AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The theory that happiness is relative holds that happiness results from comparison. Standards of comparison are assumed to adjust and thus to prohibit lasting increase in happiness above neutral. Standards are further seen as arbitrary and happiness therefore not as a valuable matter.

Detailed explanation-2: -Affective state theory According to Bradburn, happiness is a global judgment people make by comparing their negative affect and positive affect (Diener, 1984). This led to the development of the Affect Balance Scale (Diener, 1984). The Bradburn Affect Balance Scale is a self-report measure of the quality of life.

Detailed explanation-3: -. Cognitive definitions Happiness is also defined as a cognitive phenomenon, that is, as the result of a deliberate evaluation process. In that vein McDowel & Newell (1987: 204) describe life-satisfaction as a “Personal assessment of one’s condition compared to an external reference standard or to one’s aspirations”.

Detailed explanation-4: -Affect theory is a theory that seeks to organize affects, sometimes used interchangeably with emotions or subjectively experienced feelings, into discrete categories and to typify their physiological, social, interpersonal, and internalized manifestations.