In one of your closing paragraphs write about what you believe is the central theme, or the main message of the book.
How does it fit with our study of Positive Psychology? Did you find the Values in Action Character Traits portrayed in the book? Was one a main theme? Or two or three?
Write an introduction that provides an overview of positive psychology concepts, making reference to the course materials and/or other credible sources.
Summarize the set of skills that is generally accepted to comprise emotional intelligence. Explain how these skills contribute to or detract from your own health and wellness. Support your response with a discussion that references the course reading(s) and includes applied examples from your own life.
Summarize the focus of Dan Gilbert’s research related to conditions that promote or interfere with happiness. Explain at least two factors that interfere with the ability to predict future happiness. Discuss how these concepts influence your own health and wellness. Support your response with a discussion that references the reading and includes applied examples from your own life.
Write a plan to strengthen your psychological health and wellness based on the concepts of positive psychology presented in the readings. Your plan should:
Describe the areas that you want to improve upon,
Explain how doing so will improve your emotional well-being, and
Discuss at least two specific psychological strategies you will use and how they reflect concepts of positive psychology.
Discuss at least two peer-reviewed research articles that justify the scientific validity of your plan.
Provide a summarizing conclusion that reviews the relevance of theories of positive psychology to health in general and reflects upon the value of this research to improving your own health.
“The Pursuit of Happyness” reflection in relation to positive psychology
Guiding Questions:
1. Outline how issues related to the following were depicted in the movie
a. Pleasure and positive experiences
b. Happiness
c. Positive thinking
d. Character strengths and virtues
2. Which one of the strengths would you say Gardner possess in the film (select at least 3)? Why?
Define each strength. (Ex: creativity, vitality, fairness etc.)
3. Discuss the specific obstacles and struggle or conflict Gardner faces in reaching or maximizing
the strengths selected/noted.
4. How does Gardner illustrate how to overcome obstacles and build and maintain strength?
5. Is the tone/mood of the film inspiring or uplifting? Why or why not?
6. What impact did the film have on you? Were you inspired after watching the film? Why or
why not?
7. What is the role of happiness in this story?
8. What specific tenets of Positive Psychology are evident in the film? Expand on at least 2
points.
9. How would you evaluate the overall wellbeing of the protagonist in the context?
10. To what extent are the issues identified relevant in a real-life situation?
11. Based on the issues identified in question 1, what recommendations would you make about
what could be done differently, to improve the overall wellbeing of the protagonist or someone
in a similar situation?
12. What is the significance of the word “happyness” vs “happiness” in the title of the film?
Grading
