positive appraoch

• Positive approach

  Assumption that explains the formation of relationships between friends
• Free will


  The belief that humans have the power to choose how they react, control their emotions and what they do
• Individuals have the free will to control their own wellbeing
• Free will


  Allows us the choice to invest time in another to create a friendship and strengthen that bond
• This explains the formation of a friendship between individuals
• Study by Diener and Seligman (2002)


  • Measuring the effect of investment in a relationship
• relationship between friends is the authenticity of goodness and excellence. This assumption focuses on the concept of signature strengths, positive inherent traits, which each individual has. They are encouraged to nurture and develop them to improve their wellbeing.
• Which have been collated into the VIA by Seligham and Pererson. This assumption can explain the formation of friendships. Entering and maintaining a relationship can allow individuals to express their signature strengths which develops their well being, it allows them to nurture these qualities.as these traits can be developed through relationships with others, for example learning to forgive. Which therefore forms a strong relationship.  
• A1- it believes that humans have the power to choose how they react to a situation and what they do in the future. Humans have the free will to develop their signature strengths and have control over their own well-being. Meaning happiness is accessible to all, we control our lives and enhance wellbeing.
• A1 example - mindfulness therapy individuals are encouraged to become more aware of their own feelings and emotions.

  They are able to exercise free will to be more conscious of the present and use this to increase their level of happiness
• A2- authencity of goodness and excellence, overly focused on negative aspects of psychology and to determine whats wrong rather focusing and celebrating what is right. It is important to research those who are well, just as much as those who are unwell. We should focus on positive traits and self improvement.
• A2- example, Seligman 2002, signature strengths. 24 character strengths such as curiosity, honesty and fairness. Everyone has the ability to develop these to improve their well being. They have been collated into the VIA (Peterson and Seligman 2004) for individuals to self report and identify what to work on.