Module 1 :Positive Psychology: Martin E. P. Seligman’s Visionary Science (Foundations of Positive Psychology Specialization) Answers 2026

Question 1

Positive Psychology is the scientific study of (select 2)

✅ positive interventions
❌ neurological disorders
✅ well-being
❌ how to be happy all of the time

Explanation:
Positive Psychology focuses on well-being and evidence-based interventions, not constant happiness or mental disorders.

Question 2

Pessimists can learn an optimistic thinking style

✅ TRUE
❌ FALSE

Explanation:
Research shows optimism can be learned through cognitive and behavioral practices.

Question 3

Positive Psychology interventions can:

❌ alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression
❌ increase positive emotions
❌ increase health and well-being
✅ all of the above

Explanation:
Studies confirm benefits across mental health, emotions, and overall well-being.

Question 4

“Three Good Things” exercise is:

❌ scientifically proven
❌ increases life satisfaction
❌ decreases depression
❌ based on gratitude research
✅ all of the above

Explanation:
This exercise is one of the most researched and effective gratitude interventions.

Question 5

PERMA dimensions (Select all that apply)

✅ Engagement
✅ Relationships
✅ Accomplishment
❌ Acceleration
✅ Meaning
✅ Positive Emotions

Explanation:
PERMA = Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment.

Question 6

Optimistic thoughts while stuck in traffic (Choose 3)

❌ “No one is moving…”
✅ “I haven’t been late all year…”
❌ “Why don’t I ever check traffic reports?”
✅ “I can try an alternate route…”
✅ “If I call my manager now…”
❌ “They are all going to hate my ideas…”
❌ “Traffic is getting worse in this city…”

Explanation:
Optimists think temporarily, flexibly, and proactively.

Question 7

How Positive Psychology enhanced exploration of well-being

✅ Using rigorous, empirical methods to study these questions
❌ Switching to optimism bias
❌ Ignoring mental illness
❌ Focusing on historical figures

Explanation:
The key contribution is scientific, data-driven study of well-being.

Question 8

Meaning of “positive” in Positive Psychology

❌ Things later judged positive
✅ What makes us flourish
❌ What is ethically good
❌ Momentary positive feelings
❌ Alleviating suffering

Explanation:
“Positive” refers to human flourishing, not just pleasure or morality.

Question 9

Optimistic explanatory style explains bad events as:

✅ Temporary
❌ Permanent
❌ Uncontrollable
❌ Personal
❌ Pervasive

Explanation:
Optimists see setbacks as temporary and specific, not lasting or global.

Question 10

True statements about PERMA

❌ People value elements differently
❌ Each element can be measured and built
❌ PERMA applies to individuals & organizations
❌ Each element is freely chosen
✅ All of the above

Explanation:
PERMA is flexible, measurable, scalable, and self-directed.

🧾 Summary Table