PSY409 Midterm Questions by Mehar

Psy409 (Positive Psychology)

Midterm Questions

Q1. Three Ways to Build Positive Relationships

1. Active Listening: Paying full attention, showing empathy, and understanding the other person’s perspective strengthens trust and connection.
2. Expressing Gratitude: Regularly appreciating others’ efforts, verbalizing thanks, and acknowledging contributions nurtures positive bonds.
3. Shared Activities & Experiences: Engaging in common interests, hobbies, or meaningful experiences promotes collaboration and emotional closeness.

Positive relationships improve well-being, reduce stress, and enhance resilience.

Q2. Three Positive and Three Negative Emotions from Parnas X; Explain One and Which Emotion You Have Most

Positive Emotions: Joy, Gratitude, Hope Negative Emotions: Anger, Fear, Sadness Explanation (Joy): Joy is a feeling of pleasure, delight, or happiness often resulting from positive events or achievements. It broadens thinking, promotes social bonds, and increases motivation. Personal Reflection: Most of the day, I experience gratitude, as appreciating small things helps me stay optimistic and connected to others.

Q3. Three Measures of Situational Self-Efficacy

1. Confidence in Performing Specific Tasks: Assessing belief in one’s ability to complete a particular activity successfully.
2. Perceived Control Under Pressure: Measuring how much control an individual feels over outcomes in challenging situations.
3. Persistence and Effort: Evaluating willingness to continue efforts despite obstacles or failures.

These measures help predict performance, motivation, and coping in different life situations.

Q4. Five Deadly Sins from the Seven Sins in Christianity

1. Pride – Excessive self-focus or arrogance.
2. Greed – Desire for excessive wealth or material gain.
3. Lust – Uncontrolled or excessive sexual desire.
4. Envy – Resentment toward others’ success or possessions.
5. Gluttony – Over-indulgence in food or drink. The remaining two sins are Wrath (anger) and Sloth (laziness). These sins highlight moral and psychological pitfalls affecting personal and social well-being.

Q5. If You Had Two Options to Live a Life, Would You Choose to Become Rich or Live a Meaningful Life?

Choosing a meaningful life aligns with eudaimonic well-being, focusing on purpose, personal growth, and contribution to others. Research shows that meaningful lives provide long-term happiness, resilience during stress, and stronger relationships, whereas wealth alone may bring temporary pleasure but not fulfillment. A meaningful life allows developing strengths, nurturing relationships, and achieving goals aligned with personal values.

Q6. Statements According to Domains of Self-Efficacy

1. Self-Efficacy: Belief in one’s ability to perform tasks successfully. Example: “I can manage my daily responsibilities effectively.”
2. Response-Efficacy: Belief that a specific action will produce desired outcomes. Example: “If I exercise regularly, my health will improve.”
3. Self-Esteem: Overall evaluation of personal worth. Example: “I am a capable and valuable individual.”
4. Belongingness: Feeling accepted and connected to a group. Example: “I feel included and supported by my friends and colleagues.”

Q7. Emotional Balance Act

Emotional balance act refers to the ability to manage both positive and negative emotions effectively. It involves acknowledging negative emotions like anger or sadness while cultivating positive emotions like joy, gratitude, and hope. Practicing emotional balance improves resilience, decision-making, and well-being in daily life. Techniques include mindfulness, cognitive reframing, and expressive writing to regulate emotions.

Q8. Eudaimonia and Hedonic Psychology

Hedonic Psychology: Focuses on pleasure, positive experiences, and minimizing

pain. The main goal is to maximize happiness through enjoyment and comfort. Eudaimonic Psychology: Focuses on meaning, personal growth, and self-realization. Happiness is achieved by living according to one’s values, purpose, and virtues. Key Difference: Hedonic = pleasure-focused; Eudaimonic = purpose and meaningfocused.

Q9. Christianity – Seven Sins (Enlist Any Five)

1. Pride – Excessive self-focus or arrogance.
2. Greed – Desire for wealth or material gain beyond necessity.
3. Lust – Uncontrolled sexual desire.
4. Envy – Resentment toward others’ success or possessions.
5. Gluttony – Over-indulgence in food or drink. (Remaining two sins are Wrath and Sloth.)

Q10. Three-Fold Structure of Emotional Well-Being

1. Positive Affect: Experiencing frequent positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, and contentment.
2. Absence of Negative Affect: Minimizing experiences of negative emotions like sadness, fear, and anger.
3. Life Satisfaction: Cognitive evaluation of life as meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with personal goals.

Q11. Any Three Optimism Factors

1. Positive Expectancy: Belief that good things will happen in the future.
2. Active Coping: Tendency to take proactive steps to overcome challenges.
3. Resilience: Ability to recover quickly from setbacks and maintain hope.

Q12. Three Characteristics of a Person Having High Self-Efficacy

1. Confidence in Abilities: Believes they can complete tasks successfully even in challenging situations.
2. Persistence: Keeps trying despite failures or setbacks, showing resilience.
3. Positive Outlook: Views challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, not as threats.

Q13. Three Ways to Nurture Spirituality

1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Regular practice helps in connecting with one’s inner self.
2. Engaging in Meaningful Activities: Volunteering, helping others, or pursuing a purpose-driven life.
3. Reflection and Self-Awareness: Journaling, prayer, or contemplation to understand personal values and life purpose.

Q14. Ali is Rich. Is There Any Possibility That He is Also Happy? Give Reason Why or Why Not

Yes, it is possible, but wealth alone does not guarantee happiness. Happiness depends on meaningful relationships, personal growth, and purpose (Eudaimonic well-being), not just material gains. If Ali uses his wealth to support his goals, help others, and engage in fulfilling activities, he can experience both financial comfort and happiness.