Summary of Positive Psychology Seminars - Essay Example

? Summary of Positive Psychology Seminars Introduction With emergence of positive psychology, there have been several researches on how several psychological studies can foster human prosperity. The main objective of positive psychology is to focus on ways through which people can become happier. When people have the sense of well-being, the quality of their lives becomes better. This paper will summarise different themes captured during positive psychology seminars. Flow and Happiness There many definitions of flow. However, in general terms, flow is the state of mind people achieve when fully committed in a task, without overlooking other issues (Martin 2005). When people are in the state of flow, they focus on the task at hand as they keep all other issues aside. People in flow feel happy as they are in full control in the task undertaking, since they have the sense of creativity and productiveness. According to Martin (2005), productivity is assured by the state of flow as there is an assurance of accomplishing long-term things and goals. In fact, many people consider flow as the sense of effortless action in moments that stand out the best in their lives. Flow has the characteristic of providing immediate feedback, which many people find pleasure in especially playing games like chess or tennis. However, when people are in a state of flow, they are not in happiness because in happiness, people have to focus on their inner states, and this would take away the attention required to handle the task at hand (Seligman 2002). The happiness that follows flow is said to be of peoples making, and this increases complexity in consciousness. On the other hand, happiness can only be achieved at a given duration of time (Seligman 2002). For example, eating is a source of good feeling and mood that brings happiness, happiness can not be achieved by eating all the day. This sense of happiness achieved through eating is accomplished during the little time spent on eating. Subjective well-being From time to time, people find themselves in states of joyful mood occasioned by feeling of happiness. For example, people would say “I enjoy this experience or I really like it”. According to Huppert, Bayliss & Keverne (2005), subjective well being refers to affective experiences and cognitive judgments which are indispensable. The subjective well- being can be accessed using self-report with considerable reliability and validity. For people, to experience subjective well-being there is no determinant of this state. However, some conditions like mental health and positive social relationships are necessary for one to experience high subjective well-being (Sheldon 2004). Subjective well-being is based on the idea of how people think and feels about their life is important (Huppert, Bayliss & Keverne 2005). The state of subjective well-being is not a component of the opinion of elite and experts but involves standards and values chosen by individuals in the society. Subjective well-being is, therefore, a democratic scalar. It also take people’s values into account, and often evaluates whether peoples lives meets these standards. Thus, subjective well-being measures success of values that people seek (Huppert, Bayliss & Keverne 2005). Importantly, subjective well-being comprises of elements that are dependent on fulfillment of basic human needs, and people’s ethical and evaluation judgments of their lives. In light with this, subjective well-being tends to reflect some degree of the level to which people are living in reference to crucial human needs. Nonetheless, subjective well-being represents opinions based on particular beliefs and practices of each culture. Work/Wealth and well-being In order to attain happiness, people make all efforts by improving various aspects of their lives. However, the degree of happiness varies from one individual to another, and this depends of what different individuals perceives to be the best actions to take, which would lead to feelings of well-being (Huppert, Bayliss & Keverne 2005). For example, to some people, common sense tells them that getting a new job, being healthier, or making more money would lead to feeling of well-being. In order to have a grasp of the relationship between work/wealth and well being, it is necessary to focus on each concept and how they relate to one another. It has been argued that money has a little, though, with considerable effect on happiness (Sheldon 2004). In developed countries, for example, people devote much of their time and efforts to earn money, with a motivation that making money would provide life satisfaction. In the US in particular, the average time spent at work has been on rapid growth in the past decades. This has a negative impact due to the fact that time spent with the family for leisure has subsequently been reduced. Studies have shown that the average amount of money spent in bad moods is higher than the average amount of money spent in a good mood (Huppert, Bayliss & Keverne 2005). However, well-being varies with cultural settings. Wealthy people may have a sense of well-being in one cultural setting because they can be able to live a good life, but they would experience a different sense of well being in other settings where the wealth of people in that setting is higher than theirs. Choice and well-being/Business and leadership In today’s world of business, there has been considerable concern over the well-being concept accrued to employees. This concept is much driven for call of quality of life, which constitute positive well being (Sheldon 2004). Employers are considered to owe employees the state of well-being, but this goes beyond employer’s duty of care. This thus means that every person has the responsibility of nurturing his or her wellbeing at work. In any business organization, well-being forms the foundation of effectiveness and success. Studies have indicated that when the well-being of a person reduces his or her performance reduces too. This is true because well-being in the work place is closely related to work-related stress and its avoidance (Sheldon 2004). Leadership in business constitute better management of staff well-being, which goes hand in hand in preventing or reducing stress related issues. Some of the issues related to leadership in business that promote well-being include and not limited to good pay for workers, reasonable working hours, rewards and punishment with regard to business ethical codes, and other forms of employment conditions. One of the notable ways through which organizations can ensure well-being is by involving some employee assistance and well-being programs (Sheldon 2004). This way, the employees would get tips, help, and advice on various ways through which they can develop and maintain their well-being. Positive affect and health/health behaviour People can experience and associate both feelings and emotions, and affective states with a variety of health related behaviors (Linley & Joseph 2004). A typical example is the notion of “comfort food” with which most people associate it with positive affective states such emotional happiness and satisfaction, and which in turn are associated with health related behaviors. For example, toddler finds satisfaction in eating, a habit that is referred as food neophobia. Some studies have indicated that positive affects are associated with a range of health behaviors, whereby they influence people’s decisions concerning health related behaviors (Linley & Joseph 2004). On the other hand, behavioral engagement is less likely when affective associations are negative. Some studies however indicates that people with positive affect tends to reduce risks of developing some illnesses. For example, positive affects have been found to facilitate processing of some self relevant information, or serve the purpose of shock absorber against some psychological conditions like stress and depression (Linley & Joseph 2004). Nonetheless, some people misunderstand the concept of positive affects and end up creating some health problems. For example, some people consider eating fatty foods as a positive affect, but this behavior constitutes a health risk. Smokers believe that smoking creates a sense of good feeling, but the end results are fatal. Adversity and adjustment to illness Adversity and adjustment is multidimensional, and it involves clients and not the healthcare practitioners. Most of the adjustments involve emotionally supportive adjustment. It is believed that active coping strategies help manage disease related problems (Peterson & Seligman 2004). This comprises of the ability to utilize cognitive-behavioral related strategies. Such strategies can be used to teach persons with chronic illness on how to cope with it. However, this can only be achieved if the ill person has the capacity to utilize his or her emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence involves strategies to understand, perceive, and manage emotions (Peterson & Seligman 2004). This is useful in the management of stress, self-esteem, and also helps improve communication skills. Relationships also play a key role in enhancing positive adjustment. Patients who involve in supportive relationships tend to develop positive adjustments. It is also believed that coping strategies helps patients to mange challenges emanating from disease thoughts, whereas attempts to evade such thoughts increases chances of developing distress (Peterson & Seligman 2004). However, in order to have successful adjustments, patients are required to have some elements in support of their effort to adjustment: they must have the ability to adapt, should be free from psychological disorders, less or low negative affect and high positive affect, and supportive state of well-being. While these elements stand to be necessary for adjustment to take place, external support is equally vital (Peterson & Seligman 2004). For example, it is necessary for relatives and friends of the patient maintain social ties, accepting others under all circumstances, and above all, support them emotionally. Altruism and positive emotions/social support and well-being Studies have found out that altruism is good for human well being, that is, if the altruist intentions are bided to the meaning of altruism, which involves unselfish concern for welfare of others (Czikszentmihalyi & Czikszentmihalyi 2007). Biological studies argue that such acts taken by altruist to make him or her feel better increases well being of the altruist. However, it is arguably true to say that altruism and well being depends on each other. For example, when one feels good (state of well being), there are high chances of being altruist. On the other hand, altruist may make persons engage in altruism in order to create a feeling of well being (Peterson & Seligman 2004). Some studies have found out that altruism have positive mental benefit to altruist. Additionally, altruism also plays a role in shaping physical health. It is believed that altruist develop a sense of well-being which is associated with reducing effects associated with stress and depression (Czikszentmihalyi & Czikszentmihalyi 2007). Nevertheless, altruism may also come with negative issues, which mostly affect people receiving the social support from altruist. This may create a state of dependence, and guilt. Studies have also indicated that altruism does not automatically yield concepts of well-being. Individuals who give out with expectations of reciprocal benefits mostly end up stressing the altruist. In fact, the theory of reciprocal altruism does not require that either donor or recipient have any feel of positive about the transaction (Czikszentmihalyi & Czikszentmihalyi 2007). However, altruism goes a long way in affecting the whole community in a positive way. When one gives out to someone, this may make them do the same to others, thus, the well-being of the community. Loving, hating and living well/Attachments Loving and hating develops at an early age of development. The kind of attachment between children and caregivers or parents cultivates concept of loving and hating (Layard 2005). Parents who use good parenting styles builds up a loving relationship with their children. Children require attention and sense of love from their parents. Any parent who fails to provide primary care for their children creates a hating attitude towards the children. They feel neglected and hated when there is no one for them (Layard 2005). In this regard, personality, as stipulated by Freud in the theory of personality, people’s behaviours are formed right from childhood. Therefore, parenting style in this case is crucial since it determines the kind of attachment between the parent and child, and which might be carried forward as the child grows. Among these personalities traits is loving and hating. If children brought up in a disorganized kind of an attachment, they are most likely to develop a hating attitude as they grow. However, in such a situation, positive socialization during various developmental stages may help such a person to develop a loving attitude (Layard 2005). Different relationship may also determine whether the person would learn to love or to hate. A relationship where partners have little to share and have little that attach them may jeopardize peoples loving attitude. A relationship that values security and well-being of its partners creates a secure attachment and create a sense of loving between the partners. Adolescent and midlife well-being There are several factors that determine adolescent future subjective well-being. In most cases, adolescent self and other values constitute the perception that people live a good life after twenty years of age (Huppert, Bayliss & Keverne 2005). With considerable changes taking place during adolescent, their attitudes and interests dictates their long-term future well-being. On the other hand, midlife persons are considered to be flexible in acquiring necessary psychological benefits from different relationships. The other important aspect is the view point of parental well-being, which is partially contributed by transition of adolescent from childhood to adolescence. This can be in terms of stress paradigm of adult mental health. Taking care of adolescents is a bit complicated in comparison with taking care of children. This is the time adolescent’s behaviors start changing as they begin to experience developmental changes. They tend control of their lives, and this has a lot to do with their behavious. Consequently, their parents are subjected to psychological stress as they try to cope with multiple unwelcoming behaviours of their adolescents thus, affecting their well-being (Huppert, Bayliss & Keverne 2005). Studies have found out that conflict between midlife parents, and their adolescents is common and this affects the well-being of both parties (Martin 2005). In light with this, studies have documented that socioeconomic status have a role to play in affecting transformation of adolescents, which affects their relationship with their parents. For example, working class parents may tend to be more concerned about their adolescent obedience than parents from middle class. Therefore, disagreements between working class parents and their adolescents tend to be higher, thus, affecting them more adversely (Martin 2005). Positive ageing- hope and optimism through the life span Positive ageing entails the process of maintaining positive attitudes, maintaining healthy habits and fitness and also participating fully in life issues while ageing (Boniwell 2008). Many changes occur during ageing (Boniwell 2008). For instance, the ageing individual will experience a decline in physical functioning and cognitive capabilities. Loss of employment and social networks are other changes that impair positive ageing. Positive ageing allows the individual to remain active while maintaining control of the life changes (Boniwell 2008). Positive ageing allows individuals to remain happy, healthy and live longer while enjoying their initial quality of life (Carr 2004). Some of the problems encountered by ageing people include the decrease in mobility and social networking, financial insecurity and feelings of sadness. There are numerous methods of delaying and managing the psychological, physical and social challenges encountered during the ageing process (Boniwell 2008). Hope and optimism are some traits that assist in positive ageing. Hope is the belief in an individual capacity to perceive, initiate and achieve his life goals (Carr 2004). Optimism involves positive and favorable expectations about the future (Boniwell 2008). Optimism helps in coping with stress and unexpected unfavorable outcomes like loss of employment during the ageing process. Some of the common ways include maintaining a positive attitude by controlling the essential aspects on life. Actively engaging in social interactions and building new relationships and networks through joining voluntary clubs and doing voluntary work will assist maintaining good mental ands physical health (Carr 2004). Engaging the mental capabilities through reading a book or learning new hobbies will improve the cognitive functioning of the ageing individual (Boniwell 2008). Ageing individuals constantly experience feelings of sadness and stress due to financial insecurity and loss of loved ones thus such individuals should think positively, and develop strategies of dealing with stressful situations (Boniwell 2008). Positive ageing also involve engaging in physical activities since they help maintain physical strength like healthy muscles and bones. Some of the physical activities that ageing people can involve themselves include walking and joining a fitness club (Carr 2004). The ageing individual should have regular medical examinations and check-ups like the level of blood pressure. The individual practice a healthy lifestyle by restraining from smoking and risk diets that leads to diet diseases like diabetes and cancer (Carr 2004). Population interventions to promote well-being Having negative perceptions of ageing people will adversely affect their physical and mental health. There are numerous population interventions that can promote well-being of the aged people during the ageing process. Prohibition of discrimination and encouragement of physical activity will improve the well-being of individuals during the ageing process (Boniwell 2008). One of the basic population interventions that will promote well-being is occupational therapy intervention. Older people are encouraged to form groups where information on healthy eating habits and need for physical exercise is disseminated. Such groups provide warmth and cordial relationships to the ageing individual. Other activities that may be involved include personal care like provision of transport services and eye care services (Carr 2004). Another intervention in maintaining well-being is physical exercise. Older people should participate in physical activity programs, in the community. Moderate physical activities include walking and swimming. These activities help the aged people to maintain physical strength. Walking schemes also encourage the individuals build strong networks and mental well-being (Boniwell 2008). Psychological interventions like training on relaxation techniques like deep breath, and yoga helps the aged individual reduce life frustrations and stress. Cognitive training will help the individual take control of all aspects of his life. Cognitive training will improve the mental abilities during the ageing process (Boniwell 2008). Social interventions can also assist in promoting well-being. These include provisio0n of social support services like counseling services and volunteering opportunities for the aged individuals. Social intervention activities keep the aged persons occupied and active thus reducing the level of stress (Boniwell 2008). Another intervention is the environmental interventions whereby individuals are assisted to settle down in the community. These include provision of basic needs like transport services and housing. This helps the aged individuals deal with financial insecurity related stress (Boniwell 2008). Critique of positive psychology - Humanistic considerations Positive psychology entails the study of the virtues and strengths that enable individuals to live a happy life. (Boniwell 2008) Positive psychology involves positive individual traits, positive emotions and positive institutions. Positive emotions entails having hope for a better future and happiness. Individual positive traits include creativity, resilience, courage, self-awareness and integrity (Carr 2004). Positive institutions are the strengths of the institutions that foster better living and the ageing process like good leadership and ethical behaviour. Justice, teamwork, and tolerance also foster positive institutions (Boniwell 2008). Generally, positive psychology is an understanding of anatomy of happiness, positive experiences, optimism, hope and courage of being a positive human (Boniwell 2008). However, positive psychology ignores environmental influences to well-being. It only concentrates on individual thoughts and desires. The immediate social environment can influence the quality of well-being. Positive psychology relies on subjective evidence. Positive psychology is not able to objectively study and measure individual happiness and hope. This branch of psychology is not able to measure the degree of self-awareness of desired individual traits since such the desired individual traits are subjective (Carr 2004). The observations of positive psychology can not be verified using relevant data. Positive psychology does not offer and acceptable measure of happiness and strength of the desired traits (Carr 2004). Positive psychology manipulates individuals by encouraging them to maintain happiness all the time despite the presence of societal problems. Positive psychology ignores flexibility since individuals should improve the present emotions and not focus on positive emotions (Boniwell 2008). Conclusion According to deliberations of the above discussed concepts of positive psychology, it is evident that positive psychology plays a critical role in ornamental the value of lives of people. Well-being of people can be cultivated through various ways, but the most crucial way is cultivated by individual quench to be happy, and which is applicable by maintaining positive attitudes. Bibliography: Boniwell, I., 2008. Positive psychology in a nutshell. (2nd edition). London. PWBC. Carr, A. 2004. Positive psychology: the science of happiness and human strengths. Hove. Routledge. Czikszentmihalyi, M & Czikszentmihalyi, I. S. (eds)., 2007. A Life worth living: contributions to positive psychology. New York: Oxford University Press. Huppert, FA, Bayliss, N & Keverne, B., 2005. The science of well-being. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Layard, R. (2005). Happiness: lessons from a new science. London: Allen Lane. Linley, PA & Joseph, S (eds)., 2004. Positive psychology in practice. Hoboken, New Jersey: J Wiley and Sons. Martin, P., 2005. Making people happy: The nature of happiness and its origins in childhood. London: Fourth Estate. Peterson, C & Seligman, MEP., 2004. Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification. New York: Oxford University Press. Seligman, MEP., 2002. Authentic happiness. London: Nicolas Brealey. Sheldon, KM., 2004. Optimal human being: an integrated, cross-disciplinary approach. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum. Read More