Maximizing Meaning and Psychological Flourishing: Living the 'Good Life'

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and vocabulary from the lecture on maximizing meaning and psychological flourishing, focusing on positive psychology and its implications for achieving the 'good life'.

Positive Psychology

The scientific study of strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive, emphasizing well-being and optimal functioning rather than distress and dysfunction.

Happiness Set Point

An individual's genetic and personal disposition toward a particular level of happiness.

Hedonic Treadmill

The phenomenon where things that make us happy only do so for a relatively short amount of time, as we adapt rapidly.

Happiness Influences

The factors that contribute to overall happiness, including health, social relationships, productivity, and citizenship.

Meaning

An organism’s perception that its environment provides clear, reliable contingencies for effective action and perceiving that their actions hold value.

Core Needs of Meaning

The fundamental psychological needs that promote meaning: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

Goal Pursuit in Meaning

The process through which goals are more likely to be achieved by linking specific situational cues to behaviors that align with core needs.

living the 'Good Life'

Pursue goals that support core needs - practice self-compassion, self-kindness, recognition that no one is perfect, mindfulness 

values of humility, altruism, gratitude, resilience