assumptions

• ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FREE WILL

  humans are in charge of their own emotions and have the free will to adapt and change how they direct them

  Martin Seligman - happiness isn't determined by luck/genes, it's down to choice, and as humans, we have free will over our lives and emotions, and much of our own sense of happiness comes as a result of recognising our strengths and virtues

  choosing to do things that make us happy/feel better/make choices to develop these strengths and virtues to make our lives better and reduced negativity/seek mood boosting experiences
• ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FREE WILL

  E.G. Diener & Seligman - students and free will > better relationships
• AUTHENTICITY (true) OF GOODNESS (good person) AND EXCELLENCE (achieving good things)

  previously, psychologists have focussed on negative states of mind

  Seligman - problem in psychological research = is the belief that traits like happiness are viewed as less authentic than negative states

  feelings of happiness and goodness = just as natural

  psychologists should be scientifically studying positive states just as much

  E.G. - 'signature strengths' - develop these to be happy and achieve Goodness and Excellence > provide buffer against suffering
• FOCUS ON THE GOOD LIFE - 3 stages to lead a full and happy life

  1. Pleasant Life - life that pursues positive emotions about the past, present and future

  -once achieved, strive towards>

  2) Good Life - pursue activities that positively absorb and engage us

  3 elements = positive connections to others (love and trust), develop positive individual traits, developing life-regulation qualities

  3) Meaningful Life - construct having to do with the purpose, significance, fulfilment and satisfaction of life