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Existentialism

A philosophical model that emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility, dating back to the mid-1800s.

Major existential philosophers

Nietzsche, Sartre, and Kierkegaard.

Challenge of existentialists

Accepting responsibility for one's own experiences.

Meaning creation

Existentialists believe individuals must create meaning for themselves.

Phenomenology

Refers to an individual's own experience which is under their control.

Understanding personality

Central to understanding a person is how they create meaning and take control of their phenomenology.

Positive psychology

The study of positive human experiences such as happiness, self-actualization, and gratitude.

Humanism

A movement that inspired positive psychology, focusing on human flourishing.

Personality traits

The study of positive characteristics such as courage, compassion, and wisdom.

Self-determination theory

Suggests true happiness comes from fulfilling needs and goals instead of just pursuing pleasure.

Eudaimonia

Real happiness that comes from pursuing intrinsic goals.

Three fundamental intrinsic goals

Autonomy (freedom), competence (skill development), and relatedness (meaningful relationships).

Flow

A state of deep engagement in an activity where time seems to disappear.

Optimal experience

Csikszentmihalyi's concept of flow as the highest state of enjoyment in life.

Internal locus of control

The belief that one has control over their own actions and outcomes.

External locus of control

The belief that outside factors dictate one's fate.

Key difference between locus of control types

Internal locus sees the self as the main influence, external sees outside forces as more powerful.

Impact of internal locus

Linked to higher well-being and life success.

Autonomy

Freedom from external control or influence, linked to internal locus of control.

Csikszentmihalyi

Psychologist who conceptualized flow as an important aspect of positive psychology.

Positive psychology movement

Committed to understanding how and why humans flourish and are good to each other.