Positive Psychology: Optimism, Hope, Wisdom, and Courage

^^One’s expectancy that good things rather than bad will happen^^
When a goals is of sufficient value, the individual would produce an expectancy about attaining that goal
Stable trait independent form self-efficacy
Attribution: the process by which individuals explain the causes of behavior and events

The optimist uses adaptive causal attributions to explain negative experiences/events
Makes ^^external, variable, and specific attributions^^ for failure-like events rather than internal, stable, and global attributes

There is a ^^genetic basis^^ of optimism
Optimism can stem from ^^childhood experiences^^ that foster trust and secure attachments to parental figures

Life Optimism Test (LOT)
Index of Optimism * self-mastery, self-esteem * can predict outcomes related to coping and adjustment

defined as a ^^goal-directed thinking^^ in which the person utilizes pathways of thinking (the capacity to find ways to desired goals) and agency thinking (motivations to use these ways)
If there’s a will, there’s a way.

Hope has no hereditary contribution but rather a learned cognitive set about ^^goal-directed thinking^^
inherent part of parenting
components of hopeful that are in place by the age of 2
strong attachment to caregivers is crucial for imparting hope

level of goal-directed thinking of a large group of people
it is operative when several people join together to tackle a goal that would be impossible for any one person

involves an integration of k^^nowledge, experience, and deep understanding^^ that incorporates tolerance for the uncertainties of life as well as its ups and downs

Wisdom as Expert Knowledge * ^^factual knowledge^^ in fundamental pragmatics of life * knowledge in ^^contexts^^ of life and societal change * knowledge which considers ^^uncertainties^^ of life * ^^procedural knowledge^^ in fundamental pragmatics of life * knowledge which considers ^^relativism^^ values and goals
Definition of Wisdom: good judgment and advice in important but uncertain areas of life

found in persons seeking contemplative life (Sophia)
practical nature (Phronesis)
scientific understanding (Episteme)
process used to ^^balance personal interests^^ with ^^environmental context^^ to achieve a common good
this involves using ^^tacit knowledge and personal values^^ to form a judgment of or resolution for competing interests

resolving conflicts leads to enhanced discernment and judgment
wisdom builds on knowledge, cognitive skill and personality characteristics
exposure to wise role-models
fluid intelligence, creativity, openness to experience, psychological mindedness, and general life-experiences orchestrate to produce wisdom

Values in Action Classification of Strengths
Wisdom Development Scale * self-knowledge * altruism * judgment * life knowledge/ life skills * emotional management

defined as ^^behavioral approach despite the experience of fear^^, in an effort to better understand its relationship with anxiety, fear, and behavior
the planning and execution of great and expansive projects by putting forth ample and splendid effort of the mind
Confidence, with these projects, the mind self-confidently collects itself with sure hope
Patience, the voluntary and lengthy insurance of arduous and difficult things, which are honorable and useful
Perseverance, ongoing persistence in a well-considered plan

Moral Courage: behavioral expression of authenticity in the face of discomfort, disapproval or rejection
Physical Courage: maintenance of societal good by expression of physical behavior
Vital Courage: perseverance through a disease or disability even when outcome is ambiguous
Physiological Courage: strength in facing destructive habits
Civil Courage: brave behaviors accompanied by anger and indignation that intends to reinforce societal and ethical norms without considering own social cost

Woodard-Pury Courage Scale * one’s job or self-interest * one’s beliefs * individual social and/or moral situations * situations relevant to family
Values in Action Inventory of Strengths