The Plight of Haiti

January 12, 2010

Earthquake – 7.0 magnitude struck Haiti

Reflections on Haiti – CNN

Choice and Change

Autonomy – acting with a sense of true choice

Entity theory – belief that characteristics are fixed

Incremental theory – belief that characteristics can change

Control

Internal locus of control – belief that you control your destiny or future

External locus of control – belief that your fate is controlled by chance or by others

Constraints

Biology – genes contributing to differences

Environment – learning through our situations, family, culture, etc.

Positive Psychology

Derived from humanistic approach

Founded by Martin Seligman

Focuses on human strengths vs. weaknesses

Explores areas such as love, wisdom, commitment, and hope

Overview We are creators of our worlds

We are creatures of our worlds

Psychology can help sort facts from falsehoods

People have a long history of looking at strengths

We can evaluate and measure our strengths

In the Real World…

Improving child education (motivation, mood, creativity)

Improving psychotherapy (hope, meaning, & self-healing)

Improving family life (love, concern, & commitment)

In the Real World… Improving work satisfaction (involvement, flow, & contributions)

Improving organizations and societies (trust, communication, & altruism)

Improving the moral character of society (spirituality)

You at Your Best!Think of a time when you were at your best, a time when you may have felt productive or happy. 

What were you doing?

Who were you with?

What strengths did you use?