chapter two eastern and western perspectives on positive psychology positive psychology: the...
TRANSCRIPT
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
Ancient Greek Scholars such as Plato and Aristotle
11 Moral Virtues
1. Courage
2. Moderation
3. Generosity
4. Munificence
5. Magnificence
6. Even Temper
7. Friendliness
8. Truthfulness
9. Wit
10. Justice
11. Friendship
Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human
Strengths © 2010 SAGE
Western Traditions: Athenian Views
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. WisdomPositive 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
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
KarmaPositive 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 SystemsWestern • Individualistic
• Independence
• Competition
Eastern • 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
• Linear
• Goal-Directed
• Built on Strength
of Hope
Eastern Pursuit of Balance
• 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