(Peterson‚ Park‚ & Seligman‚ 2005)

Each question was followed by a 5-point scale: “1 – very much unlike me‚” “2 – unlike me‚” “3– neutral‚” “4 – like me‚” and “5 – very much like me.”

§ My life serves a higher purpose.

§ In choosing what to do‚ I always take into account whether it will benefit other people.

§ I have a responsibility to make the world a better place.

§ My life has a lasting meaning.

§ What I do matters to society.

§ I have spent a lot of time thinking about what life means and how I fit into its big picture.

§ Life is too short to postpone the pleasures it can provide.

§ I go out of my way to feel euphoric.

§ In choosing what to do‚ I always take into account whether it will be pleasurable.

§ I agree with this statement: ‘‘Life is short – eat dessert first.’’

§ I love to do things that excite my senses.

§ For me‚ the good life is the pleasurable life.

§ Regardless of what I am doing‚ time passes very quickly.

§ I seek out situations that challenge my skills and abilities.

§ Whether at work or play‚ I am usually ‘‘in a zone’’ and not conscious of myself.

§ I am always very absorbed in what I do.

§ In choosing what to do‚ I always take into account whether I can lose myself in it.

§ I am rarely distracted by what is going on around me.

(Peterson & Seligman‚ 2004)

Each question is followed by the choices: “very much like me‚” “like me‚” “neutral‚” “unlikeme‚” and “very much like me.”

Creativity: When someone tells me how to do something‚ I automatically think of alternative ways to get the same thing done.

Curiosity: I am never bored.

Open-mindedness: I make decisions only when I have all of the facts.

Love of Learning: I always go out of my way to attend educational events.

Perspective: People describe me as “wise beyond my years.”

Bravery: I have taken frequent stands in the face of strong opposition.

Persistence: I finish things despite obstacles in the way.

Integrity: I always keep my promises.

Vitality: I want to fully participate in life‚ not just view it from the sidelines.

Love: There are people in my life who care as much about my feelings and well-being as they do about their own.

Kindness: I am never too busy to help a friend.

Social Intelligence: I always know what makes someone tick.

Citizenship: I never miss group meeting or team practices.

Fairness: I am strongly committed to principles of justice and equality.

Leadership: In a group‚ I try to make sure everyone feels included.

Forgiveness and Mercy: I always allow others to leave their mistakes in the past and make a fresh start.

Humility and Modesty: I am proud that I am an ordinary person.

Prudence: “Better safe than sorry” is one of my favorite mottoes.

Self-regulation: I am a highly disciplined person.

Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence: I have often been left speechless by the beauty depicted in a movie.

Gratitude: I always express my thanks to people who care about me.

Hope: I always look on the bright side.

Humor: Whenever my friends are in a gloomy mood‚ I try to tease them out of it.

Spirituality: In the last 24 hours‚ I have spent 30 minutes in prayer‚ meditation‚ or contemplation.

What is the Good Life?

A Place for Positive Psychology

Kerilyn Daniel

Distinguished Majors Thesis

University of Virginia

April 2009

Advisor: Patricia Llewellyn