Positive Psychology Reviewer Midterm PDF

Introduction to Positive Psychology Reviewer || Midterm Introduction to Positive Psychology: Definition and goals of positive psychology. Definition and Goals: Positive psychology focuses on studying the factors that contribute to human flourishing, happiness, and well-...

Introduction to Positive Psychology Reviewer || Midterm Introduction to Positive Psychology: Definition and goals of positive psychology. Definition and Goals: Positive psychology focuses on studying the factors that contribute to human flourishing, happiness, and well-being. It aims to understand and promote the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. The field was coined by Maslow (1987), and later refined by Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi (2000), who emphasized well-being, contentment, satisfaction, optimism, flow, and happiness Key founders and historical background (e.g., Martin Seligman, Aristotle, Socrates). Martin Seligman: Often regarded as the modern founder of positive psychology, Martin Seligman introduced the idea at the 1999 American Psychological Association conference. He emphasized shifting psychology's focus from merely treating mental illness to studying positive human traits and experiences like happiness, strengths, and flourishing. His vision gave rise to positive psychology as a distinct field, exploring how people can lead meaningful, fulfilling lives Aristotle: Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher, was instrumental in shaping ideas that underpin positive psychology. He introduced the concept of eudaimonia, meaning "flourishing" or "living well." Aristotle believed that true happiness is achieved through living a life of virtue and realizing one’s full potential. His work on the good life and the role of virtues continues to influence positive psychology, particularly in the study of well-being and character strengths Socrates: Another foundational figure from ancient Greece, Socrates focused on self-examination and the pursuit of virtue. He encouraged individuals to live an examined life, which he believed was key to wisdom and personal growth. Socratic ideas on wisdom, self-knowledge, and virtue have greatly influenced modern approaches to well-being in positive psychology. Basic concepts like flourishing, happiness, and well-being. Flourishing: In positive psychology, flourishing refers to a state where individuals experience optimal mental, emotional, and social well-being. It is not just the absence of mental illness but a condition where people thrive, experience fulfillment, and lead meaningful lives. Flourishing includes a balance of feeling good (positive emotions) and functioning well (purpose, engagement, positive relationships)  Happiness: Positive psychology distinguishes between two types of happiness: Hedonic happiness: This is based on pleasure and the avoidance of pain, focusing on short-term gratification and emotional highs. Eudaimonic happiness: Rooted in Aristotle’s idea of the "good life," eudaimonic happiness is about meaning and purpose, where individuals live according to their values and realize their potential. It is often linked to long-term well-being. Well-Being: Well-being is a broad concept encompassing various aspects of life that contribute to an individual's overall quality of life. Positive psychology defines well- being through models like Seligman’s PERMA model, which includes Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. Well-being involves not just feeling happy but leading a fulfilling and purposeful life. Theories and Models: Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Model. Carol Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Model is one of the most influential frameworks in positive psychology for understanding well-being. Her model identifies six key components that are essential for achieving a sense of fulfillment and psychological health: Autonomy: This refers to an individual’s ability to make independent choices and decisions, free from external pressures. Autonomy means having self- determination, where one governs their own life, values, and behaviors without relying too heavily on others for approval. Personal Growth: Personal growth involves continuously developing and improving oneself. This aspect reflects a person's sense of realizing their potential, embracing new experiences, and being open to growth throughout life. It represents an ongoing process of self-improvement and learning. Environmental Mastery: Environmental mastery refers to the ability to effectively manage one's surroundings. It includes a sense of competence in handling the demands of daily life, the ability to create environments that suit personal needs, and the capacity to make use of available opportunities. Positive Relations with Others: Building and maintaining close, positive, and trusting relationships is vital for well-being. This component focuses on having meaningful connections with others, characterized by empathy, affection, and intimacy, which contribute to emotional and social support. Purpose in Life: Having a sense of purpose means that an individual feels their life has meaning, direction, and goals that drive them forward. Purpose provides a sense of direction and helps people see their place in the world, giving them motivation and resilience during challenging times. Self-Acceptance: Self-acceptance involves a positive attitude toward oneself and an acknowledgment of both personal strengths and weaknesses. This component  emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, where individuals can accept themselves as they are and maintain a healthy self-image. Self-Determination Theory (Basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, relatedness). Self-Determination Theory (SDT), developed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, is a prominent theory of human motivation and well-being. It posits that individuals have three core psychological needs that must be fulfilled to foster optimal functioning, growth, and well-being. These needs are: Autonomy: This refers to the need to feel in control of one’s actions and decisions. Autonomy is about having the freedom to make choices based on personal interests, values, and desires, rather than being coerced by external forces. When people experience autonomy, they feel self-directed and authentic in their actions, leading to greater satisfaction and motivation. Competence: Competence involves the need to feel effective and capable in navigating life's challenges. It refers to a sense of mastery over tasks and the environment, where individuals believe they can achieve goals and excel in what they do. The feeling of competence boosts confidence and encourages further engagement in activities, fostering personal growth and achievement. Relatedness: Relatedness is the need to feel connected and significant to others. It reflects the desire for meaningful relationships, belonging, and emotional closeness with family, friends, or social groups. Feeling cared for, understood, and valued by others is vital for emotional well-being and social fulfillment. Relatedness helps people experience trust and intimacy in their interactions, which enhances their overall sense of well-being. PERMA model (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment). The PERMA model, developed by Martin Seligman, is a comprehensive framework that defines five key components essential for well-being and human flourishing. Each element of the model represents a crucial aspect of life that contributes to overall happiness, fulfillment, and psychological well-being. These five elements are: Positive Emotion: This component focuses on experiencing joy, happiness, and satisfaction. Positive emotions include feelings such as pleasure, comfort, warmth, gratitude, hope, and optimism. Experiencing positive emotions is crucial for enhancing well-being, as they not only improve mood but also broaden one's ability to think creatively and solve problems. Seligman emphasizes that increasing positive emotions is an important foundation for building a fulfilling life, although it is just one part of well- being, not the whole picture. Engagement: Engagement refers to being deeply involved in activities that fully absorb and captivate an individual, often referred to as experiencing "flow." Flow is a state of intense focus and immersion in an activity where time seems to pass quickly, and one  loses self-consciousness. Engaging in tasks that align with personal strengths and interests allows people to feel energized and fulfilled. This level of engagement enhances life satisfaction and overall well-being, as individuals find meaning and purpose in what they do. Relationships: Building and maintaining strong, supportive, and meaningful relationships is essential for well-being. Positive relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and others provide emotional support, love, and a sense of belonging. Human beings are inherently social, and relationships play a key role in mental and emotional health. Close, trusting relationships also help people navigate challenges and contribute to long-term happiness. In Seligman’s model, social connections are fundamental for flourishing. Meaning: Having a sense of meaning in life involves belonging to and serving something larger than oneself, whether it be family, a community, work, a cause, or even religious or philosophical beliefs. Meaning provides individuals with direction, purpose, and motivation to pursue goals that transcend personal pleasure. People who find meaning in life are more resilient and can endure hardships more effectively because they believe their efforts serve a greater purpose, which enhances overall well-being and satisfaction. Accomplishment: Accomplishment refers to the pursuit and achievement of personal goals, mastery, and success in various areas of life. This component highlights the importance of having ambitions and striving to meet them, whether in the form of academic, professional, athletic, or personal achievements. The sense of accomplishment derived from setting and reaching goals boosts self-esteem and fosters a sense of competence. Achievements bring a sense of pride, satisfaction, and fulfillment, which are integral to well-being. Well-Being and Happiness: The concept of hedonic and eudaimonic happiness. Hedonic and Eudaimonic Happiness: Positive psychology differentiates between hedonic happiness (focused on pleasure and avoiding pain) and eudaimonic happiness (centered on meaning and self-realization). Eudaimonia aligns with long-term well-being through purpose and virtue Hedonic happiness: This is based on pleasure and the avoidance of pain, focusing on short-term gratification and emotional highs. Eudaimonic happiness: Rooted in Aristotle’s idea of the "good life," eudaimonic happiness is about meaning and purpose, where individuals live according to their values and realize their potential. It is often linked to long-term well-being. The Hedonic Treadmill and how it affects happiness. The Hedonic Treadmill, also known as hedonic adaptation, refers to the phenomenon where people tend to return to a baseline level of happiness after experiencing positive or negative life changes. For example, after receiving a promotion or winning the lottery, initial joy might increase, but over time, people adapt to their new situation and their level of happiness returns to what it was  before the event. This cycle leads people to continually seek new pleasures or achievements, believing these will make them happier, but the effect tends to be temporary. The Hedonic Treadmill suggests that lasting happiness is difficult to achieve through material gains or external circumstances alone Concepts like Flow and how it relates to engagement and well-being. Flow is a concept introduced by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, which describes a state of complete immersion in an activity where an individual experiences deep focus and enjoyment. During flow, people often lose track of time and feel fully engaged with what they are doing. Flow occurs when there is a balance between the challenge of the task and the person's skills, leading to high levels of satisfaction and performance. Flow is closely related to well-being because it promotes intrinsic motivation, personal growth, and fulfillment, allowing individuals to derive meaning and joy from their experiences. Engaging in activities that lead to flow helps enhance overall life satisfaction and mental health. Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) refers to the positive psychological changes that can occur after an individual experiences a traumatic or life-altering event. Unlike resilience, which refers to the ability to bounce back from adversity, PTG involves transformative growth, where individuals develop new perspectives, greater personal strength, deeper relationships, or an enhanced sense of purpose. People who experience PTG often report feeling more appreciative of life, more connected to others, and more committed to their goals. Resilience and PTG are interrelated, as resilience helps individuals cope with trauma, while PTG goes a step further by allowing them to grow and flourish as a result of the experience. Character Strengths and Virtues: The role of character strengths in positive psychology (e.g., kindness, gratitude, perseverance). Key Character Strengths: Kindness: Kindness is one of the strengths under the virtue of humanity. It represents the quality of being generous, considerate, and compassionate toward others. In positive psychology, kindness is not just about being helpful but about genuine care and concern for others' well-being. Acts of kindness promote positive social connections and foster deeper, more meaningful relationships, contributing to both the giver’s and the receiver’s happiness and well-being. Gratitude: Gratitude falls under the virtue of transcendence and involves recognizing and appreciating the good things in life, whether they are everyday experiences or acts of kindness from others. People who cultivate gratitude tend  to experience greater levels of happiness, as they are more aware of the positive aspects of their lives, leading to improved mental and emotional health. Gratitude fosters resilience, boosts self-esteem, and strengthens relationships, as expressing thanks enhances social bonds. Perseverance: Perseverance, or persistence, is a strength within the virtue of courage. It refers to the ability to continue working toward goals even when faced with obstacles, setbacks, or failures. People who demonstrate perseverance are committed and determined, showing resilience in the face of adversity. This strength is vital for achieving long-term success and fulfillment, as it drives individuals to maintain effort and stay focused on their objectives despite challenges. The Six Virtues and Key Character Strengths: 1. Wisdom: This virtue involves cognitive strengths that help individuals acquire and use knowledge. Wisdom includes strengths like creativity, curiosity, open-mindedness, love of learning, and perspective (the ability to see things in broader terms and offer sound advice). 2. Courage: Courage encompasses emotional strengths that involve the exercise of will to accomplish goals in the face of opposition, external or internal. Key strengths in this virtue include bravery, perseverance, honesty, and zest (approaching life with enthusiasm and energy). 3. Humanity: Humanity refers to interpersonal strengths that involve caring for others. Key strengths here include kindness, love, and social intelligence (awareness of the emotions and motives of others). 4. Justice: Justice consists of civic strengths that help foster healthy community life. It includes strengths like fairness, leadership, and teamwork, which help individuals contribute positively to society. 5. Temperance: Temperance includes strengths that protect against excess. These strengths are critical for maintaining balance in life and include forgiveness, humility, prudence, and self-regulation (the ability to control one’s emotions and behaviors). 6. Transcendence: Transcendence includes strengths that connect individuals to the larger universe and provide meaning. These strengths include appreciation of beauty and excellence, gratitude, hope, humor, and spirituality (a sense of connection to a higher purpose). How these traits contribute to flourishing and life satisfaction. Enhancing Positive Relationships: Strengths like kindness and gratitude foster meaningful social connections. Acts of kindness improve social bonds, while gratitude strengthens relationships by increasing feelings of trust and appreciation. Building Resilience and Personal Growth: Strengths like perseverance help individuals overcome adversity and continue pursuing goals despite obstacles. This resilience leads to personal growth and success, which, in turn, contribute to long-term well-being and life satisfaction.  Providing Meaning and Purpose: Traits like gratitude and kindness help individuals feel more connected to a greater sense of purpose, promoting a deeper understanding of life’s meaning. When people engage in activities aligned with their strengths, they experience greater fulfillment and intrinsic motivation. Self-Determination Theory: Understand how autonomy, competence, and relatedness contribute to well-being and motivation. Autonomy refers to the need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions. It is about having the freedom to make choices that are aligned with one’s values, interests, and desires. When people experience autonomy, they feel that their actions are self-directed rather than being dictated by external pressures or obligations. Contribution to Well-Being: When individuals experience autonomy, they are more likely to engage in activities that resonate with their true self, leading to greater satisfaction and a deeper sense of fulfillment. Autonomy supports emotional well-being by helping people feel empowered and self-sufficient. Contribution to Motivation: Autonomy increases intrinsic motivation because individuals who perceive themselves as acting out of their own volition tend to be more invested and engaged in the activity. They are more likely to persist in tasks and put forth their best effort because they believe their actions reflect their personal choices, not external coercion. Competence is the need to feel capable and effective in one’s actions and in meeting challenges. It involves a sense of mastery and achievement when performing tasks or engaging in activities. People who feel competent believe they can handle situations and accomplish their goals, which boosts their confidence and encourages further engagement. Contribution to Well-Being: When individuals feel competent, they experience self-efficacy—a belief in their ability to succeed. This leads to higher levels of self-esteem and confidence. People who experience competence in their daily lives report feeling more capable and positive about themselves, which is critical for overall well-being. Contribution to Motivation: Competence is a key driver of motivation. When people feel that their actions lead to successful outcomes and they are mastering new skills, they are more likely to feel motivated to keep going. It enhances intrinsic motivation because individuals are more likely to engage in activities that allow them to apply and improve their skills, leading to a sense of achievement.  Relatedness refers to the need to feel connected to others, to experience warmth, trust, and a sense of belonging. It involves forming meaningful and supportive relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and others. Contribution to Well-Being: Relatedness is crucial for emotional well-being because social connections provide emotional support, reduce stress, and enhance feelings of happiness. Positive relationships are also associated with a sense of belonging and social integration, which are fundamental to psychological health. People who feel connected and supported by others are more likely to experience happiness and life satisfaction. Contribution to Motivation: Relatedness also boosts motivation by creating a sense of community and shared purpose. When people feel supported and cared for, they are more likely to engage in activities and put in effort, as they perceive their actions as meaningful in the context of their relationships. Strong social ties can also provide encouragement and reinforcement, helping individuals stay motivated to pursue long-term goals. Mental Health Continuum Model: Review Keyes' Mental Health Continuum (flourishing, languishing, moderate mental health). 1. Flourishing Individuals who are in the flourishing state experience optimal well-being. They exhibit high levels of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Flourishing individuals are thriving in their lives, and their mental health is characterized by: Emotional Well-Being: Experiencing frequent positive emotions (e.g., happiness, joy, contentment) and a general sense of life satisfaction. Psychological Well-Being: Having a sense of purpose in life, personal growth, autonomy, and positive self-regard. Social Well-Being: Building and maintaining positive relationships, feeling connected to others, and contributing to society. Flourishing individuals feel a sense of meaning and engagement in their lives, are motivated, and exhibit resilience. They are emotionally stable and have a strong sense of purpose. 2. Languishing At the opposite end of the continuum is languishing, where individuals experience poor mental health, but not to the extent of clinical depression. Languishing individuals are not necessarily clinically disordered, but they feel "stuck" or empty. Key features of languishing include: Lack of Positive Emotion: A sense of stagnation or emptiness, where life feels aimless or unfulfilling. Psychological and Social Struggles: A lack of purpose, limited personal growth, low levels of self-esteem, and a sense of disconnection from others. Social  relationships may feel unsatisfying, and individuals may lack a sense of contribution to society. Lower Motivation: A diminished sense of excitement or energy to pursue goals or engage in activities. People who are languishing often feel disengaged, as if they are merely going through the motions of life without a sense of fulfillment or joy. This state is often associated with mental stagnation. 3. Moderate Mental Health In the moderate mental health state, individuals experience some balance between positive and negative emotions and mental health functioning. They may experience periods of flourishing but still encounter challenges and stress that prevent them from fully thriving. Individuals in this state might: Experience Mixed Emotions: They may have some degree of positive emotion but also experience regular stress, anxiety, or sadness. Engage in Personal Growth: They may work toward personal goals but lack the consistent feeling of accomplishment or meaning that characterizes flourishing. Have Stable Relationships: They likely have social connections but may not feel deeply connected or involved in their community. People in this state generally function at a moderate level, without significant dysfunction, but they also do not fully experience the richness of life seen in those who are flourishing. Keyes' Mental Health Continuum Model emphasizes that mental health is dynamic and multifaceted, rather than a static condition. It highlights the importance of both emotional and psychological well-being for achieving a fulfilling life. Flourishing is the ideal state, marked by high levels of well-being, while languishing reflects significant mental distress, and moderate mental health represents a middle ground where individuals experience some well-being but face challenges to their flourishing