PSYC FPX 4110 assessment 3 Justice, Temperance, and Transcendence Reflection Paper
Capella University
PSYC FPX 4110 Positive Psychology
Prof. Name
December, 2024
Activity Summary
PSYC FPX 4110 assessment 3 In simple words, it can be said that temperance is the virtue of control and restraint. There is balance within the mind, action, and desires (Toner et al., 2025). Reflecting on this virtue, I chose one area of my life by participating in one week-long activity called mindful moderation- technology usage. I wanted to bring a balance to my daily activities by setting limits between work, leisure, and personal interactions. I wanted to reduce my screen time. I used to write down my experience every evening; I recorded temptations, successes, and frustrations.
This activity marked the beginning by setting clear boundaries such as devices not being allowed during meals or an hour before bedtime and time set for work screen use and leisure screen use (Waterlander et al., 2020). It aimed to enhance focus, improve interpersonal relationships, and enhance general well-being. The change in the rhythm of daily activities was made by redirecting device time to physical activity, reading, or even conversation.
Everything began when I realized how much technology dependency there had been in my entertainment as well as even in multitasking. It was tough the first couple of days because I just found myself constantly reaching for my phone to see what was happening on social media whenever there wasn’t much going on. The difference is noticeable at the end of the week in avoiding distractions. With a more purposeful use of time, I felt that the presence was deeper in the conversations and tasks, thus producing productivity and emotional satisfaction. It thus brought out the broader significance of temperance in this speedy, consumption-driven world of ours. Moderation does not mean deprivation but the synchronizing of actions with values that create harmony. I consciously applied temperance and gained mastery over my choices and a newfound appreciation for non-digital aspects of life, like outdoor walks and face-to-face interactions. This reflection makes me understand how temperance facilitates personal growth and strengthens bonds, reminding me of the eternal value of balance in life.
Relationship to Positive Psychology
Temperance has an important relevance to positive psychology because this virtue aligns with what the discipline tries to strengthen and virtues to achieve a meaningful and fulfilling life. In positive psychology, temperance is among the six core virtues that have been pointed out by researchers, along with self-control, humility, and forgiveness (de et al., 2024). In positive psychology, these kinds of virtues have been termed as important strengths for enhancing well-being, building resilience, and maintaining relationships. Temperance practice helps regulate emotions and behaviors, bringing them in line with an individual’s goals and values, thus preventing impulsive acts that might cause later regret or harm.
Understood through the perspective of positive psychology, temperance encourages one to maintain emotional balance, and living in the moment, all key to flourishing. In my reflective activity, cutting down the screen time and being temperate would have a direct reflection on my mental clarity and fulfillment (Dickson et al., 2023). This is actually what positive psychology research supports the moderating of hedonic activities; overuse of technology, in that case, to increase one’s happiness. Temperance also promotes deeper interpersonal relationships, as it teaches individuals to place value in quality over fleeting pleasures, which makes life meaningful and gives one a sense of belonging. In this alignment, one finds that temperance, being a virtue, is the path to attaining the fundamental tenets of positive psychology: an enhanced sense of well-being and living a more fulfilling and harmonious life.
Application to Social Issues
Temperance is important in the resolution of many social issues through its promotion of balance and self-regulation at the individual and collective levels. As society becomes more consumerist, indulgent, and hedonistic, with a need for instant gratification, temperance offers a way to live sustainably and ethically. For instance, in the case of environmental concerns, temperance fosters sustainable consumption among individuals and communities, thereby avoiding waste and conserving resources (Haider et al., 2022). By checking the tendency toward excessive materialism and favoring long-term well-being rather than instant gratification, temperance may help promote an environmentally conscious culture.
Social inequality is another area where temperance can be very effective. In trying to address economic inequalities, the virtue of moderation will help individuals and organizations act with fairness and restraint instead of pursuing excessive wealth at the expense of others. This would encourage ethical leadership and equitable resource distribution to help bridge gaps between different socioeconomic groups. In public health, temperance will prevent problems such as drug addiction and unhealthy lifestyles. For instance, awareness of drug use and self-control will lead to moderation and balanced lifestyles in individuals (Li & Jia, 2021). Educational programs and community initiatives that are meant to promote moderation and balanced living can empower society to make healthier choices.
Applying temperance principles to these social issues, both individuals and societies can work their way towards a sense of community responsibility in ensuring that the act is fair, sustainable, and beneficial to the greater good (Varzakas & Antoniadou, 2024). This means that temperance is capable of contributing not only to individual growth but also to the resolution of larger social issues.
PSYC FPX 4110 assessment 3 References
de, A., Marcos, A., Solange Muglia Wechsler, & Ersilia Menesini. (2024). Bullying and cyberbullying in school: rapid review on the roles of gratitude, forgiveness, and self-regulation. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(7), 839–839. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070839
