Running head: ANALYTICAL WORKING PAPER 7 Innes: Positive Psychology HOD 1250 Applied Human Development Aaron Schwartz Vanderbilt University ANALYTICAL WORKING PAPER 7 1 Inness: Positive Psychology Summary The research conducted by Innes (2017) explains how little attention has been given to enhancing and understanding the key fragments in positive psychological health. It further identifies the essential components to having a meaningful life in Martin Seligman’s Positive Psychology Model. This model gives the “guidelines for mapping a path to a meaningful, engaged and fulfilled life” (Innes, 2017, p. 2). It consists of the five sectors: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. Even though each component is equally important and interdependent, they can’t be completed in sequential order. The model describes the outline for personal development and explains the steps needed to be taken before truly reaching a meaningful life. Seligman’s theory stressed the importance of developing sensitive relationships so that one can discover themselves and have intimate relations with others. He also says that one needs to develop the proper attitudes and skills, so that one can strive towards achievements and benefit society. Finally, in an effort to have the strength to complete these tasks, one must establish a “life-long health and fitness program” (Innes, 2017). Innes (2017) focuses heavily on the importance of having a stable health and fitness program. Through this program, one creates the energy and mental capacity to complete the previous mentioned components of Seligman’s Positive Psychology Model. There are three key factors in helping to achieve the energy: maintaining a store of physical energy through a healthy diet and exercise, increasing mindfulness and reducing chronic anxiety, and developing high quality sensitive-responsive relationships. Through social media and advertisement, people are overwhelmed with the ways in which they can improve their health and physical ability. But, the ANALYTICAL WORKING PAPER 7 2 message delivered is misleading saying that change is easy and happens rapidly. Innes states, “a successful personal growth program is a lifelong commitment to a new lifestyle” (Innes, 2017, p. 16). These guidelines serve as the foundation for gaining the energy, and take longer than a couple of weeks to achieve. Towards the end, Innes (2017) explains how few have the willpower and resilience to succeed in maintaining a proper and healthy lifestyle. Relations Both of the concepts previously explain directly relate to my life in the present, past, and future. In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle and have good mental health, I often workout at a local gym 3-4 times a week. Doing this helps me reduce the feelings of anxiety and pressure that life can sometimes unconsciously create. Furthermore, practicing mindful techniques offer me a great sense of safety, and provide a secure foundation for comfort. Growing up I received a lot of criticism and ridicule from students and was often bullied. But conquering certain aspects of Seligman’s model such as developing positive relationships with friends and creating a health and fitness program has helped me be happy with myself internally. Creating life goals is also another aspect of Seligman’s model that helps me strive towards achievement. By setting goals, one develops a sense of pride and intrinsic motivation that help drives someone further than they had previously imagined. Overall, these guidelines and values help serve as an excellent barometer for measuring the importance and balance between my own meaningfulness and happiness. ANALYTICAL WORKING PAPER 7 3 References Innes, R. B. (2017), Positive Psychology as a Foundation for a Fulfilling Life. In A Meaningful and Engaged Life (pp. 158-184). Berkley, CA: UC Press.
