AP Psychology: Topic 5.2 - Positive Psychology

Positive psychology

the study of human strengths and virtues which uses scientific principles to understand and improve human well-being

Well-being

a person's overall sense of happiness and satisfaction with their life, including how they feel and function in their personal and social lives

Resilience

the ability to adapt to challenging experiences, especially through behavioral, emotional, and mental flexibility as well as the ability to maintain well-being while facing adversity

Positive emotions

pleasant or desirable responses that range from interest and contentment to love and joy (indicating overall well-being and enhancing future growth and success)

Gratitude

a feeling of happiness and thankfulness in response to a gift, benefit, or fortunate happenstance

Positive subjective experiences

valued perceptions, emotions, and thoughts that are unique to each person such as gratitude, happiness, flow, contentment, and satisfaction

Subjective well-being

a person's evaluation of their overall happiness and life satisfaction

Signature strengths (virtues)

personality traits that are central to an individual and which produce positive outcomes for themselves and others

Positive objective experiences

observable aspects of well-being (e.g., happiness)

Happiness

a mental state of well-being characterized by positive feelings such as joy, contentment, fulfillment, and life satisfaction

Categories of virtues

the six classes of virtues (wisdom,

courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence) that are made up of 24 character strengths

Posttraumatic growth

the positive psychological change that some individuals experience after a life crisis or traumatic event