AP Psychology - Positive Psychology

Positive Psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on:

1. Strengths rather than weaknesses

2. Building the good in life instead of repairing the bad

3. Nurturing what is best within ourselves

Key Concepts in Positive Psychology

1. Well-being

2. Character Strengths

3. Flow

4. Gratitude

5. Resilience

Well-being

Key concept:

More than just happiness, it includes engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment

Character Strength

Key concept:

Positive traits that reflect our personal identity, produce good outcomes, and contribute to the collective good

Flow

Key Concept:

A state of complete absorption in an activity, leading to increased performance and fulfillment

Gratitude

Key Concept:

The quality of being thankful and the willingness to show appreciation

Resilience

Key concept:

The ability to bounce back from adversity and grow from challenges

Happiness

A state of well-being characterized by positive emotions

Life Satisfaction

An overall assessment of feelings and attitudes about one’s life at a particular point in time

Optimism

A tendency to expect the best possible outcome or to emphasize the most positive aspects of a situation

Posttraumatic Growth

Positive psychological change experienced as a result of struggling with highly challenging life circumstances

Wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, transcendence

Character strengths are positive traits that reflect our personal identity, produce good outcomes, and contribute to the collective good. Psychologists have identified 24 character strengths that fall under six broad values including: