The Science of Positive Psychology

docx

School

Algonquin College *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

1003

Subject

Psychology

Date

Nov 24, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by JusticeAlbatross1300

The Science of Positive Psychology Abraham Maslow's Humanistic Psychology was not scientific. It was based on his personal observations of the characteristics of well- known people who flourished. Positive Psychology revolves around well-being interventions or initiatives, which are cognitive, emotional, and behavioural strategies for improving happiness or well-being. Although Maslows Hierarchy is not wrong, Positive Psychology is based on scientific research. The interventions of Positive Psychology have been studied scientifically. Many studies have been conducted, in order to validate the benefits of Positive Psychology interventions. Defining Happiness and Well-Being Martin Seligman used to define Positive Psychology as the science of happiness, but now defines it as the science of well-being. While related, these two terms have different meanings. The concept of well-being includes happiness, but acknowledges that there are other positive mental states that are not included within the definition of happiness. Let’s dive deeper into each of their meanings, starting with happiness. Happiness When we think of happiness we often don’t think of its meaning, we just know it when we feel it. To many of us, happiness describe a

range of positive emotions, including joy, pride, contentment, and gratitude. Authentic (i.e., real, genuine) happiness has three components. All of which can be cultivated (i.e., further developed). 1. Pleasure (the pleasant life) 2. Engagement (the good life) 3. Meaning (the meaningful life) Authentic happiness includes contributions from all three components, although life-satisfaction is more associated with both engagement and meaning, rather than pleasure. Let’s have a look at these 3 components in further detail. Click to expand each item. 1. Happiness: The Pleasant Life 2. Happiness: The Good Life 3. Happiness: The Meaningful Life Well-Being: PERMA Martin Seligman felt that the original concept of authentic happiness missed some elements that characterize a life that could be described as flourishing. Thus, he added two new elements, and redefined Positive Psychology as not just the study of happiness, but as the study of well-being (which includes happiness).

This new conceptualization is called the PERMA model. The acronym PERMA is broken down in the following way: Click on each Card to see the other side. P Positive emotion E Engagement R Relationships M Meaning and purpose A Accomplishment Three components of the PERMA model correspond to the three original components of authentic happiness. 1. Positive Emotion - Corresponds to the pleasant life

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

2. Engagement - Corresponds to the good life 3. Meaning and purpose - Corresponds to the meaningful life In addition to those 3 components, let’s discuss further the importance of relationships and accomplishments. Well-being: Relationships This component acknowledges that humans are social animals with a need to belong, or a drive for social affiliation. So much so, that many humans will stay in unhealthy relationships when the alternative is no relationships at all. However, for optimal well-being, humans need to have positive relationships. Relationships are characterized by connection, intimacy, and physical contact. A Positive relationship allows one to feel supported, accepted, understood, and cared for. We can cultivate our relationships through empathy, compassion, and emotional self-knowledge. Well-Being: Accomplishment This component represents a sense of achievement. We contribute to our well-being by setting goals and putting forth effort to achieve these goals. Accomplishment is often manifested through mastering a skill, or winning a competition. The mastery can be something related to the other 4 components (e.g., a skill that allows one to help the community). The mastery can

be just for the sake of mastering something (e.g., video games, painting, or crossword puzzles). We can cultivate accomplishment by learning to savour our achievements, and by learning to set goals that are realistic. Watch For more information about PERMA, please watch the following video. Let’s bring all of the concepts of happiness and wellbeing discussed in this module to light and see how they do or have applied to your life. Learning Activity 1.1: Reflection This learning activity can be done individually as a form of reflection, or would be most beneficial if you carried out a conversation with a friend and/or family member. However you choose to complete this learning activity, ask yourself the following questions:  Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? o Why haven’t you done it?  What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?

 What do you value most in a friendship?  What is your most treasured memory?  What is your most terrible memory?  What does friendship mean to you?  What roles do love and affection play in your life?  How do you feel about your relationship with your mother? Note: be open an honest with yourself and/or with the individual you converse with. This is the only way to gain the most from this activity. Once you have completed the learning activity, and before you jump into this weeks introductory quiz, it is an excellent opportunity to watch the following video by Dr. Martin Seligman – The New Era of Positive Psychology.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Related Documents

Emotional detachment.docx

Week 4 Assignment.docx

pharmacology (73).pdf

PBHL20006 Reflective Practice Assignment.docx

Controversial Paper.docx

Personality Midterm.docx

personality disorders.docx

LMSW Assessment and Intervention Planning Quiz.pdf

anxiety intervention.edited (1).docx

Week of Nov 13th Critical Thinking Question.docx

Screenshot 2023-11-17 at 11.30.51 AM.png

Cultural Competency and Traumalogists.docx

Recommended textbooks for you

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)

Psychology

ISBN:9780134477961

Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White

Publisher:PEARSON

Cognitive Psychology

Psychology

ISBN:9781337408271

Author:Goldstein, E. Bruce.

Publisher:Cengage Learning,

Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and ...

Psychology

ISBN:9781337565691

Author:Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. Martini

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)

Psychology

ISBN:9780393265156

Author:Sarah Grison, Michael Gazzaniga

Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company

Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a...

Psychology

ISBN:9781285763880

Author:E. Bruce Goldstein

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Theories of Personality (MindTap Course List)

Psychology

ISBN:9781305652958

Author:Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen Schultz

Publisher:Cengage Learning

SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS

Recommended textbooks for you

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:9780134477961
Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Publisher:PEARSON
Cognitive Psychology
Psychology
ISBN:9781337408271
Author:Goldstein, E. Bruce.
Publisher:Cengage Learning,
Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and ...
Psychology
ISBN:9781337565691
Author:Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. Martini
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:9780393265156
Author:Sarah Grison, Michael Gazzaniga
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a...
Psychology
ISBN:9781285763880
Author:E. Bruce Goldstein
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Theories of Personality (MindTap Course List)
Psychology
ISBN:9781305652958
Author:Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen Schultz
Publisher:Cengage Learning