Foundations of Happiness
What is the science-based study of what helps people thrive and live meaningful lives?
Positive Psychology
Positive psychology focuses on strengths or weaknesses?
Strengths
What does the P in PERMA stand for?
Positive Emotion
What is gratitude?
Being thankful and appreciating the good things in life.
You’re running in a race and you pass the person in second place. What place are you in now?
second place
Is happiness only based on genetics, or can our actions and choices influence it?
Our actions and choices can influence it
True or False: Positive psychology ignores problems and only focuses on happiness.
False
Which PERMA element focuses on feeling deeply involved or “in the zone”?
Engagement
Name one way someone can practice gratitude daily.
gratitude journal, thanking someone, reflecting on positives
any reasonable examples
What has keys but can’t open locks, space but no room, and you can enter but not go inside?
keyboard
Name one factor that research shows strongly contributes to long-term happiness. Bonus if you can put the name of long term happiness (plus 100)
Relationships / purpose / gratitude / helping others
Eudaimonic
Name one researcher considered the founder of positive psychology.
Martin Seligman
Which PERMA element is about strong friendships and connections with others?
Relationships
Why do habits matter for happiness?
Small repeated actions shape long-term well-being.
The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?
footsteps
What is the difference between short-term pleasure and long-term happiness?
Pleasure is temporary enjoyment; happiness is deeper life satisfaction and meaning.
What is one activity proven to increase happiness according to research?
gratitude journaling, acts of kindness, exercise, social connection
any of the above
Which PERMA element involves having purpose or serving something bigger than yourself?
Meaning
If someone writes down three good things every night, what happiness skill are they practicing?
Gratitude / gratitude journaling
A man lives on the 10th floor. Every day he takes the elevator to the ground floor to leave.
When he comes home, he only goes up to the 7th floor and walks the rest of the way—unless it’s raining. Why?
He’s too short to reach the higher buttons, but on rainy days he uses his umbrella.
Why do scientists say happiness can be practiced like a skill?
Because habits like gratitude, kindness, and positive thinking can strengthen it over time.
Why might helping others increase your own happiness?
It builds connection, purpose, and positive emotions.
Which PERMA element is about achieving goals and feeling proud of success?
Accomplishment
Why are small habits often more effective than huge goals?
They are easier to repeat consistently and build long-term change.
You have three apples. You take away two. How many apples do you have?
two apples