positive psych class (1-4)

What is positive psychology

Positive psychology is a branch of psychology focused on character strengths and behaviors that allow individuals to build a life of meaning and purpose — moving beyond surviving to flourishing.

What are the main goals of positive psychology research?

• Identify elements of a “good life”

• Study practices that improve wellbeing and life satisfaction

• Understand how people flourish

• Apply strengths-based approaches to real-life contexts

How does this course apply positive psychology to students?

• Supports academic success

• Promotes thriving, not just surviving

• Focuses on student strengths

• Recognizes lived experience as valuable knowledge

• Supports wellbeing inside and outside schoo

What is a community in positive psychology?

A community is a social group where individuals connect, support each other, and foster belonging, meaning, and wellbeing.

What are the six components of community?

• Social connections

• Social support

• Sense of identity

• Shared values and goals

• Collective wellbeing

• Community engagement

Why are social connections important in community?

They provide belonging, companionship, emotional support, and improved psychological wellbeing.

What is social support in community?

Emotional, practical, or informational help that assists people in coping with stress and challenges.

What is sense of identity in community?

Feeling of “we-ness” that helps define self-worth and purpose through belonging.

What are shared values and goals in community?

Common beliefs or purposes that create meaning and motivation.

What is collective wellbeing?

The idea that individual wellbeing is tied to the wellbeing of the community.

What is community engagement?

Active participation in community life; linked to higher happiness and purpose

Why must communities value diversity?

Communities share space and time with others; respecting internal and external diversity prevents misunderstanding and harm.

What example was given about Indigenous communities?

Indigenous Peoples are often viewed as a single culture, but in reality are diverse and not a monolith (something viewed as one single, uniform, unchanging group or structure, without recognizing internal differences.)

What is critical thinking?

The practice of questioning assumptions, examining evidence, and remaining open to new perspectives to reach deeper understanding.

What did Thích Nhất Hạnh teach about perception?

“Our suffering may come from our own wrong perception.”

How does critical thinking reduce suffering?

By questioning assumptions, seeking clarification, and correcting misperceptions.

What is deep listening?

Listening with openness to understand others fully — helps correct misinterpretations and build honest connections.

Why do misunderstandings happen?

Acting on assumptions or incomplete information.

Who is Elder Albert Marshall?

• Leading environmental voice in Unama’ki

• Advisor to UINR board

• Spokesperson for Mi’kmaq natural resources

• Works to advance wellbeing in First Nations communities

What is “Two-Eyed Seeing”?

A concept created by Elder Albert Marshall that balances:

• Traditional Indigenous knowledge

• Contemporary Western science
  For a more complete understanding of the world.

What values does Two-Eyed Seeing promote?

• Wisdom

• Courage

• Humanity

• Justice

• Temperance

• Transcendence

Why is Two-Eyed Seeing important in positive psychology?

It integrates cultural wisdom with scientific knowledge to support holistic wellbeing.

What were residential schools?

Institutions where Indigenous children suffered physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse and forced cultural assimilation.

What are character strengths?

Positive traits valued by individuals, communities, and society that support wellbeing and flourishing.

What are the six VIA strength categories?

• Wisdom & Knowledge

• Courage

• Humanity

• Justice

• Temperance

• Transcendence

What strengths belong to Wisdom & Knowledge?

Creativity, Curiosity, Open-mindedness, Love of learning, Perspective.

What strengths belong to Courage?

Bravery, Perseverance, Honesty, Zest.

What strengths belong to Humanity?

Love, Kindness, Social intelligence, Teamwork.

What strengths belong to Justice?

Fairness, Leadership, Citizenship.

What strengths belong to Temperance?

Forgiveness, Humility, Prudence, Self-regulation.

What strengths belong to Transcendence?

Gratitude, Hope, Humor, Spirituality, Appreciation of beauty.

what is affect?

Immediate physiological response to a stimulus; component of emotion based on arousal.

How is affect different from emotion?

Affect is immediate bodily response; emotion is a specific mood state involving cognitive judgment.

How is happiness different from wellbeing?

• Happiness = positive emotional state

• Wellbeing = life satisfaction + positive affect + low negative affect

What is subjective wellbeing?

Personal evaluation of one’s life satisfaction and emotional balance.

What is Fredrickson’s Broaden-and-Build theory?

Positive emotions broaden thinking and build long-term cognitive and emotional resources.

What is Seligman’s PERMA model?

P – Positive emotion
E – Engagement
R – Relationships
M – Meaning
A – Achievement

What is gratitude?

A sense of happiness and thankfulness in response to positive experiences.

What are the two stages of gratitude (Emmons)?

• Recognizing goodness in life

• Recognizing external sources of that goodness

Why is gratitude important in positive psychology?

It increases wellbeing, positive emotion, and resilience.

Can gratitude be practiced?

Yes — through awareness and intentional exercises.

How do positive psychology, community, critical thinking, and strengths connect?

Positive psychology studies flourishing.
Community provides belonging and meaning.
Critical thinking prevents misperceptions.
Character strengths help individuals and communities thrive.

Together → flourishing individuals within flourishing communities.

What is VIA strengths?

positive character trait identified by the Values in Action (VIA) framework in positive psychology. These strengths represent the best parts of your personality and help you think, feel, and act at your highest potential. There are 24 VIA strengths grouped into 6 core virtue categories.