positive psychology

Who introduced the positive approach?

Mark Seligman

Assumption 1 - Free Will

The belief that humans are in charge of their own emotions and have the ability to change how they direct them

Humans are self-directing and adaptive

What does seligman say about free will?

Seligman says that happiness isn't due to genes but due to recognising strengths and weakness and working to develop them to minimise negativity.

Psychology example to support free will

Diener and Seligman 2001

Interviewed students and found out that those who have the strongest ties with friends and family had invested more time into the relationship

As a result, they were happier and showed less signs of depression

We control happiness using free will by choosing to engage in activities that make us happy

Assumption 2 - authenticity of goodness and excellence

Feelings of happiness and goodness are just as natural as feelings of anxiety and stress so should get equal attention

What does seligman was about authenticity of goodness and excellence

Seligman says that we have 'signature strengths ‘ such as kindness and humour and we need to nurture these to transform our lives

Psychology example to support authenticity of goodness and excellence

Psychology focuses on disorders and negative states of mind, approach aims to change this to a focus on the good.

To eliminate mental illness and protect from future mental illness, there should be a focus on traits that produce goodness.

Assumption 3 - the good life

Seligman distinguishes between 3 desirable lives

The pleasant life - happiness comes from pursuing positive emotions in relation to the past present and future

The good life - happiness comes from pursuing activities that positively absorb us

The meaningful life - happiness comes from a deep sense of fulfilment by living for a purpose greater than oneself

How does seligman say we can achieve a good life

Pleasant life is a starting point. The good life is a place of happiness and good relationships

Seligman encourages people to seek the meaningful life

To develop a good life we need to develop our strengths and virtues as they are natural roads to gratification

Good life is a combination of 3 elements: positive connections to others (ability to love)

positive individual health (personal qualities like kindness)

life regulation qualities (regulate behaviour to achieve goals)

Formation of relationships - friendships

Authenticity of goodness and excellence

Positive relationships contribute to healthy well being and authentic feelings like love explains why friendships are formed

Having a relationship allows individuals to develop and express signature strengths to strive for happiness

We are socially programmed to build friendships to nurture our strengths and contribute to happiness

Aims of mindfulness

Allows people to pay attention to the present and enhance their positive characteristics by allowing them to be happier

Allows people to be in control of their own minds