30 Psychology MCQs on “What is Positive Psychology? Foundations and Principles”
- What is the primary focus of positive psychology? a) Study of mental disorders
b) Improving human strengths and virtues
c) Understanding negative emotions
d) Treating psychological illnessesAnswer: b) Improving human strengths and virtues
Explanation: Positive psychology focuses on enhancing positive emotions, strengths, and virtues to improve well-being and happiness. - Who is considered the founding father of positive psychology? a) Carl Rogers
b) Sigmund Freud
c) Martin Seligman
d) Abraham MaslowAnswer: c) Martin Seligman
Explanation: Martin Seligman is widely regarded as the founder of positive psychology, emphasizing the study of positive emotions, strengths, and flourishing. - Which of the following is NOT a core component of positive psychology? a) Resilience
b) Optimism
c) Stress management
d) GratitudeAnswer: c) Stress management
Explanation: While stress management is essential, it is not a core component of positive psychology. The focus is more on strengths like resilience, optimism, and gratitude. - In positive psychology, which concept refers to finding meaning and purpose in life? a) Hedonic well-being
b) Eudaimonic well-being
c) Flow
d) Self-esteemAnswer: b) Eudaimonic well-being
Explanation: Eudaimonic well-being refers to living in accordance with one’s values, seeking personal growth, and finding purpose and meaning in life. - Which of the following best describes the concept of ‘flow’ in positive psychology? a) Feeling of boredom
b) Experiencing optimal performance and engagement
c) A state of apathy
d) Experiencing high levels of stressAnswer: b) Experiencing optimal performance and engagement
Explanation: Flow refers to the mental state where an individual is fully immersed in an activity, experiencing high engagement and optimal performance. - What does the ‘broaden-and-build theory’ of positive emotions suggest? a) Positive emotions narrow focus to achieve goals
b) Positive emotions help in building resources and resilience
c) Negative emotions are more beneficial for growth
d) Positive emotions are temporary and inconsequentialAnswer: b) Positive emotions help in building resources and resilience
Explanation: The broaden-and-build theory by Barbara Fredrickson suggests that positive emotions expand our thinking and behaviors, leading to personal growth and resilience. - Which of the following is a characteristic of a person with high levels of positive psychology? a) Frequent feelings of anxiety
b) Strong sense of self-worth and purpose
c) Tendency to focus on weaknesses
d) Constantly pessimistic outlookAnswer: b) Strong sense of self-worth and purpose
Explanation: Individuals with high levels of positive psychology are more likely to have a sense of self-worth, a sense of purpose, and focus on their strengths. - Which aspect of life does positive psychology aim to enhance, aside from mental health? a) Physical health
b) Economic wealth
c) Global security
d) Political stabilityAnswer: a) Physical health
Explanation: Positive psychology not only focuses on mental well-being but also emphasizes the importance of physical health, as positive emotions can improve physical health outcomes. - What is the term used to describe positive traits such as courage, kindness, and perseverance? a) Core values
b) Signature strengths
c) Defensive behaviors
d) Defense mechanismsAnswer: b) Signature strengths
Explanation: Signature strengths are positive traits or virtues like courage, kindness, and perseverance that contribute to an individual’s well-being and flourishing. - Which of the following is an example of ‘gratitude’ in positive psychology? a) Focusing on life’s challenges
b) Expressing appreciation for others
c) Avoiding social interactions
d) Complaining about workAnswer: b) Expressing appreciation for others
Explanation: Gratitude involves recognizing and expressing thankfulness for the positive aspects of life, such as the kindness of others. - What does the concept of ‘resilience’ refer to in positive psychology? a) The ability to avoid challenges
b) The ability to recover and adapt after adversity
c) The inability to handle stress
d) Avoiding negative emotionsAnswer: b) The ability to recover and adapt after adversity
Explanation: Resilience is the capacity to bounce back and adapt positively after experiencing stress or adversity. - Which of the following is true regarding the relationship between happiness and positive psychology? a) Happiness is irrelevant to positive psychology
b) Happiness is a byproduct of practicing positive psychology
c) Happiness always requires external factors
d) Happiness is the only goal of positive psychologyAnswer: b) Happiness is a byproduct of practicing positive psychology
Explanation: Positive psychology focuses on fostering strengths and virtues, which in turn lead to happiness and overall well-being. - Which of the following is NOT a principle of positive psychology? a) Focusing on human strengths
b) Building happiness through external rewards
c) Encouraging optimism
d) Promoting meaningful life goalsAnswer: b) Building happiness through external rewards
Explanation: Positive psychology encourages intrinsic growth and internal strengths rather than focusing solely on external rewards to achieve happiness. - What is ‘savoring’ in the context of positive psychology? a) Dwelling on negative experiences
b) Enjoying and appreciating positive moments in life
c) Ignoring positive emotions
d) Seeking out pleasure at all costsAnswer: b) Enjoying and appreciating positive moments in life
Explanation: Savoring is the process of fully experiencing and appreciating positive events and emotions, which enhances well-being. - In positive psychology, what is ‘learned optimism’? a) A natural state of being optimistic
b) The ability to remain optimistic despite negative events
c) The constant pursuit of pleasure
d) Avoiding any negative thinkingAnswer: b) The ability to remain optimistic despite negative events
Explanation: Learned optimism refers to the practice of adopting an optimistic mindset, even when faced with challenges or negative events. - Which psychological theory is associated with the development of positive psychology? a) Psychoanalytic theory
b) Cognitive-behavioral theory
c) Humanistic theory
d) Behavioral theoryAnswer: c) Humanistic theory
Explanation: Positive psychology builds upon the humanistic theories of psychology, particularly the work of Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, focusing on self-actualization and personal growth. - What does the PERMA model in positive psychology represent? a) Physical, Emotional, Relationship, Mental, Achievement
b) Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment
c) Pessimism, Energy, Resilience, Motivation, Achievement
d) Patience, Empathy, Reasoning, Maturity, AltruismAnswer: b) Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment
Explanation: The PERMA model by Martin Seligman identifies five essential components of well-being: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. - Which of the following is most likely to improve well-being according to positive psychology? a) Living in isolation
b) Building strong social connections
c) Focusing on material success
d) Rejecting personal growthAnswer: b) Building strong social connections
Explanation: Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of social relationships in improving emotional well-being and life satisfaction. - Which of the following best defines the concept of ‘self-determination theory’ (SDT) in positive psychology? a) The theory that human behavior is driven solely by external rewards
b) The idea that people need to feel autonomous, competent, and connected to others
c) The notion that human beings are primarily motivated by survival instincts
d) The belief that happiness comes only from material wealthAnswer: b) The idea that people need to feel autonomous, competent, and connected to others
Explanation: Self-determination theory suggests that humans need autonomy, competence, and relatedness to thrive and achieve well-being. - Which of the following is an example of ‘positive reinforcement’ in positive psychology? a) Giving praise for good work
b) Ignoring bad behavior
c) Criticizing mistakes
d) Punishing failureAnswer: a) Giving praise for good work
Explanation: Positive reinforcement involves providing rewards or praise to encourage desirable behavior and promote well-being. - What role do ‘positive emotions’ play in positive psychology? a) They are irrelevant to well-being
b) They are temporary and insignificant
c) They broaden thinking and build resources for coping
d) They lead to unhealthy indulgenceAnswer: c) They broaden thinking and build resources for coping
Explanation: Positive emotions expand cognitive and behavioral flexibility, promoting resilience and building personal resources. - Which of the following is associated with ‘character strengths’ in positive psychology? a) Deficits in personal development
b) Flaws and weaknesses
c) Positive traits like bravery, kindness, and honesty
d) Illness and diseaseAnswer: c) Positive traits like bravery, kindness, and honesty
Explanation: Character strengths are positive traits that contribute to flourishing, such as bravery, kindness, and honesty. - How does positive psychology view the concept of happiness? a) Happiness is solely based on material success
b) Happiness is an individual’s responsibility, regardless of circumstances
c) Happiness involves both pleasure and meaning, not just pleasure
d) Happiness is fleeting and should be avoidedAnswer: c) Happiness involves both pleasure and meaning, not just pleasure
Explanation: Positive psychology suggests that happiness is a combination of positive emotions (pleasure) and a sense of purpose (meaning). - Which of the following is a major critique of positive psychology? a) It does not focus on improving well-being
b) It tends to ignore negative emotions and challenges
c) It emphasizes material wealth over emotional growth
d) It encourages excessive self-reflectionAnswer: b) It tends to ignore negative emotions and challenges
Explanation: Some critics argue that positive psychology may downplay the importance of addressing negative emotions and life challenges. - In positive psychology, ‘self-compassion’ involves: a) Criticizing oneself for mistakes
b) Ignoring personal struggles
c) Treating oneself with kindness during difficult times
d) Perfectionism and self-improvementAnswer: c) Treating oneself with kindness during difficult times
Explanation: Self-compassion involves treating oneself with kindness, understanding, and patience during times of failure or difficulty. - What is the role of ‘mindfulness’ in positive psychology? a) Ignoring thoughts and feelings
b) Focusing on achieving external success
c) Being fully present in the moment without judgment
d) Avoiding negative emotionsAnswer: c) Being fully present in the moment without judgment
Explanation: Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment with awareness and acceptance, promoting well-being and reducing stress. - Which of the following practices is encouraged in positive psychology to boost well-being? a) Constantly seeking pleasure at any cost
b) Engaging in regular physical exercise
c) Suppressing all negative emotions
d) Avoiding social connectionsAnswer: b) Engaging in regular physical exercise
Explanation: Positive psychology promotes healthy habits like exercise, which can enhance mood, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being. - Which of the following is true about happiness in positive psychology? a) It is solely the result of external achievements
b) It is a state that can be achieved through intentional practices
c) It is fleeting and does not contribute to long-term well-being
d) It is irrelevant to mental healthAnswer: b) It is a state that can be achieved through intentional practices
Explanation: Positive psychology suggests that happiness can be cultivated through intentional practices such as gratitude, mindfulness, and self-compassion. - What does the study of ‘human flourishing’ emphasize in positive psychology? a) The pursuit of wealth and fame
b) The development of psychological disorders
c) The promotion of individual growth, well-being, and positive social contributions
d) The avoidance of all challengesAnswer: c) The promotion of individual growth, well-being, and positive social contributions
Explanation: Human flourishing is about developing one’s potential, achieving personal well-being, and contributing to society. - Which of the following would be considered an example of positive psychology’s ‘interventions’? a) Encouraging people to focus only on their weaknesses
b) Promoting practices like gratitude journaling to increase happiness
c) Ignoring social support in favor of individualism
d) Only focusing on therapy for mental health issuesAnswer: b) Promoting practices like gratitude journaling to increase happiness
Explanation: Positive psychology interventions like gratitude journaling are aimed at increasing happiness and well-being through specific practices.
