Revision: Positive Psychology Psychology HSC Science (General) 12th Standard Board Exam Maharashtra State Board

Happiness is a positive emotional state that is subjective for each person.

Optimism is a mental attitude that includes feelings of hopefulness and a belief that the future will be positive, favourable and desirable and that negative events are temporary setbacks to be overcome.

Empathy is the capacity to understand and feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference, that is the capacity to place oneself in another’s position.

• Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.
• Mindfulness is maintaining moment by moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensation and surrounding environment.

• Positive Psychology focuses on enhancing happiness and well-being in the face of life’s challenges.
• It studies positive experiences like optimism, joy, courage, growth, and meaning in life.
• Unlike traditional psychology, which focuses on disorders and problems, Positive Psychology emphasises virtues and character strengths.
• It is defined as the scientific study of what makes life worth living (Peterson, 2008).
• Martin Seligman introduced Positive Psychology as a major field in 1998.
• In short, Positive Psychology is the science of happiness, human strengths, and flourishing.

• Positive psychology focuses on strengths and positive qualities, not just problems.
• It aims to move life “above zero” from illness to happiness and well-being.
• Life above zero includes hope, optimism, resilience, empathy, and happiness.
• Negative events attract more attention, but positives help build growth.
• Broaden and Build Theory: Positive emotions expand our thinking and actions.
• Positive emotions build psychological and social resources, improving well-being.

• Happiness is a positive emotional state that makes life meaningful and enjoyable.
• It is subjective, meaning different people feel happy in different situations.
• We usually feel happy when we achieve goals, feel secure, or experience success.
• Need/Goal Satisfaction Theory: Happiness comes from fulfilling needs or achieving goals.
• Process and Genetic Theories: Happiness can result from engaging in enjoyable activities and from personality or genetic factors.

• Health, income, and prestige contribute only a small part to long-term happiness.
• Strong social relationships increase happiness by providing emotional support and positive interactions.
• Optimism reduces stress and increases positive emotions.
• High self-esteem builds confidence and helps in facing challenges successfully.
• Setting and achieving challenging but realistic goals leads to greater happiness.
• Having a sense of meaning and purpose in life increases life satisfaction.
• A positive perspective of seeing challenges as opportunities plays an important role in maintaining happiness.

• Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person by putting oneself in their position.
• It has three components: cognitive empathy (understanding others’ thoughts), emotional empathy (feeling what others feel), and social skills (acting to help others).
• Empathy builds trust, safety, and strong relationships and supports better communication.
• Research shows that certain brain areas and mirror neurons are involved in empathy.
• Empathy can be developed through increased social interaction and connecting through similarities.
• Understanding your own emotions and practising curiosity instead of judgment improves empathy.
• Exposure to diverse people and practising humility helps in strengthening empathy.

• Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present and aware of what we are doing in the current moment.
• It involves focusing on the “here and now” without overthinking about the past or worrying about the future.
• Mindfulness improves attention, self-control, and accuracy in performing tasks.
• Mindlessness means acting without awareness, often due to distraction or unconscious habits.
• Practising mindfulness helps break unhealthy habits and improves mental well-being and happiness.

• Mindfulness meditation is a practice of increasing awareness and calmness by focusing on the present moment.
• It helps control the constant stream of thoughts that distract us from the present.
• During meditation, one sits comfortably, focuses on breathing, and observes thoughts without judging them.
• The aim is to develop a non-reactive and peaceful state of mind.
• Regular practice reduces stress and anxiety and improves overall mental well-being.

• Resilience means the ability to bounce back from difficulties and can be learned by anyone.
• Competence: Ability to handle situations effectively through experience.
• Confidence: Strong belief in one’s abilities, developed by showing competence.
• Connection: Support from family, school, and community provides security and strength.
• Character: Having clear values, integrity, and a strong sense of right and wrong.
• Contribution: Helping others gives a sense of purpose and improves well-being.
• Coping and Control: Managing stress effectively and believing that one can influence outcomes strengthens resilience.

• There are four types of resilience: psychological, emotional, physical, and community.
• Psychological resilience is the ability to stay calm and mentally strong during challenges.
• Emotional resilience is the ability to understand and manage one’s emotions during stress.
• Physical resilience is the body’s ability to recover from illness, injury, or physical stress.
• Community resilience is the ability of a group or society to recover from disasters and difficulties.