Eastern and Western Perspectives on Positive Psychology Chapter Two Eastern and Western Perspectives on Positive Psychology Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Culture and Positive Psychology More focus on Western values and experiences - hope, optimism, personal self-efficacy Eastern perspectives now being consulted Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Culture and Positive Psychology East and West combination produces multiple viewpoints of human strengths Western = linear/physical plane Eastern = fluid/spiritual plane Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Western Traditions: Athenian Views Courage Moderation Generosity Munificence Magnificence Even Temper Friendliness Truthfulness Wit Justice Friendship Ancient Greek Scholars such as Plato and Aristotle 11 Moral Virtues Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Western Traditions: Athenian Views Intellectual Virtues Correlation between Virtues and Political Community Government responsible for virtue development via early education and training Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Western Traditions: Judeo-Christianity 3 Old Testament Virtues: - Faith, Hope, Charity 7 Heavenly Virtues (Aquinas): 1. Fortitude (Courage) 5. Faith 2. Justice 6. Hope 3. Temperance 7. Charity 4. Wisdom Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Western Traditions: Judeo-Christianity Ten Commandments New Testament: - Book of Romans, Book of Proverbs, Book of Matthew The Talmud Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Eastern Influences: Confucianism Confucius: The Sage; from China Morality as a cure for evil “You would like others to do for you what you would indeed like for yourself.” - Collectivist ideal = leaders caring for the group Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Eastern Influences: Confucianism Attainment of Virtue (5 Virtues) to reach Enlightenment 1. Jen (humanity) 2. Yi (duty to treat others well) 3. Li (etiquette and sensitivity for others’ feelings) 4. Zhi (wisdom) 5. Xin (truthfulness) Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Eastern Influences: Taoism Lao-Tzu: creator of Taoism; from China Must live according to the Toa Toa = “The Way” = - energy that surrounds everyone “The Way” cannot be taught; must be experienced Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Eastern Influences: Taoism Goal = Achieve Naturalness & Spontaneity Key virtues to be practiced without effort = 1. Humanity 3. Temperance 2. Justice 4. Propriety Transcendence = behaving virtuously naturally Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Eastern Influences: Buddhism Buddha: “the Master”;“The Enlightened One” Key themes: - Seeking the good of others - Suffering as a part of being - Nirvana – self is freed from the desire for anything Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Eastern Influences: Buddhism Brahma Viharas: - Maitri (love) - Karuna (compassion) - Mudita (joy) - Upeksa (equanimity) Achieve virtues via divorcing self from desire Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Eastern Influences: Hinduism No specific founder (roots in Southeast Asia) Emphasis on interconnectedness of all things Goal = live life fully & correctly in order to achieve afterlife without need for reincarnation Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Eastern Influences: Hinduism Avoid reincarnation by: - attaining ultimate self-knowledge - striving toward ultimate self-betterment Karma Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

East Meets West: Value Systems Cultural value systems determine strengths and weaknesses Comparison of cultural values via commonly told stories, fairy tales, and folklore Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

East Meets West: Value Systems Western Eastern Individualistic Independence Competition Collectivistic Interdependence Cooperation Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

East Meets West: Thought Processes Stark differences in thought processes = divergent worldviews and meaning making Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

East Meets West: Thought Processes Western Pursuit of Happiness Eastern Pursuit of Balance Linear Goal-Directed Built on Strength of Hope Cyclical Yin Yang Built on Strength of Endurance Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

East Meets West: Orientation to Time Western cultures = future oriented Eastern cultures = past oriented Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Different ( Not Better) Ways to Positive Outcomes Western: Rugged Individualism and Hope Eastern: Compassion and Harmony Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE

Different ( Not Better) Ways to Positive Outcomes A Cultural Challenge: Be open-minded about that which you consider to be strengths Be open to different perspectives, traditions, and values Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths © 2010 SAGE