Relationships and Well-Being
We hear so much about relationships these days and what constitutes “good” relationships. The topic might not generate much initial interest, perhaps because much of the information we recycle about relationships is the same old stuff. But when we look at relationships through the lens of positive psychology and well-being, the topic takes on a whole new meaning.
First, we aren’t just talking about communication techniques or learning to better interact with people. We are going deeper. We are interested in making meaningful connections with others. Consider this: In the course of one day, we have more touchpoints with people than an average person living 100 years ago had over several months. But most of our current touchpoints are quick, superficial exchanges through texting, social media, voice mail, or email. While we have more contact with people than ever before, most of that contact lacks a depth of connection.
One sign of this lack of deeper connection is the increasing suicide rates in most age groups, in large part because people feel disconnected and lonely. The superficial “follows” or “likes” common in social media fall well short of feeling like meaningful connections that support, nurture, and enrich one’s life.
So, what does positive psychology have to say about more meaningful connections? A lot that is worth considering.
In this discussion, you will have the opportunity to explore what positive psychology has to say about relationships that enhance connection and meaning. What is the difference between casual relationships that give the impression of friendship and those that meet a deeper need for being known and valued? How does a more substantive relationship enable you to be more resilient to the stressors of life? How is your sense of well-being strengthened by meaningful connections with others? These are just some of the questions you get to explore in this discussion, which is designed to continue exploring Seligman’s PERMA model and how it relates to overall well-being or flourishing. Here we specifically focus on the “R,” which represents relationships.
Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:
· Identify ways the PERMA model of the “Good Life” enhances personal relationships.
Background Information
After reading Chapter 4 in The Science of Virtue and the assigned article, begin forming your thoughtful responses to the discussion questions. To get the most out of this discussion, think carefully about how social media has taken priority in the way we communicate with each other. Consider how trivial most of this communication is compared to the deeper types of interaction that help a person to feel secure and known in relationships—the type of depth in relationships that fosters trust, love, and loyalty.
Instructions
1. Read Chapter 4, “Humility” in your textbook The Science of Virtue: Why Positive Psychology Matters to the Church.
2. Review/watch the following resources:
a. Article: “ PERMA – R is for Positive Relationships (new tab) ”
b. Video: “Flourish with Martin Seligman” (video contains closed captions)
3. Respond to the following discussion questions:
a. From what you’ve learned thus far in the course, what do you see as positive psychology’s unique contribution to the development of meaningful relationships?
b. What association, if any, do meaningful connections with others have to do with humility?
c. How do meaningful relationships create more resiliency to stressors and the “ups and downs of life”?
d. How does having meaningful connections with others improve your sense of well-being? How is that well-being affected when you feel disconnected or lonely?
e. How might you be able to apply the takeaways from this learning to engage in a more meaningful way with at least one person this week?
4. Your post should be between 400 and 500 words long.
a. If you use outside sources in your discussion comments, be sure to include APA7-formatted, in-text citations to support your post. You may use your readings for this assignment for your citations.
5. Your postings should also:
a. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking, supported by at least two academic sources.
b. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.
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