Adjusting to Modern Life

1
Adjusting to Modern Life

• Chapter 1

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Do you suffer from information

• ANXIETY?

3
The Paradox of Progress

• Technological advances have not led to
  perceptible improvement in our collective health
  and happiness.
• The basic challenge of modern life has become the
  search for meaning or a sense of direction.

4
The Search for Direction

• Self-Realization Programs
• The Codependency Movement
• Self - Help Books

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Which Self-Help Books HELP?

• Clear
• Dont promise to cure
• Supportive research
• Narrow the focus to one problem

• Honest, admitting what is not known
• Detailed, explicit directions

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The Approach of the Textbook

• Based on the premise that accurate knowledge
  about the principles of psychology is of value to
  you in everyday life.
• Attempts to foster critical thinking skills.
• Attempts to open doors.
• Assumes that the key to effective adjustment is
  to take charge of your own life.

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The Psychology of Adjustment

• Psychology - Scientific study of physical,
  behavioral, mental and emotional processes, and
  the application of this science to practical
  problems.
• Behavior - Observable response or activity by an
  organism.
• Adjustment - ways in which people manage the
  demands of everyday life.

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The Scientific Approach to Behavior

• Empiricism - belief that knowledge should be
  acquired through observation
• Benefits
• clarity and precision
• intolerance for error
• Experimental Research - designed to study cause.
• Correlational Research - designed to study
  relationships.

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What makes you happy?
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The Roots of Happiness

• What is not very important
• money (Once above poverty .12)
• Age (accounts for lt1 variation)
• Intelligence (even educational achievement)
• Parenthood (good bad balance out)
• gender (lt1 of variance)
• Community (desire for tranquility)

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What is somewhat important?

• Health- People adapt (moderate.32)
• Social Activity
• Religion (heartfelt religious convictions)

12
What is very important?

• Love marriage (Chicken or the egg 1st?)
• Job satisfaction
• Personality (study re lottery winners those
  with quadriplegia)

13
What would the children in your classroom say
makes them happy?
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What do you think actually does make them happy?
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Alternatives to Happiness

• Contentment
• Simplicity
• Balance
• Rest