1. Which of the following is a core component of happiness according to positive psychology?
A) Physical health
B) Social connections
C) Material wealth
D) Mental illness recovery
Answer: B) Social connections
Explanation: Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of social connections in contributing to a person’s sense of happiness. Strong relationships and social support are key to well-being.
2. According to Martin Seligman, what are the five elements that contribute to human well-being?
A) Accomplishment, relationships, money, work, physical health
B) Positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment
C) Happiness, health, money, relationships, and enjoyment
D) Physical health, creativity, meaning, wealth, and gratitude
Answer: B) Positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment
Explanation: Martin Seligman, the founder of positive psychology, proposed the PERMA model, which includes these five elements as key contributors to human flourishing and happiness.
3. What does “hedonic adaptation” refer to?
A) The process of becoming used to a positive stimulus over time
B) The practice of intentionally increasing happiness
C) The ability to sustain happiness in difficult times
D) The reduction of happiness due to stress
Answer: A) The process of becoming used to a positive stimulus over time
Explanation: Hedonic adaptation refers to the tendency of humans to quickly return to a baseline level of happiness after experiencing positive or negative events.
4. Which of the following is a true statement about the relationship between wealth and happiness?
A) Money is the primary predictor of happiness.
B) Wealth has a strong positive relationship with happiness in all societies.
C) After meeting basic needs, money has a minimal impact on long-term happiness.
D) Higher income always leads to greater happiness.
Answer: C) After meeting basic needs, money has a minimal impact on long-term happiness.
Explanation: Research shows that once basic needs and financial security are met, additional wealth does not have a significant impact on long-term happiness.
5. The “broaden-and-build” theory of positive emotions was proposed by:
A) Daniel Goleman
B) Martin Seligman
C) Barbara Fredrickson
D) Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Answer: C) Barbara Fredrickson
Explanation: The broaden-and-build theory suggests that positive emotions broaden one’s mindset and build personal resources, leading to greater overall well-being.
6. According to self-determination theory, which of the following is NOT a basic psychological need?
A) Autonomy
B) Competence
C) Self-esteem
D) Relatedness
Answer: C) Self-esteem
Explanation: Self-determination theory identifies autonomy, competence, and relatedness as basic psychological needs for fostering intrinsic motivation and well-being, rather than self-esteem.
7. Which of the following is associated with “flow,” as described by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi?
A) Intense relaxation
B) Being absorbed in an activity that challenges but does not overwhelm
C) Excessive work pressure
D) Focusing on the negative aspects of tasks
Answer: B) Being absorbed in an activity that challenges but does not overwhelm
Explanation: Flow occurs when individuals are fully immersed in an activity, experiencing a perfect balance between skill and challenge, leading to optimal enjoyment.
8. Which of the following interventions has been shown to significantly increase happiness levels in the long term?
A) Excessive social media use
B) Practicing gratitude
C) Focusing on negative experiences
D) Ignoring one’s emotions
Answer: B) Practicing gratitude
Explanation: Studies show that regularly practicing gratitude, such as keeping a gratitude journal, can lead to long-term increases in happiness and well-being.
9. Which of the following is NOT considered a component of well-being according to positive psychology?
A) Positive emotion
B) Personal achievement
C) Hedonic pleasure
D) Negative affect
Answer: D) Negative affect
Explanation: Positive psychology focuses on increasing positive emotions, engagement, meaning, and accomplishment, whereas negative affect is not a component of well-being.
10. Which is the term used for the psychological state where an individual feels motivated and fully engaged in a task?
A) Mindfulness
B) Flow
C) Hedonism
D) Self-actualization
Answer: B) Flow
Explanation: Flow refers to a state of complete immersion and engagement in an activity, leading to a sense of fulfillment and happiness.
11. Which of the following factors is the most significant predictor of happiness, according to research?
A) Age
B) Physical attractiveness
C) Relationships and social support
D) High-paying job
Answer: C) Relationships and social support
Explanation: Research consistently shows that strong social connections and relationships are among the most important factors contributing to happiness and life satisfaction.
12. What is the “impact bias” in relation to happiness?
A) The tendency to underestimate how happy we will feel after achieving a goal
B) The tendency to overestimate how happy we will feel after achieving a goal
C) The natural decline in happiness after an achievement
D) The misinterpretation of others’ happiness levels
Answer: B) The tendency to overestimate how happy we will feel after achieving a goal
Explanation: Impact bias refers to the tendency to overestimate the emotional impact of future events, especially in relation to positive outcomes.
13. Which of the following best describes eudaimonic well-being?
A) Seeking pleasure and avoiding pain
B) Pursuing meaningful goals and personal growth
C) Focusing on momentary enjoyment
D) Reducing stress through relaxation techniques
Answer: B) Pursuing meaningful goals and personal growth
Explanation: Eudaimonic well-being is about achieving personal growth and living a life filled with meaning, purpose, and fulfillment.
14. Research suggests that which activity can improve happiness?
A) Excessive sleeping
B) Practicing mindfulness and meditation
C) Isolating oneself from others
D) Repressing negative emotions
Answer: B) Practicing mindfulness and meditation
Explanation: Mindfulness and meditation have been shown to reduce stress and improve happiness by promoting a greater awareness of the present moment and emotional regulation.
15. Which of the following is a typical characteristic of people who score high on subjective well-being?
A) They are always financially secure.
B) They consistently experience low levels of stress.
C) They have a positive outlook on life and high life satisfaction.
D) They avoid social interactions.
Answer: C) They have a positive outlook on life and high life satisfaction.
Explanation: Individuals with high subjective well-being tend to have an optimistic view of life, experience positive emotions, and feel satisfied with their life circumstances.
16. Which of the following interventions has been linked to improving happiness through social connection?
A) Solo vacations
B) Acts of kindness toward others
C) Limiting social media interactions
D) Avoiding conflict with others
Answer: B) Acts of kindness toward others
Explanation: Engaging in acts of kindness has been shown to increase happiness by fostering a sense of social connection and purpose.
17. According to the set-point theory, happiness is largely determined by:
A) External circumstances
B) Life achievements
C) Genetic predispositions and personality
D) Economic status
Answer: C) Genetic predispositions and personality
Explanation: Set-point theory suggests that individuals have a baseline level of happiness determined by their genetics and personality, which tends to remain stable over time.
18. Which of the following best describes the term “psychological flexibility” in relation to happiness?
A) The ability to avoid all negative emotions
B) The ability to adapt and cope with life’s challenges
C) The ability to suppress unwanted thoughts
D) The ability to only focus on positive experiences
Answer: B) The ability to adapt and cope with life’s challenges
Explanation: Psychological flexibility refers to one’s ability to adapt to different circumstances and effectively cope with challenges, which contributes to overall happiness.
19. What is a major limitation of relying solely on material wealth for happiness?
A) It leads to long-term happiness.
B) It increases the risk of social isolation.
C) It fails to contribute to psychological well-being once basic needs are met.
D) It promotes physical health.
Answer: C) It fails to contribute to psychological well-being once basic needs are met.
Explanation: While material wealth can bring short-term happiness, it does not contribute significantly to long-term psychological well-being once basic needs are fulfilled.
20. Which of the following is the main criticism of the “positive thinking” approach to happiness?
A) It promotes unrealistic expectations and ignores negative emotions.
B) It causes people to focus only on negative outcomes.
C) It is only applicable to people with high income.
D) It is based on scientific evidence.
Answer: A) It promotes unrealistic expectations and ignores negative emotions.
Explanation: Critics of the “positive thinking” approach argue that it may lead people to suppress negative emotions, which can be harmful to their psychological health in the long run.
21. In terms of happiness, what is “grit”?
A) The ability to remain positive despite negative outcomes
B) The passion and perseverance for long-term goals
C) The tendency to focus on immediate rewards
D) The skill of avoiding challenging situations
Answer: B) The passion and perseverance for long-term goals
Explanation: Grit refers to sustained effort and commitment to achieving long-term goals, and is often associated with greater happiness and fulfillment.
22. Which factor is most likely to increase happiness, according to research on the psychology of well-being?
A) Acquiring wealth
B) Attaining fame
C) Contributing to others’ well-being
D) Achieving a perfect body
Answer: C) Contributing to others’ well-being
Explanation: Acts of altruism and contributing to the well-being of others have been shown to significantly increase happiness and life satisfaction.
23. Which of the following is true about happiness in relation to aging?
A) Happiness declines as people age.
B) Older adults report higher happiness and life satisfaction.
C) Happiness is unrelated to age.
D) Happiness is influenced by external factors as people age.
Answer: B) Older adults report higher happiness and life satisfaction.
Explanation: Research suggests that older adults tend to report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction, possibly due to greater emotional regulation and life perspective.
24. Which personality trait is most closely associated with increased happiness?
A) Neuroticism
B) Extraversion
C) Openness to experience
D) Conscientiousness
Answer: B) Extraversion
Explanation: Extraversion is associated with higher levels of positive emotions, social engagement, and life satisfaction, making it a predictor of happiness.
25. According to positive psychology, what role does humor play in happiness?
A) It decreases overall well-being.
B) It helps in coping with stress and enhances positive emotions.
C) It has no effect on happiness.
D) It distracts from more important emotional work.
Answer: B) It helps in coping with stress and enhances positive emotions.
Explanation: Humor is considered a positive coping mechanism that can help reduce stress and increase overall happiness by promoting positive emotions.
26. What does the term “subjective well-being” refer to?
A) A person’s ability to live in the present moment
B) A person’s self-perception of happiness and life satisfaction
C) A person’s health condition
D) A person’s ability to solve life challenges
Answer: B) A person’s self-perception of happiness and life satisfaction
Explanation: Subjective well-being refers to an individual’s own assessment of their happiness and life satisfaction, which may differ from objective indicators.
27. According to research, how much of our happiness is determined by genetics?
A) 50%
B) 20%
C) 40%
D) 70%
Answer: A) 50%
Explanation: Studies suggest that around 50% of an individual’s happiness is influenced by their genetic makeup, while the rest is shaped by life circumstances and intentional activities.
28. Which of the following interventions has been shown to increase long-term happiness?
A) Spending money on luxury items
B) Regular exercise and physical activity
C) Pursuing material goals
D) Ignoring negative emotions
Answer: B) Regular exercise and physical activity
Explanation: Regular exercise and physical activity have been found to improve mood, reduce stress, and contribute to long-term happiness.
29. According to the broaden-and-build theory, what is the role of positive emotions in happiness?
A) They focus only on self-gratification.
B) They narrow our thinking and limit potential.
C) They broaden our thinking and build emotional resources.
D) They reduce overall well-being by increasing stress.
Answer: C) They broaden our thinking and build emotional resources.
Explanation: According to the broaden-and-build theory, positive emotions help people think more broadly, which enhances their ability to deal with challenges and build personal resources.
30. Which of the following is a characteristic of happiness according to the psychological perspective of well-being?
A) It is primarily determined by external factors.
B) It involves living a life that aligns with one’s values and sense of purpose.
C) It is solely determined by the amount of pleasure experienced.
D) It is unrelated to social connections.
Answer: B) It involves living a life that aligns with one’s values and sense of purpose.
Explanation: Happiness is often associated with living a life that aligns with one’s personal values, purpose, and intrinsic goals, rather than solely relying on external pleasures.
