MPH - Positive Psychology: Positive Emotions and Traits Lesson

Learning Targets:

  • Describe the approach positive psychology takes in studying behavior and mental processes.
  • Describe the "feel-good, do-good" phenomenon and outline the main research areas within positive psychology.
  • Identify the key factors that can predict an individual's level of happiness.
  • Explain the broaden-and-build theory of emotions and how it relates to coping mechanisms.
  • Discuss the elements that make up the character strengths and virtues in positive psychology.

Courtesy of the AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2024. (n.d.). Links to an external site.

 

Exploring Positive Psychology

Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on identifying the factors that contribute to well-being, resilience, positive emotions, and psychological health. Unlike traditional psychology, which often emphasizes understanding and alleviating negative emotions and states, positive psychology promotes human fulfillment and flourishing. Martin Seligman, a key figure in positive psychology, has applied scientific methods to study human flourishing, addressing subjective well-being through three main pillars. These include positive well-being, positive traits, and positive groups, communities, and cultures. Positive psychology is an umbrella term for studying positive emotions, character traits, and supportive institutions to enhance individuals' overall mental and emotional health.

 

 

Three Pillars Positive Psych Positive Well Being - Focuses on individual happiness and life satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of positive emotions and mental health. Positive Traits - centers on character strengths and virtues that contribute to a person's ability to thrive, such as resilience, optimism, and courage. Positive Groups, Communities, and Cultures - examines how positive social environments and cultural practices support individual and collective well-being

Understanding Happiness

In positive psychology, happiness plays a crucial role in shaping our lives. Our happiness or unhappiness can significantly impact various aspects of our daily experiences. For instance, research shows that happy individuals with higher happiness levels experience more success in their relationships. Happy people are likelier to communicate effectively, show empathy towards others, and maintain harmonious connections with their loved ones. This positive emotional state contributes to a supportive and fulfilling home environment where mutual respect and understanding thrive. Happy employees are more productive, creative, and engaged in their work tasks. Their positive mindset enables them to approach challenges with optimism and resilience, leading to higher job satisfaction and performance outcomes. Additionally, happy workers foster positive relationships with their colleagues, contributing to a collaborative and cohesive work environment that enhances overall productivity and job satisfaction.

Additionally, psychologists have identified a phenomenon known as the feel-good, do-good phenomenon, where individuals' positive moods lead to increased helpful behavior towards others. This reciprocal relationship between feeling good and doing good highlights the importance of happiness in fostering stronger social connections and overall well-being. Individuals prioritizing their well-being and cultivating positive emotions are more likely to experience long-term success and fulfillment. Their optimistic outlook enables them to navigate life's ups and downs with grace and resilience, enhancing their overall quality of life and subjective well-being. 

Money and Happiness

National Wealth Matters! When examining the relationship between money and happiness, it is suggested that personal income can predict happiness up to a certain point. While having enough income to cover basic needs and enjoy some comforts can contribute to overall well-being, pursuing wealth beyond a certain threshold does not guarantee happiness. Interestingly, studies have shown that despite increases in national wealth and economic growth over time, levels of happiness and depression have remained relatively stable. Additionally, extreme income inequality within a society can adversely affect social cohesion and overall well-being, leading to increased stress and dissatisfaction. Therefore, while money can provide the means for a comfortable life, true happiness may involve factors beyond material wealth.

The adaptation-level phenomenon suggests that our judgments of various aspects of our lives, such as sounds, lights, or income, are influenced by a neutral level established by our past experiences. This means that what we perceive as satisfactory or unsatisfactory is relative to what we have experienced. The adaptation-level phenomenon suggests that people quickly get used to new circumstances, and their happiness levels return to a baseline or "new normal." Additionally, relative deprivation plays a role in our perception of happiness by highlighting the idea that we tend to feel worse off when we compare ourselves to others we believe are better off than us. These concepts emphasize the importance of considering our own experiences and comparisons with others when assessing our level of happiness.

Predictors of Happiness

Factors Contributing to Happiness graph This visual representation outlines the key elements that play a role in shaping happiness based on the principles of positive psychology. The pie chart breaks down each contributing factor, emphasizing its importance in the overall happiness equation. Positive emotions, comprising 20% of the chart, encompass feelings of joy, gratitude, and other uplifting experiences. Engagement, representing 15%, involves engrossment in fulfilling activities that bring a sense of satisfaction and flow. Relationships, a significant component at 20%, highlight the value of positive social connections in fostering happiness. Finding meaning and purpose in life, accounting for 15%, contributes to one's overall sense of well-being. Accomplishments, at 10%, highlight the satisfaction derived from achieving goals and experiencing success. Health and well-being, also at 10%, emphasize the importance of physical vitality. Financial stability and resources, depicted at 5%, play a role in happiness through wealth. Lastly, the act of generosity, also at 5%, showcases the happiness gained from acts of kindness and helping others.

Understanding the Broad-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions

The Broaden-and-Build Theory suggests that positive emotions, such as joy and gratitude, broaden our mental horizons and outlook. By expanding our awareness, positive emotions help us see more possibilities and solutions to challenges. When we experience happiness, our creativity and problem-solving abilities are enhanced, leading to improved coping mechanisms and resilience in adversity. Over time, this broadening effect allows us to build skills and resources that contribute to our overall well-being. Imagine a student who receives positive feedback from their teacher on a project they worked hard on. This positive emotion of pride and accomplishment broadens their mental awareness by boosting their self-confidence and belief in their abilities. As a result, the student may feel more motivated to take on new challenges, explore different interests, and build upon their existing skills. Over time, this cycle of positive emotions and personal growth can lead to improved academic performance, increased resilience in the face of academic setbacks, and a greater sense of overall well-being. Positive emotions fuel personal growth and development, ultimately shaping our capacity to thrive and overcome obstacles.

Positive Traits

 Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman developed the Values in Action (VIA) classification to identify and categorize positive character strengths. This classification includes six core virtues: Wisdom, Courage, Humanity, Justice, Temperance, and Transcendence. Each virtue encompasses specific traits that contribute to personal and communal well-being, providing a framework for understanding and cultivating positive behaviors and attitudes.

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