Positive Psychology - AP Psychology

  1. What does the 'A' in the PERMA model stand for?
    Achievement. Accomplishment for its own sake, not just for other benefits.
  2. Which psychologist is most associated with Positive Psychology?
    Martin Seligman. Founded the field and developed the PERMA model.
  3. Identify a key goal of Positive Psychology interventions.
    To increase individual well-being and life satisfaction. Moves beyond treating problems to building positive qualities.
  4. What is a 'character strength' in Positive Psychology?
    A positive trait reflected in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. VIA Survey identifies 24 strengths across six virtue categories.
  5. What is 'optimism' in Positive Psychology?
    A general expectation that good things will happen. Seligman distinguishes between learned optimism and pessimism.
  6. Name one positive outcome of 'flow'.
    Increased personal development. Flow states promote skill mastery and psychological growth.
  7. What is 'mindfulness' in Positive Psychology?
    A state of active, open attention to the present. Jon Kabat-Zinn's definition emphasizes non-judgmental awareness.
  8. What is 'self-compassion' in Positive Psychology?
    Being kind to oneself in instances of pain or failure. Kristin Neff's concept of treating oneself with kindness.
  9. Identify a characteristic of 'eudaimonic' well-being.
    Living in accordance with one's true self. Authentic happiness comes from personal values and purpose.
  10. What is the 'broaden-and-build' theory?
    Positive emotions broaden awareness and build resources. Barbara Fredrickson's theory on positive emotions' benefits.
  11. What is 'flow' in Positive Psychology?
    A state of complete absorption in an activity. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's concept of optimal experience.
  12. What is 'subjective well-being'?
    An individual's self-assessment of their happiness and life satisfaction. Combines emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of happiness.
  13. Which emotion is central to the 'broaden-and-build' theory?
    Positive emotions. Joy, love, and serenity expand thinking and build lasting resources.
  14. What is the definition of Positive Psychology?
    The study of strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. Focuses on human flourishing rather than just treating mental illness.
  15. What is 'gratitude' in Positive Psychology?
    A feeling of thankfulness and appreciation. A positive emotion that enhances well-being and relationships.
  16. What is 'eudaimonia' in Positive Psychology?
    A concept of happiness focusing on meaning and self-realization. Aristotelian concept emphasizing virtue and meaningful living.
  17. What does the 'R' in the PERMA model stand for?
    Relationships. Social connections are fundamental to human well-being.
  18. Identify a benefit of altruism.
    Increased life satisfaction. Helper's high phenomenon shows mutual benefits of giving.
  19. Identify a method to practice savoring.
    Mindfully engaging in enjoyable activities. Deliberate attention enhances pleasure and meaning from experiences.
  20. Identify a positive outcome of self-compassion.
    Increased emotional resilience. Self-kindness builds capacity to handle future setbacks.
  21. What is 'altruism' in Positive Psychology?
    The selfless concern for the well-being of others. Acts of kindness activate reward centers in the brain.
  22. What does the 'P' in the PERMA model stand for?
    Positive Emotion. Includes joy, serenity, interest, hope, pride, and amusement.
  23. Identify a primary focus of Positive Psychology.
    Enhancing well-being and happiness. Shifts focus from pathology to building positive qualities.
  24. What does the 'M' in the PERMA model stand for?
    Meaning. Refers to purpose and significance in life.
  25. What is the 'hedonic treadmill' concept?
    The tendency to return to a stable level of happiness despite changes. People adapt to positive changes, returning to baseline happiness.
  26. Identify a benefit of practicing gratitude.
    Improved emotional well-being. Regular practice increases happiness and life satisfaction.
  27. Which theory emphasizes the building of personal strengths?
    Strengths-based theory. Focuses on what people do well rather than deficits.
  28. Identify a benefit of practicing mindfulness.
    Reduced stress and enhanced focus. Present-moment awareness reduces rumination and anxiety.
  29. What is the 'PERMA' model?
    A model of well-being: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement. Seligman's framework for the five essential elements of flourishing.
  30. What does 'post-traumatic growth' refer to?
    Positive change experienced as a result of adversity. Tedeschi and Calhoun's research on benefits from trauma.
  31. What does the 'E' in the PERMA model stand for?
    Engagement. Refers to deep involvement and flow experiences.
  32. Identify a method to increase 'flow'.
    Engaging in activities that match skill level and challenge. Balance between challenge and skill creates optimal experience.
  33. Identify a strategy to counteract the hedonic treadmill.
    Practicing gratitude and savoring. These practices help maintain elevated well-being over time.
  34. Identify a component of subjective well-being.
    Life satisfaction. Overall judgment of one's quality of life and contentment.
  35. Identify a characteristic of post-traumatic growth.
    Enhanced personal strength. Trauma can lead to increased wisdom and life appreciation.
  36. Identify a key element of character strengths.
    They are universally valued across cultures. Research shows these traits exist across all human societies.
  37. What does 'resilience' mean in Positive Psychology?
    The ability to recover from adversity. Capacity to bounce back and grow stronger from challenges.
  38. Identify a benefit of optimism.
    Improved physical health. Positive expectations reduce stress and boost immune function.
  39. What is 'savoring' in Positive Psychology?
    The practice of appreciating and enhancing positive experiences. Fred Bryant's research on amplifying positive experiences.
  40. Identify a way to enhance resilience.
    Developing strong social connections. Social support provides resources during difficult times.

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