Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Psychology Final Project

Powers of Positive Psychology
     Positive psychology us a branch of applied psychology that focuses on helping individuals achieve happiness. An example of positive psychology would be to practice focusing on being happy and looking on the bright side more often. A way that I use positive psychology in my life is by writing myself notes on my mirror that say things like "make the best of every situation" and "find the silver lining to every situation" so that I see them and remember to be grateful for my life whenever I see them. This is a very important concept for people to know so that they can start to practice it and enjoy their life more, and really focus on the positives.

 
 
Social Development: Starts with you
     Social development is the ability to identify emotions in yourself and others, regulate emotional responses and form meaningful relationships. An example would be yourself, starting from when you were an infant you gained feelings towards others and formed relationships, like ones with family members. Social development is still important in my life because since I was homeschooled for so long, I didn't have as much social interaction with other kids as much as I would have in traditional schooling so I had to adjust a little bit when I started working. Social development is important for everyone to know about because it never stops. You will constantly be learning to adapt to new social environments throughout your life by observing your social surroundings and thinking about your next moves.



Decoding Visual Encoding
     Visual encoding refers to the process in which we remember visual images. A general example of this would be remembering your way home from work everyday and every shortcut you can take when you are running late. I use visual encoding when I get ready in the morning and I remember which drawer I put certain items in such as my hairbrush, earrings, sunglasses, etc. so that I know which drawer to reach for. Visual encoding is an important concept for everyone to know because it can certainly come in handy with daily tasks when you don't have time to take a picture or write something down. It's remembering with your eyes!




(Definition from: http://www.alleydog.com/glossary/definition.php?term=Visual%20Encoding)
(Image from: https://witherseducation.wordpress.com/2013/09/09/a-generation-of-visual-learners/)


Optimism; We Could Always Use More!
     Optimism is the tendency to take a favorable or hopeful view. An example of using optimism is when you're in a situation that could end good or bad but you always look on the bright side. I try to use optimism all the time in my everyday life by always thinking positive, especially when it comes to things I can't control. For instance when it rains and I have to walk to work I think "at least the plants get some hydration today." Some use an analogy that the glass is half full as opposed to half empty, which would be using pessimism. It is important to know the concept of optimism because you can apply it to your life so that you can stress less and see the best in any situation.



(Image from: http://www.thinkadvisor.com/2014/11/24/the-trouble-with-investor-optimism)

Ethical Treatment is the Best Treatment
     Ethical treatment refers to the treatment guidelines of medical practitioners. A general example would be Psychologists. They have their own guidelines which are to provide the most effective treatment, confidentiality, and to inform patients of any risks or discomfort of treatment. Ethical treatment applies to my life because when I go to a doctor or therapist, I want my body and health to be treated with respect. This is an important concept for everybody to know because imagine if you went to a psychology professional for treatment and you felt open enough to share something personal with them. Would you want them to tell other people your personal secrets? No Way! Or what if they just wanted to give you a treatment just to increase the medical bill but it wasn't even the best possible treatment? That would be terrible!



(Image from: http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/role-clinical-psychologist-mental-hospital-28877.html)