Question 1

According to positive psychology, the formula for happiness is, H (enduring level of happiness):

Accepted Answer

The formula for happiness in positive psychology is H = S + C + V, where S is the personal set range, C is circumstances, and V represents factors under personal volitional control.

Question 2

Being aware of one's blessings and taking time to express thanks (i.e., gratitude) is considered a character strength under which of the virtues?

Accepted Answer

Gratitude is considered a character strength under the virtue of Transcendence in the VIA classification of character strengths and virtues. Transcendence involves connecting with something larger than oneself, and gratitude is seen as an important aspect of this virtue.

Question 3

A full life is the:

Accepted Answer

A full life is not only about experiencing pleasure, being engaged, and finding meaning, but it also includes personal growth, contribution to others, and a sense of accomplishment. Therefore, (B) more than the sum of pleasure, engagement, and meaning, is the best choice.

Question 4

The primary difference between positive psychology approaches and other therapy approaches is that positive psychology focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Positive psychology primarily focuses on identifying and building upon an individual's character strengths, rather than solely addressing their negative thoughts, behaviors, or emotions like other therapy approaches. This approach aims to enhance one's overall well-being and promote personal growth and fulfillment.

Question 5

Which of the following virtues describes an individual's strengths that underlie healthy community life?

Accepted Answer

Justice refers to an individual's commitment to fairness and equality, which are essential for creating a strong and healthy community. It involves respecting the rights and dignity of others, and promoting mutual respect and cooperation among members of the community. Over time, a sense of justice can help to build trust and social cohesion, leading to a more thriving and resilient community.

Question 6

When an individual uses their signature strengths to belong to and serve something bigger than oneself, Martin Seligman would say this is related to the:

Accepted Answer

Martin Seligman describes the "meaningful life" as one where individuals use their strengths to serve something larger than themselves, contributing to a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Question 7

Proponents of positive psychology have pointed out the limited attention the literature pays to positive human characteristics.For example, since 1887, Psychological Abstracts articles have a negative to positive ratio of:

Accepted Answer

The correct ratio is 14:1, indicating that historically, psychological literature has focused much more on negative aspects of human behavior and experience than on positive ones.

Question 8

Positive psychology emerged because:

Accepted Answer

Positive psychology emerged as a response to the traditional focus of psychology on pathology, suffering, and negative aspects of human experience. It aims to study and promote factors that contribute to human flourishing and well-being, rather than just focusing on treating mental illness or dysfunction.

Question 9

Which of the following virtues describes an individual's strengths that forge connections to the larger universe and provide meaning?

Accepted Answer

Transcendence refers to an individual's ability to connect with something higher than oneself and to give meaning to their existence beyond their personal concerns. This virtue includes strengths such as gratitude, spirituality, and appreciation of beauty and excellence.

Question 10

Csikszentmihalyi coined the term flow to refer to:

Accepted Answer

Csikszentmihalyi coined the term flow to refer to a psychological state brought about by intense concentration, where a person is fully immersed in an activity and feels a sense of energized focus and enjoyment. It is often described as being "in the zone."

Question 11

A state characterized by positive emotions, a strong sense of personal meaning, good work, and positive relationships is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

The state characterized by positive emotions, a strong sense of personal meaning, good work, and positive relationships is referred to as flourishing.

Question 12

Fredrickson (2009) found that an individual must experience how many positive emotions for every single negative emotion to reach the threshold for flourishing?

Accepted Answer

Fredrickson (2009) proposed the "positivity ratio" theory, suggesting that individuals need to experience approximately three positive emotions for every negative emotion to achieve a state of flourishing.

Question 13

A dynamic strength assessment uses the:

Accepted Answer

A dynamic strength assessment uses the values in action classification model, which focuses on identifying and assessing individual strengths and virtues.

Question 14

Since its inception, the Diagnostic Statistical Manual(s) created by the American Psychiatric Association has catalogued hundreds of psychiatric symptoms for disorders, but it only began including a single and coherent classification of strengths in:

Accepted Answer

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) by the American Psychiatric Association began including a single and coherent classification of strengths in 2004 with the publication of the DSM-IV-TR, which introduced a more comprehensive approach to diagnosis by considering psychological strengths and weaknesses.

Question 15

Which of the following theorists felt that negatives were an indispensable element of human existence and assumed defenses were built to repress these conflicts and manage the unbearable anxiety they caused?

Accepted Answer

Sigmund Freud was the theorist who believed that negatives were an indispensable element of human existence and assumed defenses were built to repress these conflicts and manage the unbearable anxiety they caused.

Question 16

Chris Peterson would argue that many psychological disorders could be understood as:

Accepted Answer

Chris Peterson was known for his focus on positive psychology and the importance of character strengths. He believed that many psychological disorders could be understood as an absence or excess of these strengths, rather than solely as maladaptive behaviors or unconscious conflicts. This perspective aligns with the positive psychology approach of highlighting and building on an individual's existing strengths, rather than solely focusing on their weaknesses or pathologies.

Question 17

In the treatment of many psychological disorders, including depression, evidence-based therapies and pharmacotherapy both hit a ceiling at about:

Accepted Answer

Both evidence-based therapies and pharmacotherapy have been shown to have a ceiling effect of around 65 percent in the treatment of certain psychological disorders such as depression. This means that while they can be effective in improving symptoms, they may not be able to completely cure the disorder or provide complete relief for all individuals. Therefore, other forms of treatment such as lifestyle changes or complementary therapies may need to be considered as well.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT considered a virtue in positive psychology?

Accepted Answer

Attractiveness is not considered a virtue in positive psychology. The other options listed (wisdom, transcendence, courage) are all considered virtues in positive psychology.

Question 19

The Values in Action-Inventory of Strengths is administered online to clients in positive psychotherapy to identify:

Accepted Answer

The Values in Action-Inventory of Strengths is specifically designed to identify an individual's signature strengths.

Question 20

Which of the following virtues describes an individual's strengths that protect against excesses?

Accepted Answer

Temperance refers to an individual's ability to moderate impulses and protect against excesses. It involves self-control, humility, and a sense of balance in one's life. The other virtues listed do not specifically relate to protecting against excesses.

Quiz 13: Positive Psychotherapy

According to positive psychology, the formula for happiness is, H (enduring level of happiness) :