Positive Psychology Chapter 2 Summary

Chapter 2 introduces a list of strategies that Innes believes increase individual wellbeing. His ideas are based on research in Positive Psychology, a branch of psychology focused on maximizing wellbeing rather than minimizing mental illness. Innes outlines the major aspects of a positive life and then offers strategies to achieve this. Innes’ ideas are loosely based on Martin Seligman’s PERMA model of Positive Psychology. Seligman developed this list of the fundamental components of a worthwhile life from a combination of “research and experience working with clients to promote their personal growth” (CITE). According to the model, the “five areas that define a fulfilling life” (CITE) include positive emotions, engagement with ones surroundings, strong relationships, deeper meaning, and individual accomplishment (cite). An individual who can maximize these …show more content…
According to Innes, a foundation of fitness will give individuals the energy to attain a positive life (Cite). Innes emphasizes that individuals should strive to eat healthy and exercise for individual, health-related reasons rather than to gain the admiration of others. He argues that many people struggle with these lifestyle choices because they do not realize the long term commitment involved. If individuals maintain their physical health in order to increase wellbeing, and realize that changes come over long periods of time, they will be more likely to achieve physical health. Thinking about wellbeing from the point of view of physical health is important because our physical state is closely connected to our mental state. It is impossible to discuss basic psychological concepts like the Bronfenbrenner model of development or Erikson’s life stages without realizing the role that physical sensations play in development. Each mental state has physical effects and vice