HUMAN HAPPINESS FINAL EXAM
In Born To Be Good, Robert Kurzban's study of the prisoner's dilemma game revealed what about the effects of human touch on prosocial behavior?
It can increase cooperation. Those who experience a light touch from the experimenter were MORE likely to cooperate with their partner
Ayduk & Kross, 2010's study on the effects of psychological distancing suggest what about the physiological impact of imagining stress from a third person perspective?
It can lead to decreased sympathetic autonomic nervous system reactivity during stress
How can labeling be used in our responses to stress?
-Labeling involves putting a name to the emotions or feelings experienced during a stressful situation. -By identifying and labeling emotions can help create some psychological distance from the emotions themselves. -This acknowledgment allows individuals to understand and accept their emotional state, which can help in managing those feelings more effectively.
attachment styles and happiness: anxious
-More prone to depression, anxiety -More prone to drug abuse -More prone to eating disorders
Frederickson et. al (2008) Open Hearts Build Lives: Positive Emotions, Induced Through Loving-Kindness Meditation, Build Consequential Personal Resources
-Participants were assigned to either a loving-kindness meditation group or a control group (relaxation session) -The study suggests that inducing positive emotions through loving-kindness meditation can lead to the cultivation of personal resources and overall well-being. Generating feelings of love, compassion, and goodwill appears to enhance psychological and physical health, promote social connections, and contribute to a sense of purpose and mindfulness in individuals.
As discussed in class and The Compassionate Instinct (hint: mimesis), why might reading fiction be beneficial?
It improves our ability to read others' emotions and understand social situations
romantic relationships and forgiveness
-People are usually more willing to forgive if they sense trust and a willingness to sacrifice from their partner. -the more we invest in a relationship, the more we need a repertoire of good strategies to guide it through troubled times—and the more these strategies will prove satisfying and rewarding. Forgiveness is one of those strategies.
Does giving to others have health benefits? What examples were discussed in lecture?
-increase in happiness -lowers BP -higher survival -activates reward circuitry (nucleus accumbens, ventromedial/orbitofrontal cortex, medial insula)
True or False: Chronic stress can lead to increased activity in gastrointestinal system.
False: it can lead to DECREASED gastrointestinal activity
What is play? What is its relationship to mirth?
Qualities of mirthful state -Apparently purposeless -Voluntary -Inherent attraction -Freedom from time -Diminished consciousness of self -Improvisational -Desire to continue -Signals Safety
What social purpose does teasing serve?
when done in a playful and non-hurtful manner: -building relationships -communication of affection -testing social boundaries -enhancing social skills -boosting resilience -encouraging creativity and wit
According to research, how does poverty correlate with stress?
Poverty → increased stress → higher rates of health issues
empathy
ability to understand and/or feel what others feel
4 attachment styles
secure anxious/ambivalent avoidant disorganized
What are the effects of cortisol on the body? How does it affect the immune system?
-Initially, cortisol can have anti-inflammatory effects, helping to regulate the immune response during stress. -However, prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and impairing immune functions.
forgiving people are more likely to be...
- less hateful, depressed, anxious, hostile, angry, neurotic - happier, healthier, more agreeable, more serene -better able to empathize and less likely to ruminate
what is forgiveness?
-A shift in thinking away from a desire for vengeance and avoidance -Forgiveness does not necessarily include reconciliation (i.e., the reestablishment of a close relationship) nor does it excuse or pardon the transgression; forgiving doesn't mean forgetting
What are the benefits of being self-compassionate?
-Buffers against depression, self harm -Promotes the desire to make amends for a past personal transgression -Promotes self-improving health behaviors when given poor diagnoses
What are the effects of cortisol on the body? How does it affect the metabolic system?
-Cortisol influences metabolism by regulating glucose levels and breaking down fats and proteins for energy. -Elevated cortisol levels, particularly chronic stress, can contribute to insulin resistance, leading to increased blood sugar levels and potentially raising the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
What are some of the health benefits of connectivity? How does it contribute to life expectancy?
-Data across 308,849 individuals, followed for an average of 7.5 years, indicate that individuals with adequate social relationships have a 50% greater likelihood of survival compared to those with poor or insufficient social relationships. -Contribution of strong connections to life expectancy = 10 years -Alameda County Longitudinal study: Those who report weak social support 1.9 to 3.1 times more likely to have died nine years later • Strong social support live longer • Strong support report greater happiness • Strong support lower levels of cortisol • Give stressful speech with supportive member in audience or with stranger reduces lower blood pressure, lower cortisol response • women with breast cancer who are in supportive group therapy better life expectancy -alleviate loneliness/depression/anxiety -physical: lower BP, better immunity, reduced risk of disease, lower cortisol -healthy habits
How can distancing be used in our responses to stress?
-Distancing involves mentally stepping back or creating psychological distance from a stressful situation. -Creating distance can help individuals view the situation more objectively and less emotionally. It allows for a more detached, less reactive response by imagining the scenario as if it's happening to someone else.
What neurotransmitters contribute to connection and commitment? What evidence is there for this?
-Dopamine: Associated with pleasure and reward, dopamine plays a role in reinforcing behaviors linked to positive social interactions and relationships. -Serotonin: Regulates mood and social behavior, affecting feelings of contentment and well-being within relationships.
What are the effects of cortisol on the body? How does it affect the reproductive system?,
-High levels of cortisol can disrupt reproductive hormones, potentially affecting menstrual cycles in women and reducing libido in both men and women -fertility issues or irregularities in reproductive functions
What are the virtues that are part of a virtue based approach to power (i.e. according to Aristotle)?
-Humanity: Kindness, sympathy -Courage: Bold, persistence -Justice: Fairness, teamwork -Temperance: Humility, modesty
How do personal characteristics (e.g. dominance), status, and reputation relate to power?
-Personal Characteristics: Dominance, confidence, charisma, and assertiveness are personal traits that can influence an individual's perceived power within a social context -High status individuals typically have greater access to resources, influence, and decision-making power within their social sphere -A positive reputation can enhance an individual's perceived power by fostering trust, credibility, and respect among others
How can reappraisal be used in our responses to stress?
-Reappraisal involves reframing or reinterpreting a stressful situation to change its meaning or significance. -By changing the way a situation is perceived, reappraisal can alter emotional responses. It involves looking at a situation from a different perspective, focusing on potential positives, or finding ways to see it as less threatening or harmful.
attachment styles and happiness: secure
-Report greater life satisfaction -More likely to remain in stable relations -Higher positive emotions on daily basis -More likely to forgive -More likely to be optimistic -More likely to offer social support to partner
What are the attachment styles? How do people with each attachment style think about relationships? Behave in relationships?
-Secure Attachment: Individuals with a secure attachment style feel comfortable with intimacy and autonomy in relationships. They trust their partners, express their needs openly, and are generally able to manage conflicts constructively. They're comfortable with closeness and independence, and they believe they're worthy of love and support. view relationships as safe, supportive, and fulfilling -Anxious Attachment: People with this style tend to desire high levels of closeness and worry about their partner's availability and commitment. They often seek reassurance, fear rejection, and may exhibit clingy behavior. They can be hypersensitive to changes in the relationship and might interpret ambiguous situations as signs of abandonment.
In what ways is crafting a life narrative beneficial?
-Sense of Identity: helps in understanding personal experiences, values, and beliefs, contributing to a stronger sense of identity and self-awareness. -Meaning-Making: make sense of past events, finding meaning even in challenging or difficult experiences. It can promote a sense of purpose and direction. -Emotional Processing: opportunity to reframe experiences, leading to increased emotional resilience. -Self-Understanding: understanding personal strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and patterns of behavior, fostering personal growth and self-acceptance. -Resilience and Adaptation: develop resilience by learning from challenges and adapting to changes more effectively.
What are the effects of cortisol on the body? How does it affect the cardiovascular system?
-Short-term increases in cortisol can temporarily raise blood pressure during stressful situations. -Prolonged elevation of cortisol levels may contribute to hypertension, atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries), and increased risk of heart disease.
What considerations do we need to make when designing and implementing happiness interventions? What can we do to make it more likely that they'll work?
-Tailoring Interventions -Evidence-Based Approaches -Long-Term Sustainability -Measurement and Evaluation: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of interventions -Practical and Applicable Strategies: Interventions should be realistic, manageable, and adaptable to diverse lifestyles. -Promoting Commitment and Engagement -Positive Social Support -Flexibility and Adaptability: Offer options or variations that cater to diverse needs and preferences. -Cultural Sensitivity -Continuous Improvement
What are some tactics to counter perfectionistic tendencies?
-Take perspective of someone who supports you on struggles, failures -"Stop" when ruminating about problems -Challenge sources of perfectionism with reason (Materialism, advertisements, Body image) -Set intention in digital use, name it, trust your body, avoid comparing self to others
How has mindfulness been shown to impact teachers? Doctors? Firefighters/veterans?
-Teachers: reducing stress, burnout, and improving emotional regulation. It may enhance classroom management, increase teacher well-being, and potentially improve student-teacher relationships and classroom climate. -Doctors: positive impacts on reducing stress, burnout, and enhancing resilience. It may also improve patient care and communication skills. -Firefighters/Veterans: address stress, trauma, and PTSD. Studies suggest potential benefits in reducing symptoms of PTSD, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing resilience
Why was there a decline in violence in the modern times
-The sociologist Norbert Elias suggested that European modernity accelerated a "civilizing process" marked by increases in self-control, long-term planning, and sensitivity to the thoughts and feelings of others. These are precisely the functions that today's cognitive neuroscientists attribute to the prefrontal cortex. -hobbesian explanation: establishment of centralized governments with a monopoly on violence reduced aggression -value of life hypothesis: correlation between the perception of life's worth and indulgence in violence -nonzero-sum game theory: mutual benefit exists through cooperation -empathy expansion: empathy circles expanding from close relationships to larger groups
How is poverty related to the stress response system and long-term health outcomes?
-With each rung down class ladder: More likely to die of cancer, Suffer chronic pain, Auto immune disease -costs of childhood poverty: Elevated cortisol, cytokines, Human frailty syndrome: weak bones, 20 to 40% increased chance of death due to disease, First 25 years in poverty, six years of life expectancy lost -lower SES + stress + health: Increased prevalence of depression, anxiety disorders, reduced happiness, low birth weight, Asthma, Diabetes, Obesity, High blood pressure, Cardiovascular disease, Pain: bad back, stomach, Respiratory illness, Quicker demise in responding to different diseases -impoverished environments means fewer places to connect/feel joy/find calm: less nature, increased pollution, etc. -low SES and life events: more violence, harsher punishment in criminal justice, stop and frisk -low SES more likely to have reduced sense of agency, increased sense of threat, face stigma/bias
four components of forgiveness
-accepting transgression -decline in punitive tendency -decline in avoidance -increase in compassion toward partner (offenders, have human suffering, want to be happy)
What are McAdams elements of narrative?
-actor (protagonist) -agency (extent to which individual perceives themselves as having control) -authorship (taking ownership and responsibility for one's life story) -redemptive themes (involve growth, resilience) -cohesion (how different elements fit together to create a comprehensive life account)
What structures contribute to connection and commitment? What evidence is there for this?
-amygdala: processing emotion (fear, pleasure) and involved in emotional responses within relationships -prefrontal cortex: decision-making, social behavior, regulating emotions; contributes to forming and maintaining social connections -neuroimaging studies (fMRI) show activation in these areas during social bonding
4 components of forgiveness
-decrease in avoidance -increase in compassion toward partner -accepting transgression -decline in punitive tendancies
What does the work of Pennebaker on expressive writing tell us about the effects of crafting a narrative?
-emotional processing -health benefits (immune function, reduced stress, lowered BP) -cognitive reappraisal (shift in perspective) -enhanced psychological well-being (alleviate anxiety and depression) -behavioral changes (improved coping, problem-solving, social support seeking)
How does engaging in works of fiction make people more prosocial?
-empathy development -understanding complex emotions -enhanced theory of mind (ability to attribute thoughts/intentions to others) -moral development -inspiring altruistic behavior -social connection and bonding through discussing and sharing stores
What is the evidence for materialism promoting or not promoting happiness?
-emphasis on material wealth as center of life, source of happiness, criterion for success -predicts greater self-focus, less empathy, less healthy relationships -usually correlates negatively with happiness -predicts increased stress -predicts reduced environmentalyy friendly behaviors
how can stress be adaptive
-enhanced performance by acute stress -survival response -learning and growth: promote resilience, learning, personal growth by challenging individuals to overcome difficulties
What are the key characteristics of teasing?
-exaggeration: deviating from the rule of quality (copious detail, excessive profanity, or an exaggerated characterization) -Repetition: violates the rule of quantity -idiomatic expressions: violate the rule of manner, or directness and clarity, in innumerable ways to tease; quirky nicknames and relationship-specific phrases, zeroing in on idiosyncracies and potentially problematic characteristics of the target (e.g. sing-song voice, loud, rapid delivery, dramatized sighs, and utterances that are either louder or quieter than preceding utterances) -elongated vowels and shifts in the speed and pitch of our delivery, with tongue protrusions, well-timed laughs, and expressive caricature of others, we violate the maxims of sincere communication, all in the service of teasing. -We provoke, on the one hand, but artfully signal that nonliteral interpretations of the provocation are possible. We signal that we do not necessarily mean what we say, that our actions are to be taken in the spirit of play.
What are some ways that reading fiction benefits us? Personally? Socially?
-fiction provides universal stories of love, justice, courage, etc. -stimulate our own experience in empathic leap of imagination --benefits our ability to read other's emotions --benefits our ability to understand social situations
What do we mean when we say that both conflict and forgiveness are part of human nature/are universal? What is some evidence that this might be the case? Evolutionary theory?
-forgiveness exists across cultures and societies -From an evolutionary standpoint, conflict might have roots in competition for resources, mates, or social status. Managing conflicts without severing social ties entirely could have provided evolutionary advantages in terms of group cooperation and survival. -Conflict resolution strategies, including forgiveness, contribute to maintaining social cohesion and stability within groups. -sibling conflict, romantic conflict, parent-child, political/tribal conflict, workplace conflict = universality Chimpanzee politics: -conflict conspecifics more contact; one animal bowing, exposure of vulnerable parts of body, open-handed gestures, vocalization while the other grooms and embraces
What is the meaning of catharsis?
-insight -Aristotle's catharsis: not purging of emotion, but dramatic insight into why we have stress, struggles through acts of imagination as in theater
mindfulness techniques
-meditation -body scan: guided practice of bringing awareness to body parts -mindful breathing -mindful walking/eating -mindful movement (e.g. yoga) -informal mindfulness: practicing mindfulness in everyday activities by being fully present
What are some strategies for savoring?
-mindfulness -savoring pleasures -sharing with others -memory building -mindful attention -anticipation -absorption -gratitude and appreciation
core components of mindfulness
-nonjudgmental awareness of contents of mind and body -kind attention to self -being fully present in the current moment -acceptance and non-reactiveness -focused attention
How is forgiveness defined? What does forgiveness entail? What does forgiveness not necessarily entail?
-not continuing relationship: reducing or eliminating resentment and motivations toward revenge. -close relationships: more than merely getting rid of the negative, less motivated to retaliate against the offender, less motivated to remain estranged from that person; motivated by feelings of goodwill, forgiveness will not only move us past negative emotions but move us toward a net positive feeling. ---It doesn't mean forgetting or pardoning an offense. -physical arousal goes downward -What they found was that if people were unwilling to sacrifice at times—if they wanted to exact revenge rather than practice forgiveness—they often suffered conflict, negative emotions, and poor abilities to compromise when inevitable differences arose. -the limbic system is involved -decline in fight or flight cardiovascular physiology
What physiological systems does research show are affected by mindfulness practice?
-pain perception and management: by uncoupling the sensory dimension of the pain experience from the affective/evaluative alarm reaction and reducing the experience of suffering -nervous system: promote activation of the parasympathetic nervous system -endocrine system: stress-related hormone reduction -immune system: enhancing immune response and reducing inflammation through stress reduction -cardiovascular system: lower BP and heart rate -brain structure + function: self-awareness, memory, emotion processing -gastrointestinal system: improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms
What are the factors underlying the success of happiness increasing activities?
-positive emotion -optimal timing and variety: for happiness activities timing is important, must consider your strategies' frequency and duration and to strive to time them in ways that deliver you greatest satisfaction, serenity, or joy; practices should be dynamic and done in various ways -social support -motivation, effort, and commitment -habit
What are the how's of sustainable happiness?
-positive emotion: seek and savor activities that promote joy -optimal timing and variety -social support: invest in meaningful connections -motivation, effort, and commitment -habit
How do we study stress as researchers? What are the ways that we manipulate stress and what do we learn about stress from using these methods?
-psychological assessments (e.g. surveys) -physiological measures (e.g. cortisol levels) -experimental methods (e.g. acute stress induction like public speaking tasks) -brain imaging techniques (e.g. fMRI) -we learn stress' impact on health, cognitive and emotional effects, intervention strategies, neurobiological mechanisms
limitations in mindfulness research/literature
-quality and variability - lack rigorous methodology, small sample size -long-term effects: many studies focus on short-term effects -heterogeneity of practices: not all studies specify the type/duration/frequency of mindfulness practice -measurement challenges: measuring mindfulness can be subjective
What is the tit-for-tat? Why is it a successful strategy?
-reciprocity (reciprocating an opponent's actions) -simple and forgiving -promotes cooperation, trust, and reciprocity
What is the power paradox? What are the perils of elevated power?
-reduced empathy -risk of abuse -isolation + loneliness -risk-taking behavior
What are the effects of cortisol on the body? How does it affect the digestive system?
-reducing blood flow to the digestive organs and suppressing functions like gastric acid secretion and bowel movements -cause digestive issues like IBS
How do types of play help us learn about boundaries, explore identities, navigate conflict, and learn about the world?
-role-playing and identity exploration -setting and respecting boundaries -conflict resolution and cooperation -learning about the world -emotional regulation
What attachment styles were discussed in lecture? What are the key characteristics?
-secure style: I find it easy to get comfortable with others and am comfortable depending on them and having them depend on me. I don't often worry about being abandoned or about others getting too close to me -avoidant/dismissive: I am somewhat uncomfortable being close. I find it difficult to trust completely, difficult to allow myself to depend on anyone. I am nervous when anyone gets close, and often, romantic partners want me to be more intimate than I feel comfortable being. -anxious style: I find that others are reluctant to get as close as I would like. I often worry that my partner does not really love me or won't stay with me. I want to merge completely with another person, and this desire sometimes scares people away
Do collaborative or coercive power strategies work better?
-study of protest movements finds that more collaborative movements (mass gatherings, petitions) fare better than violent coercive protests -Historians' ratings of US Presidents finds that more bold, courageous, humane presidents have greater legacies than Machiavellian types (Nixon) -In the coding of speeches by US Senators and Hedge Fund managers, more justice-oriented, humane leaders have better results (votes for bills, returns for clients) than Narcissistic, Machiavellian types -Fate of Machiavellians at work: Don't rise in ranks, Less pay, Less respect, Social Isolation
What are the different types of support?
1 Emotional support: empathy, understanding, and validation of feelings 2 Instrumental support: tangible assistance, such as practical help, resources, or aid in solving problems 3 Informational support: providing advice, guidance, or information to assist in decision-making or problem-solving 4 Companionship or social support: the presence of others in social activities, fostering a sense of belonging, connection, and camaraderie 5 Validation and affirmation support: acknowledging and affirming an individual's experiences, feelings, or achievements
influence strategies
1 likeability and humility (being modest and interested in others) 2 creating justice through respect (ability to give honor, status to others, providing acknowledgement) -strength
From the findings of Holt-Lundstad et al. (2010), we could say that strong social connections add how many years to lifeexpectancy?
10 years
acute stress vs chronic stress
ACUTE: -short-term -triggers fight or flight, releasing adrenaline/cortisol -manageable and can have some positive effects like increased alertness and motivation CHRONIC: -persistent and prolonged -caused by things like financial problems, work-related stress, etc. -stress response (release of cortisol) activated for an extended period -detrimental effects on physical and mental health leading to fatigue/anxiety/depression/ weakened immune system/heart disease/obesity/digestive issues/impaired cognitive function
What is distancing? How can people adopt distanced perspectives on events that happen to them? What are the effects of adopting a distanced perspective?
Distancing: refers to the ability to create psychological distance from emotional experiences or events. It involves stepping back mentally and viewing the situation from an outsider's perspective, allowing for a more objective and less emotionally charged understanding of the event. -language shift: e.g. he/she instead of I -temporal distance: considering how an event will matter in the future -spatial distance: observing from afar EFFECTS -emotional regulation -enhanced problem-solving -reduced rumination -improved coping
What is kindness?
Doing good things for others, whether friends or strangers, either directly or anonymously, either spontaneously or planned.
What are the origins of friendship? Why does friendship make evolutionary sense?
Evolutionarily, humans and many social animals benefit from living in groups. Friendship likely arose as a way to foster cooperation and collaboration within these groups. Mutual support among friends could have improved hunting success, childcare, and overall group survival. -resource sharing -emotional support -reproduction and parenting -alliance formation
does material or experiential purchasing lead to more satisfaction?
Experience purchasing yields more satisfaction overtime than material purchasing.
What is self-compassion? What are the three components?
Self-kindness vs. Self-judgment. Common humanity vs. Isolation. ... Mindfulness vs. Over-identification.
The longitudinal study by Tsang et al. (2006), suggests that couple who are forgiving are____ later on in their relationships.
Happier. People who forgave their partner were happier 9 weeks later
Based on studies discussed in lecture, mindfulness practices seem to promote what biological process that is indicative of slower cellular aging?
Higher telomerase activity
Loneliness has psychological, physiological, and behavioral consequences. What is one physiological consequence?
Increase in cortisol
According to Keltner, Gruenfeld, and Anderson (2003), what is one antisocial behavior associated with increases inpower?
Increased physical violence
Studies found that spending money on others vs. on self does what to your biology?
Lowers blood pressure
What is the dark triad of antisocial characteristics?
Machiavellianism Narcissism Sociopathy
What is the relationship between optimism and happiness?
Optimistic individuals tend to experience more positive emotions, cope better with stress, and have greater overall well-being. Their positive outlook on life often leads to increased happiness and life satisfaction.
What hormones contribute to connection and commitment? What evidence is there for this?
Oxytocin: Often referred to as the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone," oxytocin plays a significant role in social bonding, trust, and attachment. It's released during positive social interactions and physical touch. -increase oxytocin associated with enhanced trust and attachment between partners
True or False: Zhang & Chen (2016) found that self-compassion uniquely leads to personal improvement in the face of regrets, suggesting that self-compassion supports a growth mindset
True
What is systems thinking?
an approach to problem-solving and understanding complex phenomena by considering the interrelationships and interactions among various components within a system -holistic perspective -considers feedback loops -multidisciplinary
compassion
emotional response to suffering/vulnerability, promotes prosocial behavior
What is a fixed versus growth mindset?
fixed mindset: believing abilities to be predetermined, inherent, and unchangeable; avoid challenges, fearing failure might reveal their limitations growth mindset: belief that abilities can be developed through effort; embrace challenges as opportunities for growth
what are some benefits of forgiveness?
forgiveness have benefits such as high self-esteem, better moods, and happier relationships. -health benefits, reduced stress
According to Gottman, what behaviors contribute to unhappiness in marriage and divorce?
four horsemen of the apocalypse when couples show high levels of contempt (disrespect, sarcasm, cynicism), criticism, defensiveness, and stonewalling (withdrawing/shutting down during conflicts, refusing to communicate)
altruism
helping others even when it is costly/risky; often associated with selfless or prosocial intentions/motives
kindness
intentional act of directing generous benevolence to a person (giving, sharing, believing the best of others, thinking well of them, etc.); often involves empathy, compassion, and/or altruism, but not necessarily required
What is the difference between maximizing and satisficing?
maximizing: seeking the best possible option, can lead to decision paralysis or dissatisfaction satisficing: accepting what's "good enough", make quicker decisions, reduces decision-making stress
What are the toxic thoughts that we discussed in the class? What are positive activities that remedy each type of toxic thought?
perfectionism - self-compassion serious mindset - play maximizing pleasure - savoring/satisficing immersed/overwhelmed - perspective materialsim - experience focused unstructured life - story
How does play help us to learn, develop our identities?
physical play and learning boundaries: rough and tumble play learning boundaries between pleasure, pain, harm; flirtation learn boundary between friend, intimate play and exploring identity: allows us to explore assuming identities
sources of influence
positional: formal authority, control over resources personal: personal characteristics, reputation, relationship, influence strategies
What psychological outcomes are associated with a sense of power?
power leads to self-serving impulsivity -stereotyping -lack of empathy -gambling -risk taking -rudeness -swearing -shoplifting -sexual impropriety -irrational generosity
What is rumination?
repetitive and intrusive thinking about negative experiences, emotions, or problems without reaching a resolution or conclusion
elevation
sense of wonder at incredible acts of kindness, goodness of other people
What are some causes of stress at the three levels of analysis (structural, life event, thought pattern) we talked about in class?
structural: racism/sexism/bias/poverty/ pay/education life event: abuse/violence/ divorce/death thought pattern: self criticism/ materialism/consumerism/ rumination
What is power?
the capacity to alter the state of others (information, social ties, innovation)
embarrassment and forgiveness
the display of embarrassment is to make peace, to prevent conflict and costly aggression, and to bring people closer together, to reestablish cooperative bonds. We may feel alienated, flawed, alone, and exposed when embarrassed, but our experience and display of this complex emotion is a wellspring of forgiveness and reconciliation. The complement would also prove to be true: The absence of embarrassment is a sign of abandoning the social contract. -embarrassment - a trigger of reconciliation and forgiveness
loving/kindness meditation
◦ Practice begins with developing loving acceptance toward oneself ◦ If resistance is experienced, it indicates presence of feelings of unworthiness ◦ Loving-kindness then extended toward others—a respected beloved person (e.g., teacher), a dearly beloved person (e.g., family member, partner, friend), a neutral person, a hostile person ◦ Feelings of loving-kindness are aroused through visualization (bringing up a mental picture of yourself or the other smiling or being joyous); reflection (on positive qualities of yourself/the other, or on acts of kindness you/they have performed); sound (by repeating an internalized mantra, such as the word 'compassion.') ◦ Helps cultivate gratitude, compassion, and forgiveness