Science of Happiness (NYU)
PERMA - answer-Properties of Wellbeing
Positive Emotion;
Engagement;
Relationships;
Meaning;
Accomplishments;
What do we need to have some of if we want to thrive? - answer Elements of PERMA
What are the three properties of each element of PERMA - answer1. It contributes to
well-being
2. Many people pursue it for its own sake, not merely to get any of the other elements
3. It is defined and measured independently of the other elements
Flow - answer psychological state that accompanies highly engaging activities; optimal
experience in life
Who came up with flow? - answer Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Three parts of flow? - answer1. Mindful
2. Present
3. Focused
Epworth Sleepiness Scale - answer0 = would never doze
1 = slight chance of dozing
2 = moderate chance of dozing
3 = high chance of dozing
Examples of Situation for Epworth Scale - answer-sitting and reading
-watching TV
-passenger in car
-lying down to rest in afternoon
-etc.
Analyzing Score for Epworth Scale - answer0-7: It is unlikely that you are abnormally
sleepy
8-9: You have an average amount of daytime sleepiness
10-15: You may be excessively sleepy depending on the situation. You may want to
consider seeking medical attention.
16-24: You are excessively sleepy, and you should consider seeking medical attention
, Positive Interventions - answer-five acts of kindness during one day contribute to people
feeling much happier with feeling lasting for several subsequent days (conscious acts of
kindness)
What are the benefits of 5 acts of kindness? - answer-We perceive others more
positively and charitably
-Fosters a heightened sense of interdependence and cooperation in the social
community
-encourages awareness and appreciation for your own good fortune
-... all jump starting an upward spiral of positive consequences
E in PERMA is talking about _____ and _____ - answerfulfillment and gratitude
Set Point Theory - answer-well-being is a relatively stable construct of behavior,
genetics, and environment
-genetically determined level of happiness, to which one returns after positive or
negative emotional experiences
What sets us above our set point? - answer-food (50)
-sex (100)
-coke (350)
-meth (1200)
Hedonic Treadmill - answer-pain and pleasure are the only motivators
-Humans return to a stable level of wellbeing regardless of how positive or negative the
life event. (Also known as hedonic adaptation)
*Hedonism is not the same as happiness*
What is Hedonism? - answerThe pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence
Three domains of vitality - answerfood, sleep, exercise
Obsessive Passion - answer-you do it for others, for status, for glory or for money
-it is your whole life
-you are the best.... or you are nothing
-it controls you
Obsessive Passion Outcomes - answer-you have more negative emotions
-you feel guitar and show more self-destructive behavior
-you struggle to stay on task
-you are FAR more likely to burnout
Harmonious Passion - answer-you do it because you love it
-it is just a part of your life
PERMA - answer-Properties of Wellbeing
Positive Emotion;
Engagement;
Relationships;
Meaning;
Accomplishments;
What do we need to have some of if we want to thrive? - answer Elements of PERMA
What are the three properties of each element of PERMA - answer1. It contributes to
well-being
2. Many people pursue it for its own sake, not merely to get any of the other elements
3. It is defined and measured independently of the other elements
Flow - answer psychological state that accompanies highly engaging activities; optimal
experience in life
Who came up with flow? - answer Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Three parts of flow? - answer1. Mindful
2. Present
3. Focused
Epworth Sleepiness Scale - answer0 = would never doze
1 = slight chance of dozing
2 = moderate chance of dozing
3 = high chance of dozing
Examples of Situation for Epworth Scale - answer-sitting and reading
-watching TV
-passenger in car
-lying down to rest in afternoon
-etc.
Analyzing Score for Epworth Scale - answer0-7: It is unlikely that you are abnormally
sleepy
8-9: You have an average amount of daytime sleepiness
10-15: You may be excessively sleepy depending on the situation. You may want to
consider seeking medical attention.
16-24: You are excessively sleepy, and you should consider seeking medical attention
, Positive Interventions - answer-five acts of kindness during one day contribute to people
feeling much happier with feeling lasting for several subsequent days (conscious acts of
kindness)
What are the benefits of 5 acts of kindness? - answer-We perceive others more
positively and charitably
-Fosters a heightened sense of interdependence and cooperation in the social
community
-encourages awareness and appreciation for your own good fortune
-... all jump starting an upward spiral of positive consequences
E in PERMA is talking about _____ and _____ - answerfulfillment and gratitude
Set Point Theory - answer-well-being is a relatively stable construct of behavior,
genetics, and environment
-genetically determined level of happiness, to which one returns after positive or
negative emotional experiences
What sets us above our set point? - answer-food (50)
-sex (100)
-coke (350)
-meth (1200)
Hedonic Treadmill - answer-pain and pleasure are the only motivators
-Humans return to a stable level of wellbeing regardless of how positive or negative the
life event. (Also known as hedonic adaptation)
*Hedonism is not the same as happiness*
What is Hedonism? - answerThe pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence
Three domains of vitality - answerfood, sleep, exercise
Obsessive Passion - answer-you do it for others, for status, for glory or for money
-it is your whole life
-you are the best.... or you are nothing
-it controls you
Obsessive Passion Outcomes - answer-you have more negative emotions
-you feel guitar and show more self-destructive behavior
-you struggle to stay on task
-you are FAR more likely to burnout
Harmonious Passion - answer-you do it because you love it
-it is just a part of your life
