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39 Cards in this Set
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How is culture relevant to the study of positive psychology? |
-what we say to each other/behaviours varies by culture -what’s appropriate/not appropriate? -the texting experiment (text “i love you; you’re awesome” to contacts and see how they respond) -what’s positive differs cross cultures (individualist vs. collectivist thinking) -each culture has it’s own diff. things they emphasize that produce happiness -what can we LEARN from another culture? -example: we’re the “yoga” crowd lol-where’d yoga even come from?? ~India? -something we’ve IMPORTED. |
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What culture has positive psychology tended to focus on in the past? |
-More focus on Western values and experiences -hope, optimism, personal self-efficacy ("how can I get ahead?)- think about Chinese vs. American vs. Canadian culture. Big differences in the ways in which we act and behave. Morals are different. At the root of how you behave are values (core values are preached by society) -Eastern perspectives now being consulted (we appreciate Eastern perspectives more now) |
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What is the biggest difference between Eastern and Western "planes" of thinking? |
-East and West combination produces multiple viewpoints of human strengths -WESTERN: linear/physical plane -more linear path to resolve problems and monitor progress -might search for rewards in the physical plane -"hopeful pursuits for a better life on Earth" -EASTERN: fluid/spiritual plane -expectation of and desire for balance (move with the cycle of life until the change process becomes natural) and enlightenment (being able to see things clearly for what they are) is achieved. -seek to transcend the human plan and rise to the spiritual one -"search for spiritual transcendence" |
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What are the three influential Western traditions? |
1. Athenian 2. Judeo-Christian 3. Islam |
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What are the four influential Eastern Disciplines? |
1. Confucianism (Associated with China) 2. Taoism (associated with China) 3. Buddhism (associated with Japan) 4. Hinduism (rooted in traditions of Southeast Asia) |
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What were the Athenian views? |
-Plato and Aristotle: focused on discussion of virtue and human strength -11 moral values to strive for. 1. Courage 2. Moderation 3. Generosity 4. Munificence (money spending at an appropriate level) 5. Magnificence ("greatness of soul") 6. Even temper 7. Friendliness 8. Truthfulness 9. Wit (ability to laugh and have fun at an appropriate level) 10. Justice 11. Friendship |
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Explain the significance of the intellectual virtues described by Aristotle? |
-mainly associated with ideas regarding wisdom -believed that "strength of character, as inculcated by the political community, would lead to enduring human excellence" |
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Why did Aristotle and Plate also emphasize the influence of the political community? |
-emphasized the influence of the political community (polis) on the development and maintenance of the virtues -only within a life of order and sanction that one could rise above hedonistic desire and become truly virtuous (people with good human virtue create such a community and then provide a good model for others so that the masses also develop such human excellence) -believed that government should be charged with the development of virtue in a particular society via early education (ex, childhood, Sunday School) and training. |
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What are the key aspects of Judeo-Christianity? And what is the significance of the Ten Commandments given by Moses in the Old testament? (Christianity) |
Bible contains discussions of virtues in many chapters and verses. -3 Old Testament Virtues: Faith, hope, and charity are highlighted and encouraged -7 Heavenly Virtues (AQUINAS) 1) Fortitude (courage) 2) Justice 3) Temperance 4) Wisdom (note: those 4 are often called the CARDINAL VIRTUES) 5) Faith 6) Hope 7) Chairty Significance of the 10 commandments: -seen as directives toward cultivating certain strengths within the Jewish tradition |
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What important things are mentioned in the New Testament? |
-mentions various gifts and strengths (ex, Book of Romans describes "gifts" valued by God - leadership, faith, mercy, love, joy, hope, patience, hospitality, and affirmations of specific virtuous behaviours) -caution followers to live virtuous lives (particular weight to the virtue of wisdom) -Beatitudes discussed in Book of Matthew: give a series of virtous traits (eg, meekness, being a "peacemaker", mercy, righteousness, etc) |
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What is the significance of the Talmud (Judeo-Christianity) |
-provides instructions about living a virtuous life -hospitable host (particularly to poor), being fair in decision making and judgments, and seeking peace in everyday life) |
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Islam |
-scholars disagree as to whether Islam should be considered an Eastern or Western religion
-incorporates virtues and categorizes them as moral obligations -emphasizes: gratitude, love, kindness, justice, courage -emphasizes looking out for others and wealthy helping the poor (but in secret -> humility) -pleasing ALlah |
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What are key elements in Confucianism? |
Confucius: The Sage, from China -morality as a cure for evil -"you would like others to do for you what you would indeed like for yourself" (precursor of the Golden Rule) -Collectivist ideal: leaders caring for the group -encourages looking out for others! |
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How are the teachings of Confucianism similar to the thoughts put forth by Aristotle and Plato? |
-in some ways, the teachings are parallel to the thoughts put forth by Aristotle and Plato regarding the responsibility of leaders to take CHARGE of the group (but less emphasis in Western writings on the collectivist ideal of taking CARE of others in the group) |
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What is the core of Confucian teachings? |
The attainment of VIRTUE!!! |
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What are the five values deemed central to living a moral existence? |
1. Jen: humanity, the virtue most exalted by Confucius and said to encompass the other four virtues) 2. Yi: duty to treat others well 3. Li: etiquette and sensitivity for others' feelings 4. Zhi: wisdom 5. Xin: truthfulness Confucian followers must strive to make wise decisions based on these 5 virtues. Continual striving leads the Confucian follower to enlightenment, or the good life |
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What are the key elements of Taoism? |
-Lao-Tzu = creator of Taoism; from China -must live according to the Toa -Tao = "The Way" = energy that surrounds everyone. It cannot be taught; must be experienced. You can't experience beauty in life unless you've experienced hardship (yin and yang). Have to embrace personal pains and demons the same way you embrace the good things in life - makes you stronger and part of you! -you can experience The Way for oneself by fully participating in life -both good and bad experiences can contribute to a greater understanding of the Way Fun fact: the Chinese character for Tao ("the way") = is a moving head and refers simultaneously to direction, movement, method, and thought |
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What is the most important goal in Taoist philosophy? |
Achieving naturalness and spontaneity in life. |
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What are the four key virtues of Taoism to be practiced without effort? |
1. Humanity 2. Justice 3. Temperance 4. Propriety -once who has achieved transcendence within this philosophy doesn't have to think about optimal functioning but behaves virtuously naturally. (when you don't just see 'em as targets to shoot for but as ways to live every single day)! When you feel like how you live has a PURPOSE!! |
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What are the key elements of Buddhism? |
Buddha: "the Master"; "The Enlightened One" Key themes: -Seeking the good of others -Suffering as a part of being (this suffering is brought on by the human emotion of desire) -Nirvana: self is freed from the desire for anything |
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What are the two types of nirvana states? |
Premortal nirvana: idea of the ultimate "good life" Postmortal nirvana: may be similar to the Christian idea of heaven Both premortal and postmoral nirvana states are proposed as possible for the individuals. |
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What are the Brahma Viharas? |
Buddhism gives an important place to virtue. Brahma Viharas: those virtues that are above all others in importance: 1.Love (maitri) 2. Compassion (karuna) 3. Joy (mudita) 4. Equanimity (upeksa) The paths to achieving these virtues within Buddhism require humans to divorce themselves from the human emotion of desire to put an end to suffering. |
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What are the key aspects of Hinduism? |
No specific founder (roots in Southeast Asia); and unclear when this tradition began in history Emphasis on: interconnectedness of all things -harmonious union among all individuals -"single, unifying principle underlying all of Earth" Goal: live life fully and correctly in order to achieve afterlife without need for reincarnation (some people wanna avoid reincarnation). AKA, go directly to the afterlife! Quest of one's life: attain ultimate self-knowledge and to strive for ultimate self-betterment (also a Western concept) |
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How does one avoid reincarnation in Hinduism? |
1. Attain ultimate self-knowledge 2. Strive for ultimate self-betterment -individuals encouraged to be good to others as well as to improve themselves -"Good action" (KARMA) = also encouraged in the sense that if one doesn't reach ultimate self-knowledge in one's life and doesn't have to return to Earth via reincarnation after death, the previous life's good actions correlate directly with better placement in the world in this life. "what goes around comes around"! |
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What does the Good life mean (Hinduism)? |
Encompasses individuals who are continually achieving knowledge and continually working toward good actions |
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What are the similarities between Eastern and Western Philosophies? |
ALL incorporate ideas about the importance of VIRTUE along with human strengths, as people move toward the good life SIMILARITIES: types of human qualities and experiences that are valued DIFFERENCES: the traits that are particularly valued Important to contrast these Eastern beliefs with Western ideology to understand the differences in positive psychology viewed from each perspective. |
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Why are cultural value systems significant? |
-they determine strengths and weaknesses -comparison of cultural values via commonly told stories, fairy tales, and folklore |
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Compare the Western and Eastern VALUE SYSTEMS |
WESTERN: INDIVIDUALIST PERSPECTIVES -Individualistic - use of self or the individual as the unit of analysis: main focus on single person (held above group in terms of importance) -Sense of independence/desire for uniqueness: ideas of personal freedom and autonomy highly valued -Competition/desire to stand our relative to others: competition and personal achievement emphasized EASTERN: COLLECTIVIST VIEWPOINTS -Collectivistic: group valued above individual -Group Interdependence: society seeks to foster interdependence within the group -Cooperation: cooperation accentuated -assertiveness on behalf of self wouldn't be viewed as an asset. also, ppl tend to become collectivist as they grow older -Concepts of SHARING and DUTY to the group -value placed on staying out of conflict and "going with the flow" -Japanese story "Momotaro" ("Peach Boy") |
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How does the Japanese story of Momotoro portray the strengths valued in Japanese and other Asian cultures? |
A. He sets out for the good of the group, although in doing so risks individual harm (collectivism) B. Along the way, he stops others from petty squabbling (promoting harmony) C. He works with them to achieve his goal (interdependence and collaboration) D. He brings back a treasure to share with the group (interdependence and sharing) -Differs from most Western fairy tales in which hero fights along and take dangers on single-handedly (shows individual independence often valued over needing others' assistance). Also Western values on personal gain despite potential loss to another. Cultural orientation - determines which characteristics are transmitted as the valued strengths to its members |
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Explain the orientation to time differences between Eastern and Western cultures |
Western Cultures (US): often look to the FUTURE -strengths that are valued most (ex hope, optimism, self-efficacy) reflect future-oriented thinking -"what's next? how can we get ahead?" Eastern cultures: greater focus on , and respect for, the PAST. -ancient Chinese proverb: "to know the road ahead, ask those coming back" -value strength of "looking backward" -recognize wisdom of their elders -a reflection on how your past shapes who you are today. Never just a focus on getting ahead -appreciation of where we've been and where we are at. |
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World is a circle vs. world is a line?? |
The world is a circle: Eastern. -constant change. -things always move back to some prior state -pay attention to wide range of events -search for relationships b/w things -can't understand the part without understanding the whole The world is a line: Western -simpler, more deterministic world. -focus on salient objects or people instead of larger pictures -think they can control events because they know the rules that govern the behaviour or objects |
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What is the significance of the Taoist figure of the Yin and the Yang? |
-represents circular, constantly changing nature of world as viewed by Eastern thought -Dark part of symbol: feminine, passive -Light side: masculine and active -Each part exists because of the other... neither could exist alone! As one state is experience, the other isn't far to folow |
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Which is better - Eastern or Western views?? |
aha TRICK QUESTION -neither is "better" than the other! -We use culture as a lens for evaluating whether a particular characteristic might be considered a strength or a weakness within a particular group. |
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How do thinking styles influence the development of goals in the lives of both Westerners and Easterners |
Western: thinking focuses on individual's goal -construct of HOPE = key component mentioned throughout time Eastern: GROUP is highlighted -constructs of compassion and harmony are highly valued |
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What are the differences in the routes that each group uses to move toward its goals? |
Western: Rugged Individualism & Hope -goal-focused thinking (how to get from point A to point B) -belief in a positive future -example: Age of Enlightenment (1700 to late 1700s) - reflected nature of hope; emphasis on rational agencies and rational abilities; free speech; acceptance of new ideas. -the Industrial Revolution (or, the Age of Industrialization) -> vastly increased material benefits for individual citizens. Idea of HOPE for the future. -personal and individual goals, as exemplified by the construct of hope, seem to be the primary tool of the "rugged individualist" moving toward the good life. Eastern: Compassion & Harmony -constructs of compassion for others and the search for harmony or life balance -within Taoist belief system - humanity also reflects behaviours that must occur naturally, without premeditation -Buddha: "boundlessly compassionate". karuna: idea of compassion -Hindu: compassion called for in good actions toward others |
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What are the three requirements for compassion as proposed by Eric Cassell? |
1. The difficulties of the recipient must be serious 2. The recipient's difficulties cannot be self-inflicted 3. We, as observers, must be able to identify with the recipient's suffering -compassion= described as a "unilateral emotion" that is directed outward from oneself |
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What type of compassion is said to be the most significant of the four universal virtues? |
TRANSCENDENTAL COMPASSION -often called Great Compassion (mahakaruna) -capacities to feel and to do for others are central to achieving the good life |
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Why is possessing compassion viewed as a major strength within Eastern tradition? |
-helps person to succeed in life -may allow identification with others and development of group cohesion -acting compassionately fosters group, rather than personal, happiness -compassion may come more naturally to the person from a collectivist culture than to someone from an individualistic culture -has been argued that a collectivist culture may breed a sense of compassion in the form of its members' prosocial behaviours |
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Why did Peterson and Seligman indicate that "humanity" may be viewed as a "universal strength"? |
-Eastern traditions - ppl taught that the ability to feel good for others is a necessary part of the search for the good life -look outside ourselves and think about others as we care and identify with them -Key component in attaining transcendence: person comes closer to self-understanding as the person comes to understand others |
