Positive Psychology
3.what does haidt think about modern theories about rational choice and information processing ?
3. Haidt believes that modern theories about rational choice and information processing don't adequately explain weakness of the will. He uses the metaphor of the rider on the elephants back explaining that he only has control over the animal when it doesn't have desires of his own.
3What are some examples of changes you can make to the external conditions of your life that are not fully subject to the adaptation principle? (p. 92-94)
3Some examples of changes you can make to the external conditions of your life that are not fully subject to the adaptation principle are noise, commuting, lack of control, shame, and relationships.
3In Haidt's rider and elephant metaphor, what does the rider represent, and what does the elephant represent? Which does Haidt believe evolved to serve the other? (p. 16-17)]
3The rider represents an advisor or servant not a king, president, or a charioteer. The rider is conscious controlled thought while the elephant includes the gut feeling, visceralreactions, emotions, and institutions that comprise much of the automatic nervous system. Haidt believes that the elephant evolves to save the advisor.
5Incidental emotions
5In a decision-making situation, emotions not directly caused by the act of having to make a decision.
5Intergroup emotions
5They are the feelings aroused when people think about or interact with members of social groups.
what is another field of psychology that predates positive psychology, but is somewhat related to it? What process was emphasized by
Another field of psychology that predates positive psychology but is somewhat related to it is humanistic psychology. Self actualization was a process emphasized by two psychologists named Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers who were humanists. Self actualization is the process in which people strive to make the most of their potential.
What are men more likely to become jealous of, and what are women more likely to become jealous of in a relationship? When is a couple less likely to break up? (p. 257)
Men are more jealous of their partner's sexual infidelity, whereas women are more jealous at the prospect of their partner's emotional infidelity. A Couple is less likely to break up if they are satisfied with their relationship, if there are no other suitable alternatives present, and if they invested time and effort into the relationship.
What are at least three research findings about securely attached adults? (p. 263)
Securely attached adults are more supportive of their partners in joint problem-solving tasks, more likely to practice safer sex, and less upset in the wake of stress.
What is meant by the term Wellness? What is the WHO's definition of health? (p. 224)
The broad state of health is meant by Wellness. WHO's definition of health is Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
. What are the seven basic abilities proposed by Gardner's (1983) theory of multiple intelligences? Do you think you excel in any of these domains? (p. 211)
The seven basic abilities include linguistics, logical - mathematecal, spatial, musical, bodily ,personal, social. I think excel in the domains of personal, social and bodily abilities.
What are four ways we can respond to our partners when something happens to them, including good events? Which type of response is most beneficial to a relationship? (p. 271)
- Active-constructive responding - Active-destructive responding - Passive-constructive responding - Passive-destructive responding Couples that use active-constructive responding have great marriages. The other responses, if they dominate, are associated with marital dissatisfaction.
10according to a Gallup poll, what percentage of workers believe that their jobs allow them to do their best on a regular basis?
-20%
10. What did Robert White (1959) argue about competence? What sort of activities often attract us, and give us a chance to display this competence? Can you think of an example? (p. 198-199)
10Robert White argued that people are motivated to behave in a competent way, regardless of what they are doing. The sorts of activities which often attract us and give us a chance to display this competence include things such as baby learning to walk, he is not being rewarded for the steps he takes but the fact that he is doing it is his reward.
10What are the six basic types of people in terms of their work-relevant interests and the kinds of jobs at which they excel? Do you think you may fit one of these types? (p. 208)
10The six types of people in terms of their work -relevant interests and the kind of jobs at which they excel include: realistic types(prefer the manipulation of things) excel at mechanic contractors , investigative types (observe) excel at scientist, or journalist, artistic type( create) excel at being musicians, social types (prefer groups) excel at being teachers, enterprising types ( work toward organizational goals) excel at being stockbroker and lastly conventional types (systematic manipulation of data) which
3.What is the first division that Haidt talks about?
3. The first division that Haidt talks about is mind vs body
3.What is "confabulation"
3.Confabulation is the finding that people will readily fabricate reasons to explain their own behavior
3.Where is there a "second brain" with a network of more than 100 million neurons, operating largely independently? (p. 5-6)
3.The second brain is the bowels which connects to your brain and allows you to process parts of the world
3Is the human mind more sensitive to changes in conditions or absolute levels of things? What is the adaptation principle at work? (p. 85)
3Answer: According to Richard Davidson, the human mind is extraordinarily sensitive to changes in conditions, but not so sensitive to absolute levels. The adaptation principle at work is when people's judgements about their present state are based on whether it is better or worse than the state to which they have become accustomed.
3What is one particular happiness hypothesis, based on the teaches of Buddha, Epictetus, and many other sages, as summarized by Haidt? (p. 87)
3Buddha, Epictetus and many other sages proposed a particular happiness hypothesis based on their teachings: Happiness comes from within, and it cannot be found by making the world conform to your desires.Buddha taught that desire leads to suffering, Epictetus taught that you should only focus on what you can fully control.
3"interpreter module
3Gazzaniga refers to the left side of the brain as the interpreter module whose job is to give running commentary on whatever the brain is doing.
3What does "the progress principle" say about these two things? (p. 83-84)
3Progress principle says that pleasure comes more from making progress toward goals than from achieving them.
3 What did Mischel's "marshmallow test" study show about the ability to delay gratification?
3The Marshmallow test study showed that kids who were able to distract themselves and looked away from the marshmallow were more successful at not eating it
3What does "the elephant" care about, when it comes to consumption? What is a common happiness trap, and why? (p. 101)
3The elephant cares about prestige not happiness. In order to figure out what is prestigious, it looks to others to figure it out. A common happiness trap is the pursuit of luxury goods which usually results in a mistaken belief that material things will make you happy.
3What is the "happiness formula" put forward by Lyubomirsky, Sheldon, Schkade, and Seligman? (p. 91)
3The happiness formula is written as said: the level of happiness that you actually experience (H) is determined by your biological set point (S) plus the conditions of your life © plus the voluntary activities (V) you do. Equation: H = S + C +V
3What is the difference between pleasures and gratifications? What do you need to do for pleasures to maintain their potency? (p. 96)
3The main difference between pleasures and gratification is that pleasures are delights that have clear sensory and strong emotional components. Gratifications are activities which engage you fully, draw on your strengths and allow you to lose self consciousness. Pleasures need to be spaced out in order for them to maintain their potency.
3What was the secret of the most successful children? Is it easy for the controlled system to beat the automatic system in a direct contest of wills? (p. 18)
3The secret for most children was strategy and their ability to shift their focus from the marshmallow to something else. It is hard for the controlled system to beat the automatic system by willpower alone.
3What are the two types of positive affect, according to Richard Davidson
3The two types of positive affect, according to Richard Davidson, is pre-goal attainment positive affect and the second is called post-goal attainment positive affect.
3Can money buy happiness? If so, at what end of the income spectrum? (p. 88-89)
3Wealth itself has a small impact on happiness. Although wealth increases it does not necessarily mean people are happier. Rich people are on average more happier than those who are poor but not by much.
3How are maximizers and satisficers different when it comes to social comparison and consumption, and who is likely to get more pleasure pet dollar they spend? (p. 102)
3When it comes to social comparison satisfiers and maximizers are different. Maximizers habitually try to evaluate all the options, seek out information, and make the best choice. Satisfiers, are more laid back about choice, they look at a ray of options and choose the best for themselves.
How is the brain in vertebrates like a house that was built in 1900? (p. 9-10)
3because they have both expanded in a forward direction. Over time as more complex bodies and behavior evolved the brain kept building out the front away from the spinal column. `
4What are passionate love and companionate love, according to Haidt? Which one involves the attachment and caregiving system? (p. 124-125)
4According to Haidt, passionate love is "a wildly emotional state in which tender and sexual feelings, elation and pain, anxiety and relief, altruism and jealousy coexist in a confusion of feelings." Passionate love is the love you fall into. Compassionate love is "the affection we feel for those with whom our lives are deeply intertwined". It grows slowly over the years.
4What did John Bowlby argue in his 1951 report? What is the grand synthesis of his ideas called? (p. 112-113)
4Bowlby argued that children need love and a mother in order to grow in his 1951 report. The grand thesis of his idea is called attachment theory.
4What did Czikszentmihalyi, Gardner, and Damon conclude about what makes an occupational field healthy or unhealthy, and what examples did they use? Do you think their conclusions from the 1990s still hold up today, in 2018?
4Czikszentmihalyi, Gardner, and Damon concluded that in order to maintain a healthy occupational field you needed alignment. When doing good (high quality work that produces something of use to other people) matches up with doing well (achieving wealth and professional advancement) a field is healthy. The example they used in the reading was that of genetics. They stated that genetics is a healthy field because all parties involved respect and reward the very best science.
4What did Durkheim conclude about having obligations and constraints in one's life? If you accept that the need for relationships are biologically hard-wired, what does that predict about an ideology of extreme personal freedom? (p. 133)
4Durkheim concluded that people who have less social constraints, bonds, and obligations were more likely to kill themselves. This is because constraints and obligations give purpose and meaning to a persons life. An ideology for extreme personal freedom can be dangerous because it encourages people to leave homes, jobs, cities, and marriages in search of personal and professional fulfillment thereby breaking the relationships that were probably their best hope for such fulfillment.
4What four things does Haidt argue co-evolved, and why did they need to co-evolve in order for humans to survive? (p. 122)
4Haidt argues that active fathers, male-female pair-bonds, male sexual jealousy, and big-headed babies co-evolved. They needed to co-evolved because a man who felt some desire to stay with a woman, guard her fidelity, and contribute to the rearing of their children so they could produce smarter children. Meaning that they needed to co-evolve together so intelligence would become more adaptive and help them adapt to their environments better in generations to come.
4How does Haidt suggest the happiness hypothesis be extended - for now? (p. 105)
4Haidt suggests that the happiness hypothesis be extended to a ying yang formulation: Happiness comes from within and happiness comes from without.
4How are people multilevel systems? According to Haidt, when do people gain a sense of meaning within their lives? Do you agree, or do you think one of the areas deserves the most focus? (p. 227)
4People are multilevel systems because we are physical objects (bodies and brains) from which minds somehow emerge and from our minds somehow societies, and cultures emerge. We are made up of three levels which include physical, psychobiological and sociocultural. According to Haidt people gain a sense of meaning within their lives when their lives cohere across three levels of their existence. I think that whenever you are balanced in the three levels of your life you feel more accomplished and even and therefore well rounded and more happy with your life and your contribution to society.
4What did sociologists Kohn and Schooler find was the key to understanding which jobs were most satisfying? Which of three approaches to work is likely to be the most satisfying? (p. 221)
4Sociologists Kohn and Schooler found that the key to understanding which jobs were the most satisfying was occupational self-direction. Out of the three approaches to work, the one most likely to be the most satisfying is when you see your work as a calling. you're working because you see your job as a contribution to the greater good and would most likely do it even if you weren't getting paid.
4What is the final version of Haidt's happiness hypothesis? (p. 238)
4The final version of Haidt's happiness hypothesis is that happiness comes from between. Happiness is not something you can find, acquire, or achieve directly. You must wait for all conditions to be right , some conditions are within you and some require relationships to things beyond you. In order to be happy you need to build a relationship between yourself, between your work, between your relationships as well as things larger than yourself. -
4What are Bowlby's four defining features of attachment relationships?
4The four defining features of attachment relationships are proximity maintenance (the child wants and strives to be near the parent), Separation distress, safe haven ( the child, when frightened or distressed, comes to the parent for comfort)and secure base ( the child uses the parent as a base from which to launch exploration and personal growth).
4What is the most important lesson Haidt has learned in twenty years of research on morality? (2) What motivates groups of people? (3) Where is a good place to look for wisdom, and what is necessary to see some good ideas?
4The most important lesson Haidt has learned in twenty years of research on ma=orality has been that nearly all people are morally motivated. People are greatly motivated by selfishness but whenever groups of people come together to work together to change the world, they are pursuing a vision of virtue. A good place to look for wisdom is from a place that is balanced with both good and bad, ancient and new, eastern and western, and even things such a liberal and conservative.
4What are the two biggest conditions that people need to flourish, according to Haidt? What analogy does Haidt make between humans and plants, in this regard? (p. 219)
4The two biggest conditions that people need to flourish are love as well as having a pursuing the right goals in order to be engaged with life. Haidt compares love and work for humans to water and sunshine for plants.
4What appear to be the two main sub-questions that people want answers to, when they ask the question "What is the meaning of life?" Which one is an empirical question? (p. 217-218)
4The two main sub questions that people want answers to when they ask the question "what is the meaning of life?" are "what is the purpose of life?" ( the reason why all humans were placed on earth) as well as " what is the purpose within life?"( How should I live? What should I do to have a fulfilling life). The empirical question is the second one because it can be examined by scientific means.
4What did Freudians and Behaviorists in the early 1900s (generally) believe about unconditional love? Who are the heroes of this chapter's story, and why? (p. 108-109)
4They believed that unconditional love made children weak and lazy. Freudians and behaviorists soon began to see highly affectionate mothers as damaging to children growth. The heroes of this chapters story are the scientists who rejected the central tenets of their training: Harry Harlow John Bowlby. Due to their contributions the treatment of children has improved.
5What is empathy? Describe how it is related to prejudice.
5Empathy is another oriented emotional response congruent with another's perceived welfare; f a person is oppressed or in need, empathetic feelings include sympathy, compassion, tenderness. Studies have shown that people who are more empathetic exhibit less prejudice. b
5What is intergroup anxiety? What causes it? Explain the process by which intergroup anxiety leads to prejudice.
5Intergroup anxiety describes the feelings of discomfort many people experience when interacting with, or anticipating an interaction with, members of other groups. It is caused by expectations that the interactions with members of other groups will have negative consequences. Intergroup anxiety results from negative expectations about the outcomes of interactions with members of outgroups. These negative expectations derive from negative prior contact with the outgroup, little prior contact, and stereotypes of the outgroup that are activated when the interactant is categorized as a member of an outgroup. Intergroup anxiety leads to avoidance of intergroup contact and prejudice against the outgroup.
5.Describe Sternberg's theory of hate. What are the components of hate? How is hate aroused and maintained? How can hate be controlled?
5Robert Sternberg (2003) postulates that ordinary emotions can combine to result in the much stronger and potentially destructive emotion of hate. Feelings of disgust, feelings of fear, and feelings of contempt are the components of hate. Sternberg points out that hate is aroused and maintained by the stories members of an in-group tell about an outgroup. These stories may have some basis in fact or they may be totally fabricated by propagandists; in either case, they are structured in ways that emphasize the evilness of the outgroup and the goodness and innocence of the in-group.
5What are social norms? How are they related to prejudice? What experiences have you had with social norms and the expression of prejudice?
5Social norms are informal rules that groups develop that describe how to be a good group member. They are related to prejudice because these social norms govern attitudes or type of beliefs a group member is supposed to hold. Group norms will promote some prejudices. One example in my life would be that social norms mean I am expected to marry and have children but I personally do not believe in marriage and therefore that can create prejudices towards me from members of my own group who believe all women should marry.
7When can optimism - in the form of constant striving for control over events - take a toll on someone? What is the last thing Seligman has to say about flexible or complex optimism? (p 127)
7Constant striving for control over events without the resources to achieve it can take a toll on the individual who faces an objective limit to what can be attained regardless of how hard you work. Seligman says that people should be optimistic when the future can be changed by positive thinking but not otherwise
7 In presidential elections from 1900 through 1984, what kind of candidate won more elections? (p. 109)
7In presidential elections from 1900 through 1984 the candidate who focused more on expressing optimism and less on negative events won 18 out of the 22 elections.
7How has (textbook author) Peterson approached the study of optimism, and how are optimists and pessimists distinguished this way? (p. 120)
7Peterson has approached the study of optimism by individuals explanatory styles or how one explains the causes for bad events. People who explain bad events in a circumstanced way with external, unstable and specific causes can be described as optimistic. Whereas those who favor internal, stable and global causes can be described as pessimistic.
7. What is dispositional optimism, and how do Scheier and Carver attempt to measure it? (p. 119)
7The global expectation that good things will be plentiful in the future and bad things scarce. Scheier and Carver attempt to measure this variable in terms of how people pursue goals which are defined as desirable values. They refer to their approach as a "self-regulatory model."
7What are three matters we should be concerned about, regarding the cultivation of optimism -- -which Peterson phrases as three (first, second, third) questions? Give your opinion on one of these three questions. (p. 128 - 129)
7The three matters we should be concerned about regarding the cultivation of optimism according to Peterson include how can optimism be channeled in one direction rather than the other. Second, how can we prevent optimism from being thwarted. And lastly, what can we do to rekindle optimism that has been thwarted? I think in order to prevent optimism from being thwarted we need to teach everyone the effects of being optimistic. I think a lot of times people shit on other people for being optimistic and that makes optimistic people feel dumb sometimes. Teaching everyone about the positive effects of optimism would lessen the amount of people laughing at optimists.
7What do Johnson and Dark mean by the term "selective attention?" If natural selection has favored on type of attention, what has therefore resulted in the modern human being? (p. 113)
7When Johnson and Dark mention "selective attention" they mean the things in your environment which you choose to pay attention to because you cannot focus your attention on everything at once. The example given in the book is driving down the highway, you're not paying attention to every single detail, only the things which can cause danger. Selective attention is what you decide to put into your normal waking consciousness. This has resulted in natural selection favoring this type of attention and therefore creating a modern human being who is more focused on what is going wrong and could go wrong rather than what is going well.
7What are some things that optimism, conceptualized and assessed in a variety of ways, has been linked to? (p. 114
7optimism has been linked to positive mood and good morale, to perseverance and effective problem solving; to academic, athletic, military, occupational and political success; to popularity; to good health; and even to long life and freedom from trauma.
What is the challenge of the 21st century, according to Peterson?
According to Peterson the challenge of the 21st century is how we can all be us without causing conflict within our communities and overall in society
10. According to a Harris poll from 2001, what where the two most popular leisure activities of respondents to the poll? What sort of activities do lower-class individuals do more of or less of compared to middle-class individuals? (p. 199-200)
According to a Harris poll from 2001 the two most popular leisure activities of respondents to the poll was watching television and reading. Lower-class individuals do less of everything other than watching television. Those who are in the lower middle class have less time, money, and physical ability to carry out leisure activity.
9What are values, according to Peterson, and how do they go beyond preferences? (p. 165-167)
According to peterson values are the articulation and pursuit of the goals we deem worthy. They are often moral religious, or political in nature and they figure mightily in the lives that we lead or should lead. Values not only suggest goals of action but also the criteria by which these goals are analyzed. It goes beyond what you prefer to what we should prefer.
Petersons definition of positive psychology
According to the author, the definition of positive psychology is the scientific study of what goes right in life. It looks at the things in life which make life worth living. . He states that life is more than just the downfalls it's also about the peeks and valleys
How might values originate? What does social learning theory say? What is the cognitive consistency argument? What does Peterson speculate? (p. 184)
According to theorists values originate as a process of socialization and learning. It was explained as modeling or emulating what other influential people in your life teach you in social learning theory by bandura and a la rotter. In terms of cognitive consistency the argument is explained in terms of inherent tendencies to be consistent in what one believes. Peterson speculates that people may also acquire values by the deliberate process of asking what is the right thing and choosing an answer which then becomes a value.
What are four ways to be extraordinary? Can you think of any others? (p. 2
Four ways to be extraordinary include being a master at some domain of accomplishment, by being a maker of an entirely new field, by being an introspector and exploring inner life, and by being an influencer. I think people that are in touch with who they are inspire those around them to do the same and that's one way of being extraordinary.Making people feel positive things.
What did Gardner (1991) argue about formal assessment of abilities, and why - with respect to which subjects lend themselves more easily to assessment, and those that do not? What did Gardner propose as an alternative? (p. 213)
Gardner states that subject matters that lend themselves to efficient formal assessment are subjects like mathematics and science, which are in turn valued more than other disciplines which resist formal assessment such as the arts. Therefore, Garner proposed assessment in context as an alternative. Assessment in context relies on information about individuals abilities obtained in the course of their everyday activities
. What insight did George Valliant have about psychological defense me
George Valiant had the insight that they could be arranged in a hierarchy from the relatively immature to the relatively mature, depending on the degree to which the defense is at odds with reality. Mature defenses are favored by more psychologically healthy people
. What did Reis and Gable (2003) conclude about good relationships, and what have Veroff and colleagues noted about relationship conflicts or losses? (p. 261)
Good relationships with others may be the single most important source of life satisfaction and emotional well-being, across different ages and cultures. Veroff and colleagues noted that when describing bad events or things that gone wrong in their lives, it was a majority that people recount relationship conflicts or loss.
. Describe three different scientific fields which incorporate at least some understanding of mind-body interactions? (p. 230)
Health Psychology Behavioral medicine Psychoneuroimmunology
What was Martin Seligman's realization regarding the field of psychology since WWII, and what has been the cost of this emphasis? (p. 5)
Martin Seligmans realization was that the field of psychology had been focusing its efforts on human problems and how to remedy them rather than the good things which occur in peoples lives. This emphasis has neglected the study of what can go right with people and applied a disease model for human nature. This has created a depiction of a fragile nation and culture in the US.
What are some of Murray's conclusions about people who are eminent in their accomplishments throughout history? (p. 217-218)
Murrays conclusions about people who were eminent in their accomplishment were that agreement on the amount of eminence stayed the same accross platforms.which helped him ultimately conclude that polymaths are eminent in more than one field requiring arguably different skills are exceeedingly rare, hard work is critical and that mentors are critical as well.
What are two different definitions of positive psychology? Which do you think best captures it? (p. 2)
One definition is that PP is the study pf what makes life most worth living. Another is that PP is the study of what constitutes the pleasant life, the engaged life, and the meaningful life. I think the simpler definition captures the field of positive psychology the best.
What are the author's generalizations regarding achieving a healthy weight? What is the only way to keep weight off according to R. Wing (1992)? (p. 234)
Prevention is much more effective than treatment; in other words; the most effective way not to be overweight as an adult is to have avoided being overweight at earlier points in life
. What are the two stages of appraisal according to Richard Lazarus, and what is the implication for stressful events and their impact on health? (p. 241)
Primary Appraisal- the individual asks what is at stake in the event Secondary Appraisal- the individual takes stock of the resources at her disposal for meeting the demands of the event. The impact of a stressful event depends on how the individual appraises it/ perceives it. Which in the bigger picture impacts your health
. Regardless of the reasons for the inertia of our well-being, what is clear about changing it? (p
Regardless of the reasons for the inertia of our well-being, it is that in order to change your typical level of happiness you need to permanently change your life and lifestyle. It is not a quick fix or a fast process if it is it is more likely that you will resort to the same problematic behaviors.
. What are some labels that researchers have used to study love "under the radar?" (p. 252)
Researchers legitimized the study of love was to highlight the problems people have with the absence of love. Some labels that researchers have used to study love are interdependence, equity, social exchange, social support, interpersonal relations, and the like.
What are some social functions of values - particularly shared values? (. 169)
Social functions of values can be seen in group dynamics. Shared values regularize behavior within a group in an efficient way by articulating a general rule that applies broadly to group members; they reduce conflict within the group. Shared values also justify sanctions against deviants and they help to reunite the collective anger of the group against an offender.
What are some of the concepts from Positive Psychology, that questionnaires have now been developed to measure? For example, what is the PGIS? (p. 228)
Some of the concepts from Positive psychology that questionnaires have now been developing to measure are : the presence and absence of strengths, the extent to which strengths contribute to personal well being, and the desire to develop new strengths. An example is the PGIS which is a personal growth initiative scale.
What are some documented benefits of positive thinking, and one notable downside?
Some of the documented benefits of positive thinking include, happiness, health, and success in various achievement domains. One notable downside includes an underestimation of risks. An example of someone who should not be an optimist is pilot or an air traffic controller. An underestimation of a risk in their context could result in a loss of many.
. What types of intelligences did Spearmen propose existed, and how are they related in someone's performance on any given test? Do you think this viewpoint makes sense? (p. 210)
Spearman proposes that there exist two types of intelligences which include general intelligence and specific intelligence. In any test, someone's general and specific intelligences are measured. I don't think this viewpoint makes sense i agree think Gardner's theory is better suited to explain intelligence.
. What is a terminal value, and what is an instrumental value? Give an example of each (p. 175)
Terminal values are beliefs about ideal states of existence such as a comfortable life, an exciting life, equality etc. Instrumental values are beliefs about modes of conduct and presumably aid and abet terminal values.an example of this is being polite, being obedient, and self controlled.
5. What is the core of attachment theory, and what are the three attachment styles proposed by Bowlby? (p. 259-260)
The core of attachment theory is the proposition that attachment enhances survival by regulating infant's relationship and proximity to his caregiver. The three attachment styles are avoidant, securely, and ambivalent
What are eight components of the good life, about which there is little disagreement? Choosing any one of those elements, do you think this element occurs by default, or only comes about because something special takes place? (p. 307-308)
The eight components of the good life are: more positive affect than negative affect, satisfaction with life as it is lived, hope for the future, gratitude about the past,the identification of what one does well,the use of those talents and strengths in engaging and fulfilling pursuits,close relationships with other people, and lastly meaningful participation in groups and organizations. I think that in order to feel happiness you need to know yourself and the only way to do that is to be put in situations where you are being challenged.
What does equity theory predict about when people are mismatched on one dimension, such as physical attraction? Give an example of a mismatch other than physical attraction. (p. 256)
The equity theory predicts that when people are mismatched on one dimension, such as physical attraction, there needs to be a compensating mismatch on another dimension such as success. An example would be a really attractive woman dating a man that wasn't as attractive, but he charms her with his wit and jokes. This is what she is attracted to and it overcomes physical attraction.
What does equity theory suggest about close relationships? What is likely to happen to an inequitable relationship (p. 255)
The equity theory suggests that close relationships (friendships or romances) persist to the degree that both people involved believe what they are getting out of the relationship is proportional to what they are putting into it. Inequitable relationships often do not
What is the final stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial stages, and how does Wong (1989) say that the healthier result occurs? (p. 243)
The final stage is Ego-integrity versus despair. Wong says that the healthier result occurs when a person feels that they have lived a good life. Integrity results from the conviction that one has led it well.
. What are the five pillars of Seligman's well-being theory? (p. 6-7). In your opinion, are any of them most important to you personally, or is anything left out?
The five pillars of Seligman's well-being theory include positive emotion( ability to be optimistic), engagement(personal fulfillment) , relationships(social connections), meaning (impact) and accomplishment (goals and ambition.) In my opinion engagement and relationships are the most significant.
. What is "the good news" about character strengths? (p. 9)
The good news about character strengths is that they can be discovered, acquired, practiced, further developed and everyone has them.
Around how many close friends do schoolchildren typically have, and around how many close friends do people in middle age typically have? (p. 266)
The number of close friends that someone has is always rather small, no more than one or two for toddlers and three to five for schoolchildren. Middle age usually has five close friends, which slowly decreases throughout life.
. What is the problem with positive psychological interventions that focus on the individual? What is one thing that has been done at the University of Pennsylvania's Positive Psychology center, and what else is possible? (p. 311)
The problem with psychological interventions that focus on the individual are that changing people's way of thinking to adapt a positive psychology model is harder when you're trying to do it at an individual level and it is not happening fast enough due to factors such as stigma or lack of knowledge within communities about mental health. The University of Pennsylvania's Positive Psychology center has started training community members and leaders such as coaches, and teachers so that then they will go back to their communities and distribute the knowledge at a larger scale.
. Broadly speaking (in one phrase each), what are the questions that Peterson would like to see answered sooner as opposed to later, regarding the future of Positive Psychology? (p. 306)
The questions that Peterson would like to see answered sooner as opposed to later regarding the future of positive psychology include questions such as: what is the neurobiology of pleasure?,Is there really a hedonic setpoint?,what is the natural history of the good life?can nice guys finish first?why don't people seek out what will make them happy?, can the psychological good life be deliberately created?, is a psychological utopia possible? Lastly, is peace a pipe dream?
What are the Six Virtues which are classified by the VIA Signature Strengths Test? If you had to guess, which of these do you think would be your strongest virtues? (p. 12-14)
The six virtues which are classified by the VIA Signature Strengths Tests include wisdom and knowledge, courage, humanity, justice, Temperance, and transcendence. If I had to guess my strongest virtues would be humanity, courage and transcendence.
What ten values are consistently distinguished around the world? Rank them from 1-10 to form your own Ipsativeranking. (p. 181-182)
The ten values that are consistently distinguished around the world are achievement, benevolence,conformity, hedonism, power, security, self direction, stimulation, tradition, universalism. If i were to rank them from
What are the three related pillars of PS
Three related "pillars" of positive psychology, which can help to describe and understand "the good life" are: Positive subjective experiences(happiness, pleasure, gratification, fulfillment), positive individual traits( strengths of character, talents, Interests ,and values) as well as positive institutions (families, schools, business, communities). The theory implied that relates these three pillars is that positive institutions allow for the development and manifestation of positive traits which allow for positive experiences to be experienced more often. .
What are two circumstances in which we can expect someone's beliefs to be reflected in their actions (or at least be more likely to) (out of 6)? Give an example of one of them. (p. 168)
Two circumstances in which we can expect someone's beliefs to be reflected in their actions are the circumstances in which a person originally acquires a value, and the degree to which a value helps to define a person's self image. Meaning that values stemming from direct experience are more consistent with our behavior than those acquired secondhand and that if you are is tied up to a given value you are more likely to consistently act a given way. An example of acquiring a value due to direct experience is never lying after getting caught in a terrible lie. An example of a value defining your self image is growing up and always being taught that you're supposed to be honest and then adapting it as a part of your personality as bluntness.
4. What fuller definition of a value to Scott (1963) arrive at, using open-ended questions about what people admired in others? (p. 171)
Using the open ended questions about what people admired in others scott came up with a better definition of value as a preferred goal that one regards as (a) inherently good: being an ultimate goal (B) absolutely good; holding in all circumstances, and (c) universally good; applying to all people.
What are four things that values are not? (p. 173-174)
Values are not attitudes, traits,norms, or needs.
What are 2 (out of 5) findings that the World Values Survey has found about values in different nations? (p. 187-188)
Values emphasized in a nation are strongly associated with its political and economic institutions - Accordingly. With industrialization comes trends toward democracy and the endorsement of values that are liberal and secular.
What are the processes which Marie Jahoda proposed were underlying psychological health, in her 1958 book? Do you think you possess most or all of these processes, or are there some you think you are lacking? (p. 237)
acceptance of oneself accurate perception of reality autonomy (freedom from social pressures) environmental mastery growth, development, becoming integration of personality
. When Carol Ryff and colleagues identified their own six components of psychological well-being, what two components are relatively new compared to Marie Jahoda's, and what two of Jahoda's components are left out? (p. 238)
environmental mastery personal growth positive relations with others purpose in life self- acceptance
topics of interest in positive psych
include things such as why we are highly engaged in fulfilling activities, or why speaking from the heart is so satisfying, as well as why we experience pleasure in specific moments
. What factors did George Valliant find predicted what he called positive aging - or being physically healthy and satisfied with one's life at age 75? (p. 244)
not being a smoker (or having quit before age 45) not having a history of alcohol abuse regular exercise years of education stable marriage use of mature defense mechanisms
. What are some behaviors / habits that Belloc and Breslow (1972) discovered were related to being healthier on average, including living longer? (p. 226)
not eating between meals sleeping 8 hours a night exercising not smoking not drinking alcohol to excess
Describe Rokeach's (1971) strategy of value self-confrontation. Do you think this method has the ability to really change people's values, or just change their priorities temporarily? (p. 186)
okeach's strategy of value self-confrontation is basically means of deliberately changing someone's values. His strategy entails confronting people with their value priorities explicitly interpreting the contradictions and seeing what happens. I think overall this is a helpful technique but its effect can definitely diminish after time.
