Positive psychology studies what makes life worth living—the factors that build well-being, resilience, positive emotions, and psychological health—instead of focusing mainly on dysfunction (depression, disorders, etc.). It’s tied to Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and uses concepts like PERMA (positive emotions, engagement/flow, relationships, meaning, accomplishment), flow, gratitude exercises, signature character strengths (wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, transcendence), and posttraumatic growth. Regular (traditional) psychology covers the full range—both problems and strengths—while positive psychology intentionally studies and tests interventions that increase subjective well-being (e.g., gratitude journaling, using signature strengths). On the AP exam this appears in Unit 5 (Topic 5.2)—know Learning Objectives 5.2.A and 5.2.B and examples (gratitude, strengths, posttraumatic growth). For a quick review, check the Topic 5.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-psych-new/unit-6/2-positive-psychology/study-guide/TNdrrErjchnfPQKp) and more unit resources (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-psych-new/unit-5).

Positive psychology studies what makes life worth living—it focuses on well-being, resilience, positive emotions, and strengths (PERMA, flow, gratitude, signature strengths) instead of just diagnosing or treating mental illness. The idea (from Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi) is to identify factors that increase subjective well-being and help people thrive, not to replace clinical approaches but to complement them: treating disorders reduces suffering, while positive psychology builds flourishing and resilience (e.g., posttraumatic growth). For the AP course, that’s exactly CED EK 5.2.A.1 and 5.2.B.1–3—you should be able to explain positive subjective experiences like gratitude and using signature strengths to boost happiness. If you want a quick CED-aligned review, check the Topic 5.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-psych-new/unit-6/2-positive-psychology/study-guide/TNdrrErjchnfPQKp) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-psych-new).

“Positive subjective experiences” just means the good feelings and personal reflections people have that boost their sense of well-being. In positive psychology (CED 5.2.B), examples are gratitude (saying or feeling thankful), posttraumatic growth (finding new meaning after trauma), and enjoying flow. These are subjective because they’re about how someone feels or interprets their life—not an objective measure like blood pressure. Research shows practicing gratitude and using your signature strengths (virtues like wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, transcendence) raises subjective well-being and resilience (5.2.B.1–5.2.B.3). For AP exam answers, link a positive subjective experience to behavior or outcomes (e.g., “expressing gratitude increased reported happiness”), and you can cite the PERMA model or flow when explaining mechanisms. For a quick review, check the Topic 5.2 study guide on Fiveable (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-psych-new/unit-6/2-positive-psychology/study-guide/TNdrrErjchnfPQKp) and more practice at (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-psych-new).

Expressing gratitude boosts happiness because it shifts attention to positive subjective experiences (CED 5.2.B.1). Practically, writing or saying thanks creates cognitive reappraisal—you notice good things, which reduces negative rumination and increases positive emotion. Positive emotions broaden thinking (broaden-and-build), helping you build social resources (stronger relationships) and personal strengths (e.g., humanity, temperance), which raise resilience and subjective well-being. Behaviorally, gratitude increases prosocial actions that get reciprocated, reinforcing positive mood. Biologically, noticing rewards activates neurotransmitter systems (dopamine/serotonin), giving short-term pleasure and motivating more gratitude habits over time. AP tip: this fits Positive Psychology’s focus on factors that promote well-being (Topic 5.2) and is something you should be able to explain on the exam. For a quick review, see the Topic 5.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-psych-new/unit-6/2-positive-psychology/study-guide/TNdrrErjchnfPQKp) and try practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-psych-new).

Positive psychology groups character strengths into six virtues: wisdom (creativity, curiosity, love of learning—using strengths like problem-solving helps well-being), courage (bravery, persistence, integrity—e.g., taking on challenges despite fear), humanity (kindness, social intelligence, love—showing compassion builds relationships), justice (fairness, leadership, teamwork—contributing to community), temperance (self-control, humility, prudence—regulating impulses reduces stress), and transcendence (gratitude, hope, appreciation of beauty—connecting to something larger). The CED notes people who exercise their signature strengths report higher happiness and subjective well-being (5.2.B.2). For AP exam prep, know definitions and examples and that gratitude (5.2.B.1) and posttraumatic growth (5.2.B.3) are positive subjective experiences. More review and practice questions are in the Topic 5.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-psych-new/unit-6/2-positive-psychology/study-guide/TNdrrErjchnfPQKp) and the full practice bank (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-psych-new).

Signature strengths are your top character strengths—the ones you most strongly identify with, enjoy using, and that energize you. Regular strengths are abilities or virtues you have but don’t see as central to who you are. In positive psychology (CED 5.2.B.2), people who exercise their signature strengths report higher subjective well-being and happiness than if they just use any strength. Signature strengths map onto the six virtue categories (wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, transcendence) and are the ones you’d pick out if asked, “What am I really good at and proud of?” For the AP exam, know that using signature strengths is tied to increased well-being and resilience (Topic 5.2). If you want a quick refresher, check the Topic 5.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-psych-new/unit-6/2-positive-psychology/study-guide/TNdrrErjchnfPQKp) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-psych-new).

Start by learning the 24 character strengths grouped under the six virtues (wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, transcendence)—AP calls these your “signature strengths” (5.2.B.2). Then use three steps: 1. Self-check: List activities that energize you, feel natural, and where you lose track of time (flow). Those are likely strengths. 2. Evidence from others: Ask friends, family, or teachers what you do well and enjoy—external feedback helps confirm patterns. 3. Test & try: Put a candidate strength into action for a week (e.g., gratitude, kindness, curiosity). People who exercise signature strengths report higher subjective well-being (CED 5.2.B.2). Track how it affects your mood, engagement, and relationships. For AP prep, tie examples back to positive-psychology concepts (PERMA, flow, resilience) when you explain how using strengths boosts well-being (Topic 5.2). For a quick refresher, see the Topic 5.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-psych-new/unit-6/2-positive-psychology/study-guide/TNdrrErjchnfPQKp) and practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-psych-new).

Exercising your signature strengths makes you happier because positive psychology shows using what you’re naturally good at boosts positive emotions, meaning, and well-being (CED 5.2.B.2). When you use strengths from the six virtue categories (wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, transcendence) you get more engagement and often enter “flow” (Csikszentmihalyi)—that deep absorption that feels rewarding. That increases subjective well-being and builds resilience over time (Seligman’s PERMA ideas: Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement). Practically, using strengths leads to small wins and better coping after stress (posttraumatic growth is related, CED 5.2.B.3). For the AP exam, be ready to link “signature strengths → higher subjective well-being” to examples and research findings from Topic 5.2. Want to practice applying this? Check the Topic 5.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-psych-new/unit-6/2-positive-psychology/study-guide/TNdrrErjchnfPQKp) and try practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-psych-new).

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is when someone reports positive psychological changes after trauma—things like greater resilience, deeper relationships, new appreciation for life, or discovering personal strengths (CED 5.2.B.3). It’s a positive subjective experience studied in positive psychology alongside gratitude and signature strengths (CED 5.2.A.1, 5.2.B.2). PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder), by contrast, is a clinical disorder marked by intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood/cognition, and hyperarousal that impair daily functioning. Key differences: PTG describes growth or meaning gained after hardship; PTSD describes persistent distress and dysfunction. They aren’t mutually exclusive—people can experience PTG and still have PTSD symptoms. For AP exam purposes, know PTG as a resilience/positive-outcome concept in Topic 5.2 and contrast it with disorder-focused content in Topic 5.3. For a quick review, see the Topic 5.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-psych-new/unit-6/2-positive-psychology/study-guide/TNdrrErjchnfPQKp). Practice questions are at (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-psych-new).

Yes—trauma can lead to positive outcomes called posttraumatic growth, a concept in positive psychology that appears in the CED (Topic 5.2). Posttraumatic growth means some people report increased appreciation of life, stronger relationships, new possibilities, personal strength, or spiritual change after trauma. It’s not guaranteed or a reason to minimize suffering—many still experience distress or PTSD—but growth is possible when people find meaning, use signature strengths (e.g., courage, wisdom), have social support, and sometimes get therapy. For the AP exam, link this to resilience, subjective well-being, and positive interventions (CED 5.2.A & 5.2.B.3). If you want a quick review of these ideas, check the Topic 5.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-psych-new/unit-6/2-positive-psychology/study-guide/TNdrrErjchnfPQKp). For more practice on unit concepts, use the unit overview (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-psych-new/unit-5) and 1000+ practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-psych-new).

Positive psychology studies behavior using the same scientific methods you’ve learned in AP Psych but focused on well-being, resilience, and positive emotions. Common methods: experiments and randomized controlled trials (e.g., testing a gratitude journal vs. control), longitudinal studies tracking subjective well-being over time (posttraumatic growth), correlational surveys/self-report measures of happiness or PERMA components, experience-sampling methods (real-time mood/flow checks), and qualitative interviews about signature strengths (wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, transcendence). Researchers also use positive interventions (gratitude letters, strengths exercises) and measure effects on subjective well-being and resilience. These approaches map to AP Science Practice 2 (research methods/design) you’ll be tested on. For AP review, see the Topic 5.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-psych-new/unit-6/2-positive-psychology/study-guide/TNdrrErjchnfPQKp) and try practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-psych-new) to spot study designs.

Positive psychology measures happiness and well-being mostly with validated self-reports plus some behavioral and physiological methods. Common tools include subjective-well-being surveys (e.g., life-satisfaction scales), experience sampling or daily-diary methods to track positive emotions, and inventories like the VIA character-strengths questionnaire to find “signature strengths.” Researchers also use objective indicators (sleep, activity), behavioral measures (time spent in “flow” or prosocial acts), and sometimes physiological data (heart rate variability) to support self-reports. Interventions (gratitude journals, strength-use exercises) are tested with pre/post measures and control groups to show changes in subjective well-being and resilience. For AP exam focus, know key terms—subjective well-being, resilience, gratitude, signature strengths, PERMA—and that many findings rely on self-report and experimental or quasi-experimental designs (see Topic 5.2 study guide) (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-psych-new/unit-6/2-positive-psychology/study-guide/TNdrrErjchnfPQKp). For more practice on research methods and measures, try Fiveable’s practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-psych-new).

Resilience and positive emotions are tightly linked in positive psychology: positive emotions (like joy, gratitude, hope) help you bounce back from stress by broadening your momentary thought–action repertoire, which builds lasting personal resources (skills, social ties, coping strategies). Over time those resources increase resilience—your ability to adapt after setbacks or trauma (and can even support posttraumatic growth). Practically, expressing gratitude or using your signature strengths raises subjective well-being and positive affect, which makes flexible problem-solving and recovery more likely (CED keywords: positive emotions, resilience, subjective well-being, signature strengths, posttraumatic growth). On the AP exam, you might be asked to explain this mechanism or give examples of positive interventions (PERMA, gratitude exercises) that boost resilience. For a concise review, see the Topic 5.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-psych-new/unit-6/2-positive-psychology/study-guide/TNdrrErjchnfPQKp) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-psych-new).

Good question—positive psychology is scientific because it uses the same research methods as other psychology: experiments, surveys, and longitudinal studies to test hypotheses about well-being, resilience, and positive emotions (CED 5.2.A.1). Researchers measure things like subjective well-being, gratitude, or use-of-signature-strengths with operational definitions and compare groups or track change over time (CED 5.2.B.1–B.3). Findings (for example, that gratitude exercises increase subjective well-being) come from controlled studies and statistical analysis, not just “happy stories.” On the AP exam you should be ready to identify methods, variables, and ethical considerations when positive-psych studies appear in prompts (Practice 2 in multiple choice; AAQ/EBQ formats in FRQs). Want a focused review? Check the Topic 5.2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-psych-new/unit-6/2-positive-psychology/study-guide/TNdrrErjchnfPQKp) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-psych-new).

Apply positive psychology by using small, evidence-based habits that boost well-being and resilience. For example: write a 2–3 sentence gratitude note 3× a week (gratitude increases subjective well-being, EK 5.2.B.1). Identify your top 3 signature strengths (wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, transcendence) and plan 1 weekly activity that uses one strength—people who use signature strengths report higher happiness (EK 5.2.B.2). Schedule focused activities that create “flow” (deep engagement) for 20–60 minutes to improve motivation and learning (Csikszentmihalyi). After setbacks, track growth by listing 1 lesson learned and 1 way you grew (posttraumatic growth, EK 5.2.B.3). Use the PERMA framework (Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment) to set 1 goal in each area. These habits map directly to AP content on well-being and positive interventions—review Topic 5.2 on Fiveable for quick study tips (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-psych-new/unit-6/2-positive-psychology/study-guide/TNdrrErjchnfPQKp) and practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-psych-new).