Lecture 9: Character Strengths of Temperance & Transcendence: Self-regulation, Hope, Gratitude, Wisdom

December 23, 2013January 5, 2014 selvam Positive Psychology

Self-regulation
As one of the character strengths of temperance, self-regulation can also be referred to as self-control or self-discipline. The expressions of self-regulation and its constructs refer to how a person exerts control over his or her impulses and behaviour so as to pursue their goals while maintaining their moral standards. It can also mean a rhythm of life that facilitates self-efficacy (Bandura, 1999). “Delay of gratification constitutes an important paradigm of self-regulation,” implying that a person with self-regulation is able to resist the temptation to choose an immediate, small reward in order to obtain a larger benefit, even if the latter was delayed (Peterson & Seligman, 2004, p.500).

I am a highly disciplined person.
I can always stay on a diet.
I can always say “enough is enough.”

Hope
“Hope, optimism, future-mindedness, future-orientation represent a cognitive, emotional, and motivational stance towards the future” (Peterson & Seligman, 2004, p.570). In more precise terms, this stance […]

Now and Hereafter: The Psychology of Hope from the Perspective of Religion

December 26, 2012May 20, 2013 selvam Articles/Chapters, Positive Psychology

Selvam, S.G. & Poulsom, M. (2012), Now and hereafter: The psychology of Hope from the perspective of Religion. Journal of Dharma 37(4), 393-410.
Faced with the harsh reality of death, human beings have often drawn a sense of hope from a belief in life after death. Religions have earnestly supported this faith and hope. As Paul Tillich put it, “Without hope, the tension of our life toward the future would vanish, and with it, life itself.” In recent times, hope has also become a subject matter for psychology. Does psychology risk separating hope from religion, focussing too narrowly on the immediate future? Or could the treatment of hope offered by psychology give a sense of meaning to life similar to that provided by religion? This article examines recent developments in the psychology of hope from the perspective of religion.
DOWNLOAD OUR ARTICLE published in the Journal of Dharma (December 2012).

Faith, Hope and Love as expressions of human transcendence: Insights from Positive Psychology

December 14, 2010December 14, 2011 selvam Uncategorized

Faith, Hope and Love as expressions of human transcendence: Insights from Positive Psychology
How to cite this article: Selvam, S.G. (2010). Faith, Hope and Love as expressions of human transcendence: Insights from Positive Psychology. A paper presentation at the postgraduate interdisciplinary conference on Faith, Hope and Love. London: Heythrop College.
Abstract
The aim of this conceptual paper is to explore the meaning of faith, hope and love from the perspective of positive psychology. Within this theoretical framework, faith, hope and love can be seen as human expressions of transcendence. Faith is the acceptance of, and a response to, a greater power. Hope is the expression of ultimate concerns, and flows from an adequate grasp of the meaning of life and existence. Love, or altruism, is the choice to enter into relationships with others that enhance the humanity of those in the relationship. All these presuppose an attitude of breaking the boundaries of selfhood […]