The Pursuit of Happyness” reflection in relation to positive psychology
Watch the movie, “The Pursuit of Happyness” featuring Will Smith as Chris Gardner. This film can
be viewed on Youtube.com in its full entirety. Reflect on the movie to determine how principles of
positive psychology were depicted in the life of the protagonist (Chris Gardner). Write an essay on
your review of the movie based on the guiding questions below.
Your essay is expected to contain the following:
• Title page. This includes the name of the institution, the title of the essay, your name and
student number, the name of the course and the course number, your tutor’s name and the date.
• Introduction. This will provide the reader with an overview of the content of the paper and a
brief summary of the main aspects of the movie.
• Body of the essay. This is the main part of the essay.
• Provide responses to the guiding questions given using headings as appropriate.
• Your review should be supported by appropriate literature.
• Ensure that all of your sources are cited in text according to APA 7.
• Conclusions. This should follow logically from the information outlined in the body of the
essay.
• References. Every source which appears in your essay must appear in your reference list using
the APA 7 style of referencing.
• Length. The essay should be no more than 3 pages, excluding the title and reference
pages.
PSYC 3060 – Positive Psychology. Academic Year 2021/2022, Semester 1
Page 23 of 53
In completing this review, students are expected to demonstrate that they have utilized required
readings and other scholarly writing on positive psychology. Effort should be made to read widely and
use key concepts in analysing the movie. Students should avoid using conversational language,
contractions and extensive use of verbatim quotes. The essay is expected to reflect independent
thought and not a simple report of what happened in the movie.
Guiding Questions:
1. Outline how issues related to the following were depicted in the movie
a. Pleasure and positive experiences
b. Happiness
c. Positive thinking
d. Character strengths and virtues
2. Which one of the strengths would you say Gardner possess in the film (select at least 3)? Why?
Define each strength. (Ex: creativity, vitality, fairness etc.)
3. Discuss the specific obstacles and struggle or conflict Gardner faces in reaching or maximizing
the strengths selected/noted.
4. How does Gardner illustrate how to overcome obstacles and build and maintain strength?
5. Is the tone/mood of the film inspiring or uplifting? Why or why not?
6. What impact did the film have on you? Were you inspired after watching the film? Why or
why not?
7. What is the role of happiness in this story?
8. What specific tenets of Positive Psychology are evident in the film? Expand on at least 2
points.
9. How would you evaluate the overall wellbeing of the protagonist in the context?
10. To what extent are the issues identified relevant in a real-life situation?
11. Based on the issues identified in question 1, what recommendations would you make about
what could be done differently, to improve the overall wellbeing of the protagonist or someone
in a similar situation?
12. What is the significance of the word “happyness” vs “happiness” in the title of the film?
Grading
