Happiness Myths: True or False?

Instructions: Read each statement below. Based on what you learned about Positive Psychology and the PERMA model, decide if the statement is a MYTH (False) or a TRUTH (True). Explain your reasoning using concepts from class.

1. "Happiness means being happy all the time."

MYTH or TRUTH? ____________________

Explain your reasoning:

2. "More money always equals more happiness."

MYTH or TRUTH? ____________________

Explain your reasoning:

3. "Happiness is something you either have or you don't; you can't really change it."

MYTH or TRUTH? ____________________

Explain your reasoning:

4. "You can only be truly happy when everything in your life is perfect."

MYTH or TRUTH? ____________________

Explain your reasoning:

My Personal Well-Being Journey

This journal is a space for you to reflect on your own well-being and practice applying the concepts of positive psychology to your daily life. Remember the PERMA model: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment.

Journal Entry 1: Starting My Journey

Date: ____________________

1. Out of the five PERMA elements (Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment), which one do you feel is currently strongest in your life? Describe why.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Which PERMA element would you like to focus on strengthening this week? Why is this element important to you right now?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What is one small, specific action you can take this week to boost that chosen PERMA element? (e.g., if focusing on Relationships, you might plan to call a grandparent; if focusing on Accomplishment, you might set a small study goal for a challenging subject).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. How do you think taking this action might make you feel or impact your well-being?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Script: The Science of a Happy Life

Welcome & Icebreaker: Happy Moments (5 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 1: "What makes you truly happy?")

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to dive into a topic that affects all of us: happiness! Take a moment to think about something that truly makes you happy. It could be big or small – a favorite song, spending time with a pet, playing a game, a delicious meal. Think of one thing."

(Pause for a few seconds.)

"Now, I want you to either share with a partner next to you, or if you feel comfortable, just shout out one thing that genuinely makes you happy! Let's hear some ideas!"

(Allow 1-2 minutes for sharing. Acknowledge a few student responses.)

"That's great! It's amazing how many different things bring us joy, right? Sometimes happiness feels simple, but other times it feels really complex. Today, we're going to explore happiness, not just as a feeling, but from a scientific perspective."

Introduction to a New Way of Thinking: Positive Psychology (10 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 2: "Beyond 'Fixing Problems'")

"For a long time, the field of psychology mostly focused on what was wrong with people – things like anxiety, depression, or mental illness. And that's super important work! But about twenty years ago, some psychologists started asking a different question: What makes people thrive? What makes life worth living?"

"This led to a new field called Positive Psychology. Has anyone heard of it before?"

(Pause for responses.)

"Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living. Instead of just focusing on fixing problems, it looks at our strengths, our well-being, and how we can flourish – which means to grow and develop in a healthy, successful way."

"It's not about ignoring challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It's about understanding and building on what's good in our lives, even when things are tough."

"One of the most famous researchers in positive psychology, a man named Martin Seligman, developed a model to help us understand the key ingredients of well-being. It's called the PERMA model. Let's break it down."

PERMA Model Deep Dive (8 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 3: "P is for Positive Emotions")

"The 'P' in PERMA stands for Positive Emotions. These are all those good feelings we talked about at the beginning – joy, gratitude, contentment, hope, love, excitement, inspiration. It's about feeling good, but not necessarily being 'happy' every single second."

"When we experience positive emotions, they can actually broaden our thinking and help us build new skills and resources. What are some positive emotions you've felt recently?"

(Allow for a few quick student examples.)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 4: "E is for Engagement")

"Next is 'E' for Engagement. This is when you're completely absorbed in an activity, so focused that you might even lose track of time. Think about when you're playing a video game, reading an amazing book, working on a creative project, or even solving a challenging math problem that you enjoy. That feeling of being totally 'in the zone' – that's engagement, or what some call 'flow state'."

"What activities make you lose track of time?"

(Allow for a few quick student examples.)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 5: "R is for Relationships")

"'R' stands for Relationships. We are social beings, and having strong, positive connections with other people is incredibly important for our well-being. This includes friends, family, teachers, coaches, and anyone in your community who makes you feel supported and cared for. These connections give us a sense of belonging and support."

"Who are the important people in your life? How do they make you feel?"

(Allow for a few quick student examples.)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 6: "M is for Meaning")

"'M' is for Meaning. This is about having a sense of purpose, feeling like you're part of something larger than yourself. It could be your values, your beliefs, helping others, or working towards a cause you care deeply about. When we feel our lives have meaning, it gives us a sense of direction and importance."

"What causes or ideas do you care about deeply?"

(Allow for a few quick student examples.)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 7: "A is for Accomplishment")

"Finally, 'A' is for Accomplishment. This is about working towards and achieving goals, feeling competent, and mastering new skills. It doesn't have to be a huge, world-changing accomplishment. It could be finishing a difficult homework assignment, learning a new trick in a sport, or even just making your bed every day. The feeling of making progress and overcoming challenges contributes to our well-being."

"What's a goal you're proud of achieving, big or small?"

(Allow for a few quick student examples.)

"So, the PERMA model helps us see that well-being isn't just about 'being happy' all the time. It's about building these five important elements into our lives. When we have a good balance of Positive Emotions, Engagement, positive Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment, we tend to flourish and live more fulfilling lives."

Interactive "Happiness Myths" Activity (15 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 8: "Happiness Myths: True or False?")

"Now that we've learned about positive psychology and the PERMA model, let's challenge some common ideas about happiness. Sometimes, what we think makes us happy isn't quite right. I'm going to give you a "Happiness Myths" Worksheet."

(Distribute the "Happiness Myths" Worksheet.)

"On this worksheet, you'll see several statements about happiness. For each one, I want you to decide if it's a MYTH (meaning it's false or a misconception) or a TRUTH (meaning it's generally supported by positive psychology). Then, explain why you think that, using what we just learned about the PERMA model."

"You can work on this individually or with a partner for the next 5-7 minutes. Once you're done, we'll discuss them as a class."

(Circulate and assist students as they work.)

(After 5-7 minutes, bring the class back together.)

"Alright, let's go through these together! Who wants to tackle Myth #1?"

(Go through each myth, revealing the answer on the slide deck and facilitating a brief discussion. Refer to Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slides 9-12 and Answer Key: Happiness Myths Worksheet for explanations.)

• Myth #1: "Happiness means being happy all the time."
  (Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 9)
  "Is this a Myth or a Truth? [Wait for responses] That's right, it's a MYTH! Why? Because it's completely normal to feel a range of emotions – sadness, anger, frustration are all part of being human. Positive psychology isn't about being joyful every second; it's about building overall well-being. Trying to be happy all the time can actually make us feel worse when we inevitably don't reach that unrealistic goal."

• Myth #2: "More money always equals more happiness."
  (Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 10)
  "Myth or Truth? [Wait for responses] This is mostly a MYTH! While money can help reduce stress and meet our basic needs, studies show that beyond a certain point, more money doesn't significantly increase happiness. Our relationships, meaning, and engagement often matter much more than just material wealth."

• Myth #3: "Happiness is something you either have or you don't; you can't really change it."
  (Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 11)
  "Myth or Truth? [Wait for responses] Another MYTH! This is a core idea of positive psychology: happiness and well-being are actually skills you can build and practice! Just like you get better at a sport or an instrument with practice, you can develop habits and ways of thinking that increase your well-being. It takes effort and intention."

• Myth #4: "You can only be truly happy when everything in your life is perfect."
  (Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 12)
  "Myth or Truth? [Wait for responses] Definitely a MYTH! Life is full of challenges and bumps in the road. Well-being comes not from avoiding problems, but from how we cope with them, the support we have from our Relationships, and our ability to find Meaning and Accomplishment even in difficult times. Focusing on progress, no matter how small, is key."

Group Discussion and Reflection (10 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 13: "Reflect & Share")

"Great job with that activity! Now, let's have a quick class discussion to reflect on what we've learned."

"First question: Which 'happiness myth' that we discussed surprised you the most, and why?"

(Allow 2-3 students to share and elaborate.)

"Next, how does understanding the PERMA model change your view of happiness? Does it make you think about it differently?"

(Allow 2-3 students to share.)

"Finally, thinking about the PERMA elements – Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment – what's one small change you could make this week to boost just one of those elements in your own life? It could be anything!"

(Allow 2-3 students to share their ideas. Encourage actionable steps.)

Goal Setting for the Weeks Ahead & Cool Down (5 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 14: "Your Well-Being Journey")

"Fantastic discussion, everyone. Remember, building well-being isn't a one-time thing; it's a journey! To help you continue thinking about and practicing these ideas, I'm giving you a Personal Well-Being Journal."

"Over the next few weeks, you'll use this journal to reflect on your own well-being and find ways to incorporate the PERMA elements into your daily life. It's a tool for you to continue your own 'scientific study' of what makes your life most worth living."

"For your first journal entry, I want you to reflect on one PERMA element you want to strengthen this week, and then think of one small, specific action you can take to boost it. Your journal explains it in more detail."

"We'll revisit these ideas, and your journals, in future lessons. For now, remember that you now have a powerful framework – PERMA – to understand and actively build a life filled with well-being. Thank you, everyone!"

Script: The Science of a Happy Life

Welcome & Icebreaker: Happy Moments (5 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 1: "What makes you truly happy?")

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to dive into a topic that affects all of us: happiness! Take a moment to think about something that truly makes you happy. It could be big or small – a favorite song, spending time with a pet, playing a game, a delicious meal. Think of one thing."

(Pause for a few seconds.)

"Now, I want you to either share with a partner next to you, or if you feel comfortable, just shout out one thing that genuinely makes you happy! Let's hear some ideas!"

(Allow 1-2 minutes for sharing. Acknowledge a few student responses.)

"That's great! It's amazing how many different things bring us joy, right? Sometimes happiness feels simple, but other times it feels really complex. Today, we're going to explore happiness, not just as a feeling, but from a scientific perspective."

Introduction to a New Way of Thinking: Positive Psychology (10 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 2: "Beyond 'Fixing Problems'")

"For a long time, the field of psychology mostly focused on what was wrong with people – things like anxiety, depression, or mental illness. And that's super important work! But about twenty years ago, some psychologists started asking a different question: What makes people thrive? What makes life worth living?"

"This led to a new field called Positive Psychology. Has anyone heard of it before?"

(Pause for responses.)

"Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living. Instead of just focusing on fixing problems, it looks at our strengths, our well-being, and how we can flourish – which means to grow and develop in a healthy, successful way."

"It's not about ignoring challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It's about understanding and building on what's good in our lives, even when things are tough."

"One of the most famous researchers in positive psychology, a man named Martin Seligman, developed a model to help us understand the key ingredients of well-being. It's called the PERMA model. Let's break it down."

PERMA Model Deep Dive (8 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 3: "P is for Positive Emotions")

"The 'P' in PERMA stands for Positive Emotions. These are all those good feelings we talked about at the beginning – joy, gratitude, contentment, hope, love, excitement, inspiration. It's about feeling good, but not necessarily being 'happy' every single second."

"When we experience positive emotions, they can actually broaden our thinking and help us build new skills and resources. What are some positive emotions you've felt recently?"

(Allow for a few quick student examples.)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 4: "E is for Engagement")

"Next is 'E' for Engagement. This is when you're completely absorbed in an activity, so focused that you might even lose track of time. Think about when you're playing a video game, reading an amazing book, working on a creative project, or even solving a challenging math problem that you enjoy. That feeling of being totally 'in the zone' – that's engagement, or what some call 'flow state'."

"What activities make you lose track of time?"

(Allow for a few quick student examples.)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 5: "R is for Relationships")

"'R' stands for Relationships. We are social beings, and having strong, positive connections with other people is incredibly important for our well-being. This includes friends, family, teachers, coaches, and anyone in your community who makes you feel supported and cared for. These connections give us a sense of belonging and support."

"Who are the important people in your life? How do they make you feel?"

(Allow for a few quick student examples.)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 6: "M is for Meaning")

"'M' is for Meaning. This is about having a sense of purpose, feeling like you're part of something larger than yourself. It could be your values, your beliefs, helping others, or working towards a cause you care deeply about. When we feel our lives have meaning, it gives us a sense of direction and importance."

"What causes or ideas do you care about deeply?"

(Allow for a few quick student examples.)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 7: "A is for Accomplishment")

"Finally, 'A' is for Accomplishment. This is about working towards and achieving goals, feeling competent, and mastering new skills. It doesn't have to be a huge, world-changing accomplishment. It could be finishing a difficult homework assignment, learning a new trick in a sport, or even just making your bed every day. The feeling of making progress and overcoming challenges contributes to our well-being."

"What's a goal you're proud of achieving, big or small?"

(Allow for a few quick student examples.)

"So, the PERMA model helps us see that well-being isn't just about 'being happy' all the time. It's about building these five important elements into our lives. When we have a good balance of Positive Emotions, Engagement, positive Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment, we tend to flourish and live more fulfilling lives."

Interactive "Happiness Myths" Activity (15 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 8: "Happiness Myths: True or False?")

"Now that we've learned about positive psychology and the PERMA model, let's challenge some common ideas about happiness. Sometimes, what we think makes us happy isn't quite right. I'm going to give you a "Happiness Myths" Worksheet."

(Distribute the "Happiness Myths" Worksheet.)

"On this worksheet, you'll see several statements about happiness. For each one, I want you to decide if it's a MYTH (meaning it's false or a misconception) or a TRUTH (meaning it's generally supported by positive psychology). Then, explain why you think that, using what we just learned about the PERMA model."

"You can work on this individually or with a partner for the next 5-7 minutes. Once you're done, we'll discuss them as a class."

(Circulate and assist students as they work.)

(After 5-7 minutes, bring the class back together.)

"Alright, let's go through these together! Who wants to tackle Myth #1?"

(Go through each myth, revealing the answer on the slide deck and facilitating a brief discussion. Refer to Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slides 9-12 and Answer Key: Happiness Myths Worksheet for explanations.)

• Myth #1: "Happiness means being happy all the time."
  (Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 9)
  "Is this a Myth or a Truth? [Wait for responses] That's right, it's a MYTH! Why? Because it's completely normal to feel a range of emotions – sadness, anger, frustration are all part of being human. Positive psychology isn't about being joyful every second; it's about building overall well-being. Trying to be happy all the time can actually make us feel worse when we inevitably don't reach that unrealistic goal."

• Myth #2: "More money always equals more happiness."
  (Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 10)
  "Myth or Truth? [Wait for responses] This is mostly a MYTH! While money can help reduce stress and meet our basic needs, studies show that beyond a certain point, more money doesn't significantly increase happiness. Our relationships, meaning, and engagement often matter much more than just material wealth."

• Myth #3: "Happiness is something you either have or you don't; you can't really change it."
  (Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 11)
  "Myth or Truth? [Wait for responses] Another MYTH! This is a core idea of positive psychology: happiness and well-being are actually skills you can build and practice! Just like you get better at a sport or an instrument with practice, you can develop habits and ways of thinking that increase your well-being. It takes effort and intention."

• Myth #4: "You can only be truly happy when everything in your life is perfect."
  (Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 12)
  "Myth or Truth? [Wait for responses] Definitely a MYTH! Life is full of challenges and bumps in the road. Well-being comes not from avoiding problems, but from how we cope with them, the support we have from our Relationships, and our ability to find Meaning and Accomplishment even in difficult times. Focusing on progress, no matter how small, is key."

Group Discussion and Reflection (10 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 13: "Reflect & Share")

"Great job with that activity! Now, let's have a quick class discussion to reflect on what we've learned."

"First question: Which 'happiness myth' that we discussed surprised you the most, and why?"

(Allow 2-3 students to share and elaborate.)

"Next, how does understanding the PERMA model change your view of happiness? Does it make you think about it differently?"

(Allow 2-3 students to share.)

"Finally, thinking about the PERMA elements – Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment – what's one small change you could make this week to boost just one of those elements in your own life? It could be anything!"

(Allow 2-3 students to share their ideas. Encourage actionable steps.)

Goal Setting for the Weeks Ahead & Cool Down (5 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: What is Positive Psychology?, Slide 14: "Your Well-Being Journey")

"Fantastic discussion, everyone. Remember, building well-being isn't a one-time thing; it's a journey! To help you continue thinking about and practicing these ideas, I'm giving you a Personal Well-Being Journal."

"Over the next few weeks, you'll use this journal to reflect on your own well-being and find ways to incorporate the PERMA elements into your daily life. It's a tool for you to continue your own 'scientific study' of what makes your life most worth living."

"For your first journal entry, I want you to reflect on one PERMA element you want to strengthen this week, and then think of one small, specific action you can take to boost it. Your journal explains it in more detail."

"We'll revisit these ideas, and your journals, in future lessons. For now, remember that you now have a powerful framework – PERMA – to understand and actively build a life filled with well-being. Thank you, everyone!"

Answer Key: Happiness Myths Worksheet

Instructions: The following are suggested answers and reasoning for the "Happiness Myths" Worksheet. Students' explanations may vary but should demonstrate understanding of positive psychology and the PERMA model.

1. "Happiness means being happy all the time."

MYTH

Reasoning:
This is a myth because it's unrealistic and unhealthy to expect to be happy constantly. Life involves a full range of emotions, including sadness, frustration, and anger, which are all normal parts of the human experience. Positive psychology focuses on well-being and flourishing through the PERMA model, which includes experiencing Positive Emotions but also acknowledges the importance of Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment even when not feeling overtly happy. Chasing constant happiness can actually lead to disappointment when negative emotions inevitably arise.

2. "More money always equals more happiness."

MYTH

Reasoning:
This is largely a myth. While having enough money to meet basic needs and reduce financial stress can contribute to well-being, studies show that beyond a certain income level, more money does not significantly increase happiness. True well-being, as described by the PERMA model, is more strongly influenced by factors like strong Relationships, a sense of Meaning or purpose, and engaging in activities that foster Engagement. Focusing solely on material wealth can distract from these more powerful drivers of lasting happiness.

3. "Happiness is something you either have or you don't; you can't really change it."

MYTH

Reasoning:
This is a myth because positive psychology research demonstrates that happiness and well-being are skills that can be developed and practiced. While genetics and circumstances play a role, a significant portion of our well-being is within our control through our thoughts, actions, and habits. By intentionally cultivating elements of the PERMA model—like seeking out Positive Emotions, finding Engagement in activities, nurturing Relationships, pursuing Meaning, and working towards Accomplishment—individuals can actively improve their overall well-being. It's a journey of continuous effort and intentionality.

4. "You can only be truly happy when everything in your life is perfect."

MYTH

Reasoning:
This is a myth because life is inherently imperfect and full of challenges. Waiting for everything to be