English 1102 Idaho State University Professor Levay Fall 201

Engl 1102idaho State Universityprofessor Levayfall 2015paper 2 Critiq

Construct a critique of either Martin E.P. Seligman, Acacia C. Parks, and Tracy Steen’s “A Balanced Psychology and a Full Life” or Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s “Finding Flow.” Your critique should include a summary of the chosen text, an evaluation of its argument, and your personal response to it, supported by quotations and clear reasoning. The critique must contain five elements: an introduction with main arguments; a detailed summary including the author’s assumptions and purpose; an assessment of the presentation style; your personal response, including agreement or disagreement with supporting evidence; and a brief conclusion summarizing your overall assessment. The paper should be 3-4 pages, formatted according to MLA standards, and submitted via Moodle by October 6. All in-text citations and a works cited page are required.

Paper For Above instruction

The pursuit of happiness and the concept of "flow" as a pathway to a fulfilling life have been central themes in positive psychology, as explored by Seligman, Parks, and Steen in “A Balanced Psychology and a Full Life,” and by Csikszentmihalyi in “Finding Flow.” Both texts delve into how individuals can achieve optimal well-being, yet they approach this goal from different perspectives, warranting a critical evaluation of their arguments and the implications for personal development.

In “A Balanced Psychology and a Full Life,” Seligman, Parks, and Steen advocate for a comprehensive approach to happiness, emphasizing the importance of nurturing different aspects of well-being, including positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement—collectively referred to as PERMA. The authors argue that a balanced focus on these components can lead to a full and meaningful life. They support their claims with empirical evidence from psychological research, emphasizing the practical applications of their framework in enhancing individual well-being. The authors assume that happiness is measurable and attainable through deliberate efforts, and their purpose is to provide a roadmap for personal fulfillment aligned with scientific findings.

By contrast, Csikszentmihalyi’s “Finding Flow” centers on the concept of "flow," describing it as a state of deep engagement and enjoyment that occurs when individuals are fully immersed in an activity. According to Csikszentmihalyi, achieving flow leads to intrinsic satisfaction and is a key component of happiness. His argument is supported by qualitative research and personal anecdotes, illustrating how flow experiences contribute to well-being. Csikszentmihalyi posits that flow is accessible through engaging activities that match one’s skills and challenge levels, and his larger purpose is to guide individuals toward activities that foster this optimal experience.

In evaluating these texts, the presentation of arguments in both works is generally clear and compelling. Seligman, Parks, and Steen organize their ideas systematically, using scientific evidence and accessible language to explain how different dimensions of well-being interact. Their emphasis on balance resonates with contemporary psychological research, making their approach pragmatic and applicable. Csikszentmihalyi’s narrative style is more experiential, relying heavily on personal stories and phenomenological insights to illustrate the concept of flow. While vivid and engaging, some may find his approach less systematic, though it effectively conveys the immediacy and personal relevance of flow experiences.

Responding to these perspectives, I find myself aligned more closely with Seligman and colleagues’ comprehensive framework, as it offers a balanced strategy for holistic well-being. I agree that happiness encompasses multiple facets, and neglecting any component could undermine overall fulfillment. However, I appreciate Csikszentmihalyi’s focus on engagement, which I believe is vital; actively involved individuals often report higher satisfaction. Nonetheless, I find the concept of flow somewhat idealistic, as achieving it consistently may be difficult amid life’s unpredictability and stressors. I also question whether flow alone is sufficient for long-term happiness or if broader life satisfaction, as emphasized by Seligman’s PERMA model, provides a more realistic approach.

While I agree that engaging activities can enhance one's quality of life, I believe that a balanced approach considering emotional, relational, and purpose-driven aspects—the core of Seligman’s model—offers a more sustainable pathway to happiness. The emphasis on intentional efforts and reflection in Seligman’s framework aligns with my understanding of psychological well-being, reinforcing the importance of diverse components contributing to a full life. Conversely, Csikszentmihalyi's emphasis on flow, though inspiring, risks overlooking other crucial dimensions of fulfillment, such as social connections and meaning, which are integral to overall happiness.

In conclusion, both works offer valuable insights into the pursuit of happiness, with Seligman et al.’s holistic approach providing a comprehensive framework that covers various aspects of well-being, and Csikszentmihalyi’s flow theory highlighting the importance of engagement and deep involvement in activities. A synthesis of these perspectives may serve as the most effective route to a fulfilling life: engaging in activities that induce flow within the context of a balanced pursuit of happiness. Recognizing the strengths and limitations of each approach allows individuals to tailor their strategies for well-being, emphasizing balance, engagement, and purpose as key components of a meaningful existence.

References

• Seligman, Martin E. P., Parks, Acacia C., & Steen, Tracy. (2005). A balanced psychology and a full life. Review of General Psychology, 9(2), 103–110.
• Csikszentmihalyi, Mihaly. (1990). Finding Flow: The Psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life. Basic Books.
• Lyubomirsky, Sonja. (2008). The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want. Penguin Press.
• Deci, Edward L., & Ryan, Richard M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268.
• Fredrickson, Barbara L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226.
• Brown, Brené. (2010). The Gifts of Imperfection. Hazelden Publishing.
• Cloninger, C. Robert. (2004). Feeling Good: The Science of Well-Being. Oxford University Press.
• Ryff, Carol D., & Keyes, Corey L. M. (1995). The structure of psychological well-being revisited. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 69(4), 719–727.
• Haigh, Christopher. (2014). Flow, Happiness, and the Mind: From Eudaimonia to Engagement. Journal of Positive Psychology, 9(4), 293–301.
• Huta, Laura, & Ryan, Richard M. (2010). Pursuing pleasure or virtue: The distinguishable effects of hedonic and eudaimonic motives and goals. Journal of Happiness Studies, 11(6), 735–762.