Module 1:Foundations of Positive Psychology Specialization (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 positive interventions, not pathology or constant happiness.

Question 2

Pessimists can learn an optimistic thinking style

✅ TRUE
❌ FALSE

Explanation:
Optimism is a learnable skill (learned optimism).

Question 3

Positive Psychology interventions can:

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

Explanation:
Research supports all these outcomes.

Question 4

“Three Good Things” exercise is:

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

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

Question 5

PERMA dimensions (select all that apply):

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

Explanation:
PERMA = Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment

Question 6

Optimistic thoughts while stuck in traffic (select 3):

❌ “No one is moving… I’ll miss the meeting.”
✅ “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 and worse…”

Explanation:
Optimistic thinking is flexible, problem-solving, and non-catastrophic.

Question 7

Key contribution of Positive Psychology (Pawelski):

✅ Using rigorous, empirical methods to study well-being
❌ Switching to optimism bias
❌ Ignoring mental illness
❌ Focusing on historical figures

Explanation:
The major advance is scientific rigor.

Question 8

‘Positive’ in Positive Psychology means:

❌ Things later judged positive
✅ What makes us flourish
❌ Ethical goodness
❌ Temporary good feelings
❌ Alleviation of suffering

Explanation:
Positive = human flourishing, not just feeling good.

Question 9

Optimistic explanatory style explains bad events as:

✅ Temporary – This will pass
❌ Permanent
❌ Uncontrollable
❌ Personal
❌ Pervasive

Explanation:
Optimists see setbacks as temporary and specific.

Question 10

About PERMA, which is true?

❌ People value elements differently
❌ Each element can be measured and built
❌ Can measure individuals, organizations, communities
❌ Each element is freely chosen
✅ All of the above

Explanation:
All statements accurately describe PERMA.

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