...Positive Psychology Name: Professor: Institution: Course: Date: Positive Psychology scientifically studies the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to prosper. The field is based on the belief that humans long to live meaningful and fulfilling lives, to achieve what is best within themselves, and therefore enhance their experiences of love, work, and play (ppc.sas.upenn.edu). Psychology has often been a misunderstood subject; from solving mental problems to solving complicated crime scenes, people, I included associate the subject with negativity. It may be that the assertions are based on the frequent use of the word “psychology” in cases of mental instability. Courts of law often rely on psychiatrists to determine if the accused individuals are sane enough for trial. These assertions have however been dispelled during my undertaking of the psychology class (Goodtherapy.com). I now recognize that the subject also deals with positive issues that improve one’s life if adopted. I am the subject in the essay and intend to analyze the surveys I undertook to analyze my strengths and weaknesses. The aim of undertaking and analyzing the surveys is to improve my personality and consequently improve my career goals. Undertaking the surveys was not easy as...
Words: 2166 - Pages: 9
...Abstract In this paper I will discuss a comparison of positive psychology and master resiliency training (MRT). They compare in that one’s life, to be successful whether in the civilian world or military it is essential that the mindset maintains a positive outlook, additionally they are different in content rather than context. Positive Psychology and Resilience Factor In a tactical shift from contemporary definition of psychology, positive psychology refers to the study of happiness. For a long time, psychology sought to define dysfunction among people with more focus on individuals who suffered mental illness and/ or psychological related problems. Psychologists always have the intention to help their patients, positive psychology regards it as one sided because it does not consider the positives of a psychologically tormented patient (Shatte & Reivich 2002). Therefore, this new field of psychology looks at how people can attain more happiness and life fulfillment. In this field, psychology researchers look at issues such as pleasure, strengths, and talents among others. The ability to carry on even when things are not going your way best defines resilience. When this happens, an individual is able to adapt to changes in situations. Resilience is a much needed ingredient to happiness and a happy life (2002). In this paper, analyses of positive psychology are discussed; furthermore, it will compare advocating a positive outcome, the development of self-esteem, and an individual’s...
Words: 1743 - Pages: 7
...what the beliefs motivate on resulting actions or mindset and the emotional and behavioral consequences. 4. Disputation: Challenge beliefs and change consequences by promoting optimistic thoughts as opposed to any negative habitual thinking by analyzing the evidence that the negative beliefs are incorrect; look for alternative ways to look at the problem; determine the implications and impact on goals or life in general or in the long run; and question the usefulness of the beliefs. 5. Effect (New): Promote positivity and optimism by disputing negative responses, emotions, and behaviors, and looking for new effective ones to replace them. III. Expectation(s): By conducting this experiment, the expected results are the positive...
Words: 448 - Pages: 2
...Abstract In this paper I will discuss a comparison of positive psychology and master resiliency training (MRT). They compare in that one’s life, to be successful whether in the civilian world or military it is essential that the mindset maintains a positive outlook, additionally they are different in content rather than context. Positive Psychology and Resilience Factor In a tactical shift from contemporary definition of psychology, positive psychology refers to the study of happiness. For a long time, psychology sought to define dysfunction among people with more focus on individuals who suffered mental illness and/ or psychological related problems. Psychologists always have the intention to help their patients, positive psychology regards it as one sided because it does not consider the positives of a psychologically tormented patient (Shatte & Reivich 2002). Therefore, this new field of psychology looks at how people can attain more happiness and life fulfillment. In this field, psychology researchers look at issues such as pleasure, strengths, and talents among others. The ability to carry on even when things are not going your way best defines resilience. When this happens, an individual is able to adapt to changes in situations. Resilience is a much needed ingredient to happiness and a happy life (2002). In this paper, analyses of positive psychology are discussed; furthermore, it will compare advocating a positive outcome, the development of self-esteem, and an individual’s...
Words: 307 - Pages: 2
...Coaching Psychology is a relatively new but fast growing branch of psychology. It is aimed at those who are doing well in their life, but have some area or areas that could be improved by objective thinking and attention to underlying feelings that may be preventing change. Goals are the way individuals create and write their goals, to be effective, is very important. It is an individual’s subconscious mind that needs to influence. The way an individual thinks and believes is a direct effect on one’s inner self. The theory of goal setting is based on the fact that the subconscious mind does not know the difference between fact and fiction. Coaching psychology as a practise is a relatively new phenomenon which encourages an individual to realise and ultimately develop their personal strengths and attributes. Although it is a new practice, psychologists as a whole are yet to determine an exact definition of the meaning coaching psychology. However one of the most applicable definitions to this subject matter is “Coaching maybe defined as a goal - directed multifaceted process for enhancing people, work and life and, as an industry, it has and still is experiencing rapid growth” (Brock, 2006). This essay will examine coaching psychology and how its research will benefit the development of executive coaching and how previous research can enhance this particular sector in psychology. Some of the main areas that will be explored are how positive psychological research has informed...
Words: 404 - Pages: 2
...Positive Psychology Themes Angel Bingham PSY/220 November 26, 2011 Stefanie Crouse Positive Psychology Themes The central themes and strategies of Positive Psychology are made up of more than one belief that all intertwine with one another. People learn from their mistakes as well as their accomplishments. Believing in the freedom to choose, change, and control an outcome affects the goals people set for themselves and the level of commitment given to the goals that have been set forth (Bolt, 2004, p.19). Even though people have the power to control their actions; Mankind is also part of something much bigger. There are often contributing factors that affect people that often go unnoticed. Experiences, current situations, and biological factors all play a part in shaping a person’s behavior. When a person learns what the outside factors can do, he or she is able to begin making wiser choices and practicing more control over behaviors instead of letting the external circumstances control him or her. Cultivating closer neighborhoods, healthier families, a socially responsive media, and better schools will help in the building of human strengths and civic virtues (Bolt, 2004, p.19). Through application of the scientific method, psychologists are able to study the civic virtues and human strengths, furthermore allowing an increased understanding of human flourishing. Some of the same methods used to understand a psychological disorder also can be used to increase understanding...
Words: 367 - Pages: 2
...Basic Concepts of Positive Psychology Krista Hart June 11, 2014 Tricia Henderson Subjective well –being is defined as a person’s cognitive and affective evaluations of his or her life. The cognitive element refers to what one thinks about his or her life satisfaction in global terms (life as a whole) and in domain terms. The affective element refers to emotions, moods and feelings. Affect is considered positive when the emotions, moods and feelings experienced are pleasant. Affect is deemed negative, though, when the emotions, moods and feelings experienced are unpleasant. When psychologist measures SWB, they are measuring how people think and feel about their lives. The three components of SWB, life satisfaction, positive affect and negative affect, are independent factors that should be measured and studied separately. Thus, the presence of positive affect does not mean the absence of negative affect and vice versa. Before evaluating the correlates and predictors of SWB, it is worth noting the instruments used in measuring the components of SWB. Life satisfaction can be measured using a questionnaire such as the 5 items satisfaction with life questionnaire. Affectivity can be measured by for example, the PANAS. I would never consider to be hooked up to a machine in order to be cheerful and happy. I want to use my own will to make myself feel happy and complete not a machine. Hedonic happiness is the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance...
Words: 263 - Pages: 2
...Positive Psychology Areas of Focus in Relation to Interpersonal and Prosocial Behavior Carmen Amaya Park University 1. Abstract The concepts of Positive Psychology are explored through an intrapersonal, interpersonal, and pro-social lens using empirical research as the basis. The paper examines the history, intentions and scope of positive psychology in relationship to personal experiences and character traits that lead to personal effectiveness. The specific Areas of Focus examine the major principles of Positive Psychology and their importance with regards to; changes in emotional states, cognitive processes and experiences in juxtaposition with current research. The concepts and principles are then applied to current goals, plans and future application in respect to the workplace, environment and culture. Finally, the challenges, obstacles and unanswered questions are discussed in current applications of Positive Psychology. Keywords: Positive Psychology, resiliency, hope, theories, emotion, cognition 2. Positive Psychology Areas of Focus in Relation to Interpersonal and Pro-social Behavior Major Principles and Concepts The primary underlying assumption of positive psychology is that psychology should focus on encouraging people’s strengths rather than fixing their weaknesses (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000). Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi (2000) assert that as a new psychological paradigm, positive psychology rejects the disease...
Words: 3565 - Pages: 15
...Palwasha khan Positive Reinforcement A particular type of behavior that refers as strengthening of one’s behavior by rewarding or encouraging for some act is called as positive reinforcement. When a favorable outcome or event or reward occurs after an action; it empowers the person for maintaining or shaping the behavior further (Cherry, 2011). The purpose of praise is to reinforce and increase positive behavior. For example, a teacher praised a student for getting ‘A’ grade or a worker got bonus for good performance in the company. Negative Reinforcement A particular type of behavior that refers to the development of a behavior as an outcome of avoiding a certain action is called as negative enforcement (Cherry, 20110. For example, a person feels uncomfortable while driving at night. Then, he tries to manage all his work before evening. By the time, behavior of doing work earlier develops and need of doing at night remains no longer. Positive Punishment According to B.F. skinner, positive punishment refers to event or act which occurs and reduces the unwanted behavior. It involves an unfavorable outcome as a result of following an undesirable behavior. It involves the addition of something. (Gershoff, 2002). For example, a person late to work one morning, he drives over the speed limit through a school zone. As a result, he gets pulled over by a police officer and receives a ticket. Negative Punishment According to B.F. Skinner, negative punishment refers to event...
Words: 618 - Pages: 3
...Palwasha khan Positive Reinforcement A particular type of behavior that refers as strengthening of one’s behavior by rewarding or encouraging for some act is called as positive reinforcement. When a favorable outcome or event or reward occurs after an action; it empowers the person for maintaining or shaping the behavior further (Cherry, 2011). The purpose of praise is to reinforce and increase positive behavior. For example, a teacher praised a student for getting ‘A’ grade or a worker got bonus for good performance in the company. Negative Reinforcement A particular type of behavior that refers to the development of a behavior as an outcome of avoiding a certain action is called as negative enforcement (Cherry, 20110. For example, a person feels uncomfortable while driving at night. Then, he tries to manage all his work before evening. By the time, behavior of doing work earlier develops and need of doing at night remains no longer. Positive Punishment According to B.F. skinner, positive punishment refers to event or act which occurs and reduces the unwanted behavior. It involves an unfavorable outcome as a result of following an undesirable behavior. It involves the addition of something. (Gershoff, 2002). For example, a person late to work one morning, he drives over the speed limit through a school zone. As a result, he gets pulled over by a police officer and receives a ticket. Negative Punishment According to B.F. Skinner, negative punishment refers to event...
Words: 618 - Pages: 3
...December, 12th 2014 Happiness: Experiences vs. Materialistic Items Abstract When discussing happiness there are so many different factors that contribute to one’s own happiness in life. The purpose of this survey is to analyze whether or not buying experiences rather than possessions increases one’s level of subject well-being. The survey consisted of 90 participant’s, 15 being male and 75 being female volunteers. In this study, survey analysis was the method used to obtain results from participants in a randomized survey. It t. lysis of the study in the has already been conducted in the alayzed as well as other researchpiness from materialistic iteis crucial to understand the definition of happiness which is scientifically known as subjective well-being. Subjective well-being is a commonly used measure of what many tend to believe as happiness. Subjective is what people feel and report, while well-being is what we know as happiness. On top of the survey there will be an analysis of other research that has been done in order to be able to better understand the relationship between ones happiness in terms of experiences or materialistic items. The hypothesis is that purchasing experiences will increase ones happiness more than purchasing a possession. In order to find data results to prove the hypothesis, this paper will discuss an analysis of the study along with other research that has already been conducted in the past. Literary Review There has been a variety...
Words: 3406 - Pages: 14
...doctors who delivered him were shocked, the nurses were cried, and even his mother felt very hard to accept him. Although life is extremely unfair to him, he still has a wonderful life with his spirits of optimism. When Nick was a child, he always got laughed at other children because of his defects. Thanks to his parents, they taught Nick using an optimism, positive attitude to face everything, and he did it. He has tried everything he could to experience a normal life, he plays sports, like swimming, surfing, diving, playing golf and so on. Furthermore, Nick graduated from Griffith University with double majors when was 21 years old. He also married a beautiful woman. Moreover, he has given speeches around the world to encourage people live with optimistic, positive, passion, and enthusiasm. Nick has such a wonderful life which beyonds everyone’s expectations. His story tells us the power of optimism! Optimism is a mental attitude, which interprets everything and every situations with the best parts. From the textbook Organizational Behavior which wrote by Fred Luthans, “optimism is a major construct in positive psychology and has long been recognized by both psychologists and people in general”. Before we introduce optimism we...
Words: 1162 - Pages: 5
...Running head: HOW FLOW AND CSIKSZENTMIHALYI How Flow and Csikszentmihalyi Came To Be S Langford Regis University Kristy Frush April 12, 2009 How “Flow” and Csikszentmihalyi Came to Be One may wonder who Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is. In this discussion a review his life as a child and into his adult life and how he came into discovery of the “flow” development. Discussions of his accomplishments as well as those who are inspired by him are given. Sometimes a person needs to know about a person’s background in order to appreciate the obstacles experienced for the realization that is possible for others to overcome ones past and realize the possibility of a more positive future. A view of how the “flow” has benefitted some. Csikszentmihalyi is known for his obsession for serenity, the man behind the “flow” and his life experiences getting there. On September 29, 1934 he was born in Fiume, Italy to his father a Hungarian diplomatic (Answers, 2006). He lived in various places growing up such as Rome and Florence. During his time as a child he spoke various languages from German, Hungarian, and Italian which proved to be an asset while living in an Italian prison camp during World War II. He lived through bombing throughout Rome as well as POW and refugee camps. It was during this time he learned how to play chess which became his way of escaping the world and the routines of the daily life activities of and from the war (Starr, 2008). The rules and guidelines...
Words: 2212 - Pages: 9
... | | |Positive Psychology | Copyright © 2012, 2009. 2007 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description How much control does a person have over his or her thoughts, feelings, and behaviors? What does it mean to be “free”? PSY/220 offers students a contemporary and relevant approach to the study of psychology and the opportunity to learn more about themselves in the process. In this course, students evaluate, understand, and build on their psychological strengths and those of others. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: • University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. • Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Baumgardner, S. R. and Crothers, M. .K. (2009). Positive psychology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. All electronic materials are available...
Words: 2243 - Pages: 9
...EMPOWERING LEADERSHIP AND EMPLOYEE CREATIVITY Abstract: This paper is organized as follows. First we explain the theory on psychological empowerment and various leadership theories to develop a relationship between empowering leadership and employee creativity. Secondly it provides case studies to support the empowerment theories. We argue that the use positive psychology, specifically empowering leadership, contributes to employee success within an organization. The paper cites research by various highly esteemed professors and the primary sources were various internet articles, journals and websites. Introduction The use of positive psychology, originally proposed by Martin Seligman in his 1998 Presidential Address to the American Psychological Association, has been garnering support in recent studies. It focuses not on why people fail, but rather why they flourish and excel. Recent studies have shown that Empowering Leadership can affect employee creativity. By use of the word “creativity” we refer to the “out of the box’ ideas used in production and problem solving. Professor Alex Linley of the University of Leicester maintained that part of the empowering process calls for the leader to delegate authority which empowers the employee to make decisions and implement actions without direct supervision. This expression of confidence in the employee results in developing the employees feeling of self-efficacy which manifest “in four cognitions: meaning, competence...
Words: 2033 - Pages: 9
