Cultural Context: Global wealth increase since 1950 hasn't directly translated into global happiness increase. Global connectivity may cause dissatisfaction.
Benefits of Wealth: Wealth correlates with better health, mental state, and lower stress.
Between-Group vs. Within-Group Differences: Across countries, wealthier countries have higher happiness levels on average, though this gap narrows within countries.
Life Satisfaction & Positive Affect: Wealthier people tend to report greater life satisfaction. However, this correlation is less strong within countries.
Wealth in Poor Nations: Wealth correlates with increased well-being more significantly in poorer countries.
The Super-Rich and Happiness: Surveys of the ultra-wealthy suggest that a very high wealth threshold does correlate with higher happiness.
Lottery Winners & Adaptation: Lottery winners adapt to their wealth gains and their happiness levels go back to their baseline.
Materialism & Happiness: Materialism (prioritizing wealth for status) can reduce happiness in contrast to positive motives for wealth (security for example).
Does Money Lead to Happiness?: Increased wealth can lead to greater well-being particularly when basic needs are met and stress is alleviated, but this correlation weakens as aspirations rise.

Subjective Well-being (Happiness)

Definition: Subjective well-being (SWB) comprises emotional reactions and cognitive judgments about life quality.
Measurement: Life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect are used for measurement.
Heritability: Genetic factors significantly influence happiness, though not solely determining happiness.
Money & Happiness: Money correlates with well-being until basic needs are met, after which effect diminishes.
Life Experiences & Setpoint Theory: While life events temporarily change happiness, setpoint theory suggests people return to a baseline. Recent research suggests this is more of a soft setpoint.
Construct Validity: Happiness rating's validity needs to consider social desirability bias, and peer report's validation. Recent events temporarily alter happiness, especially for negative events.
Factors Influencing Happiness: Genetics play a role but so do life events, relationships and life conditions. People are happier in positive life conditions.
Happiness and Health Benefits: Happy people tend to be more resilient and adapt to stress better.
The Nun Study: Nuns who expressed high positive emotions in their early 20s lived longer.
Diener family & Positive Psychology: Pioneers in happiness and SWB research, leading the field of positive psychology. Large-scale surveys revealed that 84-89% of Americans and 86% of those in 38 countries reported feeling above average in life satisfaction.

Construal, Construct Activation, Implicit & Explicit Processes, Threat, and Identity

Construal: Motivated interpretations of the world, filtering through personal needs and contexts.
Construct Activation: Chronic vs. contextual constructs (e.g., always available concepts like self-concept vs. contextual cues activating concepts).
Implicit vs. Explicit Processes: Implicit measures like McNulty's study are sometimes more accurate predictors in self-concept, prejudice, and relationships than explicit ones.
Threat in Social Psychology: Ego threat, group threat, mortality salience are common threats; these can influence identity and SWB.
Levels of Analysis in Identity: Explores personal, relational, and group identity dimensions.

Final Thoughts

Teaching is both a privilege and a responsibility, highlighting subjective well-being beyond achievements, toward long-term satisfaction. Future topics include life choices, miswanting, and profiles of happy individuals and students. Focus on meaning and connections rather than solely grades.

Miscellaneous Findings (Various Topics)

Snack Choice Study: People mispredict future desire for variety, often regretting alternative choices.
Affective Contamination (Circus Tickets Study): Unrelated good news can falsely connect future experiences with pleasure.
Durability Bias: Overestimating the duration of emotional reactions. People overestimate long-term effects of events.
Focalism (Weather): Overemphasizing a single factor (like weather) when judging overall happiness.
Duration Neglect: Evaluating experiences based on the peak and end, neglecting the overall duration.
Francis Bacon on Wealth and Happiness: Wealth benefits only when used to help others, creating connections, and bringing satisfaction beyond personal gain. This ties to prosocial spending.
Income and Happiness: Wealth correlates with well-being until basic needs are met, after which additional gains have diminished returns on happiness.
Unemployment & Misery: Unemployment's negative effects on happiness are lasting and impactful.
Religion & Happiness: Religion correlates with reported happiness within religious contexts, but this effect diminishes outside of specific social contexts.
Experience vs. Material Items: Experiences generally lead to longer lasting happiness than material possessions.
Adaptations to Life Events: People adapt to life events like winning the lottery or becoming a widow, returning to their happiness baseline over time.
Counterintuitive Nature of Wealth & Altruism: Altruism and spending on others yields more happiness than solely self-serving spending.

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Description

This quiz explores various aspects of self-conscious emotions, conformity, and online interactions. It examines findings related to mimicry, low self-esteem, and the psychological impact of avatars. Test your understanding of how emotional dynamics play out in social contexts and online environments.