A5

I chose this image as my favorite artifact because it exemplifies what brings me the most joy. Module 13 archive was about our subjective well-being. This assignment mirrored the sentiments in my Positive Psychology class. The focus in life should be about what we can do to create happiness, not everything that brings us negativity. I enjoy working on assignments that focus on positive feelings and emotions. My happiness/subjective well-being is highest when I am at the beach on a beautiful day with my family. The photograph above was chosen because it depicts one of my favorite days I experienced recently. I find it very important to prioritize making time to create happy memories and healthily alleviate anxiety! Since I worked on happiness in my other course all semester, I have reflected on what truly makes me happy for months!

A4

This image is the only photo I have without my friends or family with me. Being outdoors by bodies of water is highly calming to me. Module 7 was about self-construals and emotion. We were to choose five photos that depicted moments we found happy. I found this module thought-provoking because people identify themselves differently depending on the influence of their culture. As a person born and raised in an individualistic culture, I found it very interesting to observe that I was happiest when I was with my family or friends. Kitayama et al. (1995) have defined “socially disengaged emotions” as the emotions that focus on independence from others. Conversely, they have defined “socially engaged emotions” as those centered on interdependence with others. For example, I noticed I only have photographs with my family or friends. I am a very socially engaged individual who defines myself by my relationships with others. I chose this image because I thought it exemplified my personality. If I am going to be socially disengaged, I am happiest when I am by a beautiful body of water.

Kitayama, S., Markus, H. R., & Matsumoto, H. (1995). Culture, self, and emotion: A cultural perspective on “self conscious” emotions. In J. P. Tagney & K. Fisher (Eds.), Self-conscious emotions: The psychology of shame guilt, embarrassment, and pride (pp. 439–464).

A3

While keeping with the theme of things that impact happiness in different cultures, Module 10 was an informative assignment. We had to write down the amount of time we would wait for different people in varying contexts. While working on this archive, I realized how significant the construct of time is in American culture. Our entire lives are based on a time schedule and system we did not choose. However, there is little flexibility in our society regarding the expectations of timeliness. Our schools, jobs, religious venues, and every establishment in the U.S. adhere to a strict time schedule. We treat time as a spendable commodity and, as such, creates conflicts with other cultures. These differences may cause potential issues when working with individuals from different cultures that do not emphasize punctuality. I chose the image above because I believe it accurately represents the value Americans have given the construct of time.

A2

While working on archive 10, I realized how often nonverbal communication portrays individuals’ intentions. This assignment was based on a TedTalk by Amy Cuddy that explained the impression nonverbal communication leaves and the physiological impact it can possess. If an individual stands in “power pose” for two minutes, it increases testosterone and decreases cortisol. The image above ties into my self-construals regarding motherhood, subjective well-being, and body language as a protector. I was happy to be with my children on vacation, but I posed in a protective and nurturing way with my arms around them. My body language indicates that I am sheltering and protecting my children. I found this to be comparable to a “power pose.” Any onlooker would assume those were my children and that I would guard them. My proxemics indicate that I am protective, nurturing, and affectionate with my intrapersonal relationships (Matsumoto & Juang, 2016, p. 238). I chose this photo as it depicts my protective and nurturing body language as a mother!

Ted. (2012, October 1). Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are | Amy Cuddy [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc

Matsumoto, D., & Juang, L. (2019). Culture and psychology (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.

A1

My final Top Artifact is from Module 3, and it is the first archive I completed. This assignment required a description of an image representing something important in my culture. I am an American and a Christian. As such, celebrating Christmas is very important to my family. The religious aspect of the holiday is less impactful to me than the importance placed on spending time with family. This season of the year encourages kindness, generosity, appreciation, and family. My grandmother enculturated me to love decorating and crafting. I chose this image because it is the first Christmas wreath I made for my own children. I experience happiness whenever I look at it. I remember making the wreath with my children and feeling nostalgic about my grandmother and mother’s traditions with me.