PSY4850
Positive Psychology
Q & A w/ Rationales
2024
,1. John is a 35-year-old accountant who has been feeling
stressed and unhappy at work. He decides to enroll in a
positive psychology course to learn some strategies to
improve his well-being. One of the topics covered in the
course is the PERMA model, which stands for positive
emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and
accomplishment. According to this model, which of the
following activities would be most beneficial for John to
practice regularly?
a) Keeping a gratitude journal to record the positive aspects
of his life
b) Finding a hobby that challenges his skills and interests
c) Volunteering at a local charity that aligns with his values
d) Setting and pursuing SMART goals that are specific,
measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound
*Answer: d) Setting and pursuing SMART goals that are
specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-
bound*
Rationale: According to the PERMA model,
accomplishment is one of the five elements of well-being
that can be enhanced by setting and pursuing goals that are
challenging but attainable. This can increase John's sense
of self-efficacy, mastery, and satisfaction. While the other
options are also beneficial for well-being, they are more
related to the other elements of the PERMA model, such as
positive emotions (a), engagement (b), and meaning (c).
2. Lisa is a 25-year-old graphic designer who loves her job
, but often feels lonely and isolated. She has few friends and
rarely socializes outside of work. She wants to improve her
social well-being and decides to join a book club that meets
once a week. After attending a few sessions, she notices
that she feels more connected and supported by the other
members. She also finds that she enjoys reading more and
learns new perspectives from the discussions. Which of the
following concepts best describes Lisa's experience?
a) Social capital
b) Flow
c) Character strengths
d) Self-determination theory
*Answer: a) Social capital*
Rationale: Social capital refers to the benefits that arise
from having positive and trusting relationships with others,
such as mutual support, cooperation, information exchange,
and social influence. By joining the book club, Lisa
increased her social capital and improved her social well-
being. The other concepts are not directly related to Lisa's
experience. Flow (b) is a state of optimal experience that
occurs when one is fully immersed and engaged in an
activity that matches one's skills and challenges. Character
strengths (c) are positive traits that reflect one's core values
and virtues, such as curiosity, kindness, or creativity. Self-
determination theory (d) is a motivational theory that posits
that human well-being depends on satisfying three basic
psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and
relatedness.
3. Mark is a 45-year-old teacher who has been diagnosed
Positive Psychology
Q & A w/ Rationales
2024
,1. John is a 35-year-old accountant who has been feeling
stressed and unhappy at work. He decides to enroll in a
positive psychology course to learn some strategies to
improve his well-being. One of the topics covered in the
course is the PERMA model, which stands for positive
emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and
accomplishment. According to this model, which of the
following activities would be most beneficial for John to
practice regularly?
a) Keeping a gratitude journal to record the positive aspects
of his life
b) Finding a hobby that challenges his skills and interests
c) Volunteering at a local charity that aligns with his values
d) Setting and pursuing SMART goals that are specific,
measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound
*Answer: d) Setting and pursuing SMART goals that are
specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-
bound*
Rationale: According to the PERMA model,
accomplishment is one of the five elements of well-being
that can be enhanced by setting and pursuing goals that are
challenging but attainable. This can increase John's sense
of self-efficacy, mastery, and satisfaction. While the other
options are also beneficial for well-being, they are more
related to the other elements of the PERMA model, such as
positive emotions (a), engagement (b), and meaning (c).
2. Lisa is a 25-year-old graphic designer who loves her job
, but often feels lonely and isolated. She has few friends and
rarely socializes outside of work. She wants to improve her
social well-being and decides to join a book club that meets
once a week. After attending a few sessions, she notices
that she feels more connected and supported by the other
members. She also finds that she enjoys reading more and
learns new perspectives from the discussions. Which of the
following concepts best describes Lisa's experience?
a) Social capital
b) Flow
c) Character strengths
d) Self-determination theory
*Answer: a) Social capital*
Rationale: Social capital refers to the benefits that arise
from having positive and trusting relationships with others,
such as mutual support, cooperation, information exchange,
and social influence. By joining the book club, Lisa
increased her social capital and improved her social well-
being. The other concepts are not directly related to Lisa's
experience. Flow (b) is a state of optimal experience that
occurs when one is fully immersed and engaged in an
activity that matches one's skills and challenges. Character
strengths (c) are positive traits that reflect one's core values
and virtues, such as curiosity, kindness, or creativity. Self-
determination theory (d) is a motivational theory that posits
that human well-being depends on satisfying three basic
psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and
relatedness.
3. Mark is a 45-year-old teacher who has been diagnosed
