Psy 110ha Virtues In Action Survey Guidelines And Rubric

Psy 110ha Virtues In Action Survey Guidelines And Rubric Complete

In a two-page paper, report your top three strengths from the VIA Survey of Character Strengths and discuss how these strengths benefit your cognitive, emotional, and behavioral health. Include how these strengths help you in good and bad times, whether you rely on them often or only in certain situations, and use basic APA style guidelines (1 inch margin, 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced).

Paper For Above instruction

The Virtues in Action (VIA) Survey of Character Strengths provides an insightful look into individual traits that contribute to well-being, resilience, and personal growth. This survey identifies key strengths that shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. For this paper, I will focus on my top three strengths—gratitude, judgment and open-mindedness, and hope—and explore their impact on my overall mental health and daily functioning.

Top Strength 1: Gratitude

My foremost strength, gratitude, involves an appreciation for the positive aspects of life and a conscious acknowledgment of the kindness and goodness I encounter daily. This trait fosters a positive outlook, reducing stress and increasing resilience during challenging times. According to Emmons and McCullough (2003), practicing gratitude enhances emotional well-being by shifting focus from what is lacking to what is abundant. By regularly expressing thanks to friends and family, I reinforce my social bonds, which serve as vital sources of emotional support, especially in difficult periods.

Gratitude benefits my cognitive health by cultivating optimism and reducing tendencies toward rumination. Emotionally, it promotes happiness and contentment, creating a buffer against depression and anxiety. Behaviorally, gratitude encourages prosocial actions, which strengthen my relationships and foster a supportive community. While I am naturally grateful, I consciously strive to incorporate this strength into daily interactions, recognizing that its consistent application elevates my overall well-being.

Top Strength 2: Judgment and Open-mindedness

My second identified strength, judgment and open-mindedness, entails thoughtful examination of situations and diverse perspectives before forming conclusions. This trait ensures that decisions are based on evidence and logic rather than impulsivity or bias. Such cognitive discipline reduces errors in judgment, decreasing emotional distress caused by hasty or ill-informed choices (Kahneman, 2011).

In emotional terms, this strength promotes calmness by preventing overreactions rooted in misunderstandings. Behaviorally, it guides me to consider alternative viewpoints, fostering empathy and effective communication. I often rely on this strength in academic, personal, and professional environments, deliberately practicing critical thinking to enhance problem-solving skills.

Though this trait is an inner capacity, I find it valuable only in situations demanding careful assessment, as it can sometimes slow decision-making. Nonetheless, its consistent utilization contributes significantly to my mental clarity and emotional stability during stressful or uncertain circumstances.

Top Strength 3: Hope, Optimism, and Future-mindedness

The third top strength, hope and optimism, involves maintaining a positive outlook toward the future and belief in the possibility of achieving goals. According to Snyder (2002), hope is a motivational force that sustains individuals through setbacks and challenges. My hope propels me to persevere in pursuit of personal and academic goals, even amidst adversity.

Emotionally, this strength fosters resilience by buffering against despair and promoting a sense of control over one’s destiny. Cognitively, it encourages proactive planning and goal-setting, which enhances motivation and focus. Behaviorally, hope motivates me to take constructive actions toward my aspirations, reinforcing my sense of purpose.

I rely on this strength daily, especially during times of uncertainty, as it reminds me that difficult circumstances are temporary and controllable. Its presence in my life ensures continuity of effort and emotional stability, reinforcing my resilience in both good and bad times.

Application and Reflection

My strengths are not merely internal traits but actively influence my behaviors and decision-making processes. For instance, expressing gratitude often leads me to perform acts of kindness, which in turn fosters reciprocal support. Judgment and open-mindedness help me avoid conflicts and misunderstandings, promoting healthier relationships. Hope sustains my motivation to overcome challenges, ensuring my persistence despite setbacks.

While I frequently rely on gratitude and hope, my judgment and open-mindedness are selectively applied, mainly in situations requiring careful analysis. Recognizing how these strengths operate allows me to intentionally cultivate them further, aiming to enhance my mental health and interpersonal effectiveness.

In conclusion, these top strengths from the VIA Survey serve as vital resources for my overall well-being. They shape my outlook, influence my behaviors, and provide resilience against life's inevitable difficulties. Developing greater awareness and application of these virtues can lead to sustained emotional health and a more fulfilling life, reinforcing the significance of understanding and utilizing one's inherent strengths.

References

• Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377–389.
• Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Snyder, C. R. (2002). Hope theory: Rainbows in the mind. Psychological Inquiry, 13(4), 249–275.
• Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. (2004). Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification. American Psychological Association.
• Niemiec, C. P., & McGrath, R. E. (2019). The role of character strengths in well-being and development. In S. J. Lopez (Ed.), The Encyclopedia of Positive Psychology (pp. 1-7). Wiley.
• Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. Free Press.
• VIA Institute on Character. (2020). The VIA Survey of Character Strengths. Retrieved from https://www.viacharacter.org/
• Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). The how of happiness: A scientific approach to getting the life you want. Penguin.
• Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226.
• Gallagher, M. W., & Lopez, S. J. (Eds.). (2009). The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology. Oxford University Press.