PSYC FPX 4110 Assessment 2 Wisdom, Courage, and Humanity Reflection Paper

Student Name

Capella University

PSYC FPX 4110 Positive Psychology

Prof. Name:

Date

Wisdom, Courage, and Humanity Reflection Paper

Curiosity Activity

I selected the curiosity activity because it plays a crucial role in the learning process. Curiosity influences our relationships by fostering greater empathy. Individuals who are curious tend to delve deeper into topics. The brain, like a muscle, becomes stronger when exercised through curiosity. Curiosity can also help individuals overcome fears and anxiety by encouraging them to focus on the positive aspects of a situation (Brown, 2018).
I have always been curious about many things, which has allowed me to learn about various subjects such as jewelry making, traveling, psychology, movies, and life in general. Curiosity is a strength because it enhances intellect and serves as a cognitive tool for learning. However, my anxiety sometimes hinders my curiosity. As I’ve matured, I’ve managed to navigate my anxiety by pushing through it, driven by my curiosity (Capella, n.d.).

How Curiosity Relates to Positive Psychology

A person’s well-being is influenced by their curiosity, which can lead to wisdom. Curiosity brings positive attributes like the desire to understand, explore, and apply newly acquired knowledge in decision-making. It also requires zest, a love of learning, creativity, hope, and perspective. The subjects that spark curiosity can differ from person to person, depending on individual interests. However, curiosity can lead to a lifelong learning process. I consider myself a lifelong learner, and the new things I learn contribute to a more well-rounded understanding and perspective (Whitbourne & Whitbourne, 2017).

How Fear and Anxiety Can Interfere with Curiosity

This exercise prompted me to reflect on how fear and anxiety can impede curiosity. I recalled instances when anxiety held me back from pursuing something I was interested in. Over time, I’ve learned to overcome my anxieties to explore what piques my curiosity. For example, I was initially afraid to drive across the country alone to be with someone in a relationship. Despite the relationship not working out, I have since traveled alone multiple times and no longer fear venturing to new places by myself. This experience has allowed me to freely explore my curiosity without fear. Exercises like these help me overcome fears and anxieties, enabling me to pursue my curiosities (Whitbourne & Whitbourne, 2017).

Pros and Cons of Curiosity

Pros

Curiosity is driven by the desire for knowledge and understanding, with the acquisition of that knowledge serving as the reward. Positive curiosity is fun, playful, easygoing, and non-judgmental. From infancy, curiosity helps us learn about the world around us. As children, we use developmental toys to build our understanding of the structural world, laying the foundation for learning (Kidd & Hayden, 2015).

Cons

However, curiosity driven by the fear of missing out can be problematic, as not all things are beneficial. When curiosity leads to mood imbalances, it can become psychologically unhealthy. Obsessively searching for answers that do not exist can also be damaging. Morbid curiosity is another concern, as once certain knowledge or images are seen, they cannot be unseen. The media often capitalizes on this negative curiosity by highlighting topics like death, violence, or harm. While people may not desire to be part of these events, negative curiosity can be psychologically harmful when indulged excessively (Oosterwijk, 2017).

Summary and Conclusion

Engaging in positive psychology activities has been beneficial in validating my understanding of the subject. Recognizing the importance of curiosity in relation to positive psychology will be valuable in my future work as a therapist with children. I have personally faced anxiety and fear regarding my curiosity, but by pushing past these obstacles, I’ve achieved my goals. After overcoming these challenges, my overall fear and anxiety have diminished, allowing me to continue being curious. Returning to school at the age of fifty-three was a particularly anxiety-inducing decision, but my progress over the past three years has exceeded my expectations. My curiosity drives my learning, and as I continue to build my knowledge base, I gain a solid foundation in psychology. This not only benefits my personal life but also helps me work toward my goal of graduating, obtaining my license, and making a positive impact on others’ lives. Understanding the potential unhealthy aspects of curiosity is crucial, as it can affect mental health and signal possible issues if an individual is overly curious about harmful subjects (Whitbourne & Whitbourne, 2017).

References

Brown, L. (2018). The importance of developing curiosity. PsychCentral. Retrieved from https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-importance-of-developing-curiosity/

Capella University (n.d.). 2.3 Curiosity Activity. Capella University. Retrieved from http://media.capella.edu/CourseMedia/psyc4110element21079/wrapper.asp

Kidd, C., & Hayden, B. (2015). The psychology and neuroscience of curiosity. Neuron, 88(3), 449-460. doi: http://dx.doi.org.library.capella.edu/10.1016/j.neuron.2015.09.010

Oosterwijk, S. (2017). Choosing the negative: A behavioral demonstration of morbid curiosity. PLoS One, 12(7). doi: http://dx.doi.org.library.capella.edu/10.1371/journal.pone.0178399