 In the US, 15-20% will fall prey to severe depression  ~50% will experience mild form at some point  The average age for depression in America is…..  15 years old…  compared to 30 years old in 1960

 Positive Psychology seeks to refocus towards the two remaining goals of pre-WWII science  Definition:  The study of optimal human functioning that allows individuals and communities to thrive.  Goal:  To consider several levels of optimal human functioning, including biological, personal, relational, cultural, and global.

Martin Seligman, Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania, Professor of Princeton University, Author of 7 Psychology books on Positive Psychology The DSM is focused on what can go wrong… but what about all the people that aren’t messed up?

 One of the main pillars of Positive Psychology is PSE, or how good our mood is based on whether we are achieving things that we want out of life.  Maintaining PSEs can lead to happier moods, emotions, and faster thinking. (hint: don’t take timed tests when sad.)

 PSE indicate the degree to which people are achieving a goal based on what they believe to be important  Example: if people value straight A’s, then achieving them will result in positive feelings about themselves.  Not doing so will result in negative feelings.  Happiness is then based on how well you are achieving anything that you value

 Every situation can have positive or negative influence on our PSE, and this is related to 5 specific factors

 1. Temperament  Inborn qualities that determine how well people interact with their environment  2. Learned Positive Outlook  People can learn optimism and hope through experience; also people get greater life satisfaction when they work for something they value rather than immediate reward (remember the marshmallow study?)

 3. Strongly held values and goals  People with clear goals and making progress towards them are happier  4. Cultural differences  Strong cultural affiliation reports higher PSE (i.e. “I’m a proud Latino!”)  5. Age  With age comes wealth of perspective and experience that colors how they view life situations Older people are more suited to deal with life’s problems; hence why teenagers may think everything is a “life or death” situation

 Understanding the sources of PSE leads to better individuals and societies  People who have positive experiences often:  Contribute more to communities  Have better relationships with others  Are more creative  Excel in sports and academics  Provide leadership and model behavior  Propose new ideas  Are less of a drain on psychological and physical health systems