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Rita Dwan
What do you want out of life? If you are like the vast majority of people who have been asked this question, your answer probably includes a desire to be happy. Often, though, we do not have a clear sense of what would make us happy. For more than thirty years, psychologists studying positive psychology have asked this very question: What makes people happy? And the research they have undertaken has provided clear answers.
Read more
What do you want out of life? If you are like the vast majority of people who have been asked this question, your answer probably includes a desire to be happy. Often, though, we do not have a clear sense of what would make us happy. For more than thirty years, psychologists studying positive psychology have asked this very question: What makes people happy? And the research they have undertaken has provided clear answers.
Read more
What do you want out of life? If you are like the vast majority of people who have been asked this question, your answer probably includes a desire to be happy. Often, though, we do not have a clear sense of what would make us happy. For more than thirty years, psychologists studying positive psychology have asked this very question: What makes people happy? And the research they have undertaken has provided clear answers.
In this course, you will learn about the field of study known as positive psychology, which is the scientific study of “valued subjective experiences” such as happiness, well-being, satisfaction, hope, and optimism, as well as positive traits such as creativity, courage, and wisdom that contribute to meaning in life. Positive psychology focuses on the psychological states – contentment, happiness, and hope – individual traits – intimacy, creativity, integrity, altruism, and wisdom – and social institutions — schools and places of worship – that enable us to live our best life.
In this course, you will learn about the history of positive psychology, beginning with the work of William James, continuing through the theory and research of contemporary positive psychologists. There is extensive coverage of the factors that determine our happiness, subjective well-being, and life satisfaction. Learners are given ample opportunities to engage in the activities that research has shown provide valuable self-care, including expressing gratitude, helping others, engaging in mindfulness, and finding meaning.
Later in the course, we present cross-cultural research on how well-being is measured across different societies and countries, cultural differences in desired levels of happiness, and how policy informs these factors. Last, research has demonstrated that helping others contributes to our levels of happiness. This course explains the factors that influence why we help, when we help, and how to increase helping behavior.
The course has a dual focus; in addition to learning about the field of positive psychology and its research findings, you will learn what proactive steps you can take to boost our own levels of happiness, well-being, and life satisfaction.
Contributors
Editorial Advisors
Dr. Susan A. Nolan, Seton Hall University
Dr. Denée Mwendwa, Howard University
Content Developer
Dr. Alan Strathman, American Psychological Association
Instructional Designer
Dr. Sharon Gan, American Psychological Association
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/aoxbrv/positive
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Define positive psychology, well-being, and happiness.
- Discuss simple ways to increase happiness and well-being.
- Explain how earlier psychological research fostered the development of positive psychology.
- Describe the research of the psychologists who founded positive psychology.
- Discuss the major criticisms of positive psychology.
- Identify the factors that affect subjective well-being.
- Discuss how positive psychology is used in interventions.
- Describe how well-being is measured across different societies and countries.
- Discuss cultural differences in desired levels of happiness.
- Explain how policy informs the factors that affect well-being.
- Discuss the factors that determine when individuals help others in need.
- List the steps involved in decisions to help.
- Describe ways to increase helping behavior.
- Define positive psychology, well-being, and happiness.
- Discuss simple ways to increase happiness and well-being.
- Explain how earlier psychological research fostered the development of positive psychology.
- Describe the research of the psychologists who founded positive psychology.
- Discuss the major criticisms of positive psychology.
- Identify the factors that affect subjective well-being.
- Discuss how positive psychology is used in interventions.
- Describe how well-being is measured across different societies and countries.
- Discuss cultural differences in desired levels of happiness.
- Explain how policy informs the factors that affect well-being.
- Discuss the factors that determine when individuals help others in need.
- List the steps involved in decisions to help.
- Describe ways to increase helping behavior.
Syllabus
History
The Positive Psychology Hall of Fame: Founders
The Roots of Positive Psychology
Laying a Foundation for Positive Psychology
Read more
Syllabus
History
The Positive Psychology Hall of Fame: Founders
The Roots of Positive Psychology
Laying a Foundation for Positive Psychology
Read more
The Positive Psychology Hall of Fame: Flag Bearers
Contemporary Positive Psychology
Critiques of Positive Psychology
Factors in Subjective Well-Being
The PERMA Theory of Well-Being
Beyond PERMA
Positive Psychology Interventions
Happiness as a Policy Issue
Measuring Happiness Globally
Policies to Increase Happiness
Prosocial Behavior
Introduction to Helping Others in Need
Why We Help Others in Need
Psychological Factors Directing Helping Behavior
Understanding Altruism and Egoism
When We Help Others in Need
Increasing Helping Behavior
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Explores positive psychology, which is a well-established field in psychology
Taught by Rita Dwan, a recognized instructor in positive psychology
Develops a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of positive psychology
Covers key factors that affect subjective well-being, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic
Examines the applications of positive psychology in interventions, highlighting its practical relevance
Explores cultural differences in desired levels of happiness, providing a global perspective on well-being
Save this course
Save Positive Psychology to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Positive Psychology with these
activities:
Review Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness and Flourishing
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the field of positive psychology, which is the scientific study of happiness and well-being.
View
Mindfulness in Good Lives
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the preface and introduction.
-
Read the first three chapters.
-
Take notes on the key concepts discussed in each chapter.
Review Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the field of positive psychology, which is the scientific study of happiness and well-being.
View
Positive Psychotherapy: Clinician Manual
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the preface and introduction.
-
Read the first three chapters.
-
Take notes on the key concepts discussed in each chapter.
Join a study group or discussion forum
Show steps
This activity will help you to connect with other students and to learn from each other.
Browse courses on
Positive Psychology
Show steps
-
Find a study group or discussion forum for positive psychology.
-
Introduce yourself to the group.
-
Participate in discussions and share your insights.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Practice exercises on gratitude and mindfulness
Show steps
These exercises can help you to develop gratitude and mindfulness skills, which have been shown to contribute to greater happiness and well-being.
Browse courses on
Gratitude
Show steps
-
Find a gratitude journal and write down three things you're grateful for each day.
-
Practice mindfulness meditation for 10 minutes each day.
Practice exercises on positive thinking and goal setting
Show steps
These exercises can help you to develop positive thinking and goal setting skills, which have been shown to contribute to greater happiness and well-being.
Browse courses on
Positive Thinking
Show steps
-
Identify a positive affirmation and repeat it to yourself each day.
-
Set a small, achievable goal and work towards it each day.
Volunteer at a local organization that promotes happiness
Show steps
Volunteering can help you to connect with others, learn new skills, and make a difference in the world.
Browse courses on
Altruism
Show steps
-
Research local organizations that promote happiness.
-
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Sign up for a volunteer shift.
Volunteer at a local organization that supports people in need
Show steps
Volunteering can help you to connect with others, learn new skills, and make a difference in the world.
Browse courses on
Altruism
Show steps
-
Research local organizations that support people in need.
-
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Sign up for a volunteer shift.
Create a vision board or collage that represents your goals and aspirations
Show steps
This activity will help you to visualize your goals and aspirations and to stay motivated to achieve them.
Browse courses on
Positive Psychology
Show steps
-
Gather images, quotes, and other materials that represent your goals and aspirations.
-
Create a vision board or collage that incorporates these materials.
-
Display your vision board or collage in a prominent location.
Write a blog post about a positive psychology concept
Show steps
This activity will help you to deepen your understanding of positive psychology and to share your knowledge with others.
Browse courses on
Positive Psychology
Show steps
-
Identify a positive psychology concept that you want to write about.
-
Research the concept and gather information.
-
Write a blog post that summarizes your research.
Review Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness and Flourishing
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the field of positive psychology, which is the scientific study of happiness and well-being.
View
Mindfulness in Good Lives
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the preface and introduction.
- Read the first three chapters.
- Take notes on the key concepts discussed in each chapter.
Review Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the field of positive psychology, which is the scientific study of happiness and well-being.
View
Positive Psychotherapy: Clinician Manual
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the preface and introduction.
- Read the first three chapters.
- Take notes on the key concepts discussed in each chapter.
Join a study group or discussion forum
Show steps
This activity will help you to connect with other students and to learn from each other.
Browse courses on
Positive Psychology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group or discussion forum for positive psychology.
- Introduce yourself to the group.
- Participate in discussions and share your insights.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Practice exercises on gratitude and mindfulness
Show steps
These exercises can help you to develop gratitude and mindfulness skills, which have been shown to contribute to greater happiness and well-being.
Browse courses on
Gratitude
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a gratitude journal and write down three things you're grateful for each day.
- Practice mindfulness meditation for 10 minutes each day.
Practice exercises on positive thinking and goal setting
Show steps
These exercises can help you to develop positive thinking and goal setting skills, which have been shown to contribute to greater happiness and well-being.
Browse courses on
Positive Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a positive affirmation and repeat it to yourself each day.
- Set a small, achievable goal and work towards it each day.
Volunteer at a local organization that promotes happiness
Show steps
Volunteering can help you to connect with others, learn new skills, and make a difference in the world.
Browse courses on
Altruism
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research local organizations that promote happiness.
- Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Sign up for a volunteer shift.
Volunteer at a local organization that supports people in need
Show steps
Volunteering can help you to connect with others, learn new skills, and make a difference in the world.
Browse courses on
Altruism
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research local organizations that support people in need.
- Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Sign up for a volunteer shift.
Create a vision board or collage that represents your goals and aspirations
Show steps
This activity will help you to visualize your goals and aspirations and to stay motivated to achieve them.
Browse courses on
Positive Psychology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather images, quotes, and other materials that represent your goals and aspirations.
- Create a vision board or collage that incorporates these materials.
- Display your vision board or collage in a prominent location.
Write a blog post about a positive psychology concept
Show steps
This activity will help you to deepen your understanding of positive psychology and to share your knowledge with others.
Browse courses on
Positive Psychology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a positive psychology concept that you want to write about.
- Research the concept and gather information.
- Write a blog post that summarizes your research.
Career center
Learners who complete Positive Psychology will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Life Coach
Life Coach
A life coach helps people identify and achieve personal goals. This course introduces students to the field of positive psychology and explores research on happiness and well-being. This is particularly relevant for life coaches who seek to use positive psychology to help their clients achieve their goals and live happier, more fulfilling lives.
Professor
Professor
Positive Psychology is the scientific study of happiness and well-being. This course introduces the academic field of positive psychology and explores the research on happiness and well-being. It is particularly relevant for professors who want to learn more about positive psychology and who want to integrate its principles into their teaching and research.
Therapist
Therapist
Therapists who specialize in positive psychology focus on helping people to identify and build on their strengths and to develop coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and adversity. This course is particularly relevant for therapists who want to learn more about positive psychology and how to apply its principles to their work.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Manager
Positive Psychology explores the factors that contribute to employee well-being and job satisfaction. This course will be useful for HR managers seeking to improve employee morale, productivity, and retention.
Teacher
Teacher
Positive Psychology explores the scientific study of happiness and well-being. This course is particularly relevant for teachers who want to learn more about positive psychology and how to apply its principles to their teaching, fostering a positive and supportive learning environment for their students.
Psychologist
Psychologist
The course Positive Psychology introduces students to the academic field of positive psychology. It explores well-being, happiness, and other tenets of this specialty in psychology. This course is particularly relevant for psychologists seeking to specialize in positive psychology and may also be useful for those interested in practicing psychology more generally.
Social Worker
Social Worker
The course explores research on happiness and well-being, positive psychology, and other factors that can contribute to a person's overall health and fulfillment. This course may be useful for social workers in understanding the psychological factors that contribute to a person's well-being which can inform their practice, helping them to better support their clients and help them achieve their goals.
Consultant
Consultant
Positive Psychology explores research on happiness and well-being, positive psychology, and other factors that can contribute to a person's overall health and fulfillment. This course may be useful for consultants who want to learn more about positive psychology and how to apply its principles to their work, helping them to better support their clients and help them achieve their goals.
Organizational Psychologist
Organizational Psychologist
Positive Psychology explores research on happiness and well-being, positive psychology, and other factors that can contribute to a person's overall health and fulfillment. This course may be useful for organizational psychologists in understanding the psychological factors that contribute to employee well-being and job satisfaction.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Positive Psychology explores how policy can be used to increase well-being and happiness. This course may be useful for policy analysts who want to learn more about positive psychology and how to apply its principles to their work.
Researcher
Researcher
Positive Psychology explores the scientific study of happiness and well-being. This course introduces the academic field of positive psychology and explores the research on happiness and well-being. This knowledge may be useful for researchers seeking to design and conduct studies on positive psychology.
Public Speaker
Public Speaker
Positive Psychology explores research on happiness and well-being, positive psychology, and other factors that can contribute to a person's overall health and fulfillment. This course may be useful for public speakers who are interested in learning more about positive psychology and how to use it to connect with their audience and inspire them to live happier, more fulfilling lives.
Writer
Writer
Positive Psychology explores research on happiness and well-being, positive psychology, and other factors that can contribute to a person's overall health and fulfillment. This course may be useful for writers who are interested in learning more about positive psychology and how to write about it in a clear and engaging way.
Journalist
Journalist
Positive Psychology explores research on happiness and well-being, positive psychology, and other factors that can contribute to a person's overall health and fulfillment. This course may be useful for journalists who are interested in learning more about positive psychology and how to write about it in a clear and engaging way.
Counselor
Counselor
Positive Psychology is a course that explores the scientific study of happiness and well-being. It can help counselors understand the factors that contribute to a person's overall health and fulfillment. This course may help counselors develop the skills and knowledge needed to help their clients achieve their goals and live happier, more fulfilling lives.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/aoxbrv/positive
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Positive Psychology.
Presents Seligman's theory of well-being, which is based on the idea that happiness is not simply the absence of negative emotions, but rather the presence of positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. It practical guide to living a more fulfilling life.
Save
Provides a practical guide to using positive psychology to achieve lasting happiness. It includes exercises and strategies for building strengths, increasing positive emotions, and living a more meaningful life.
Save
Presents a research-based approach to happiness. It includes exercises and strategies for increasing positive emotions, gratitude, and optimism.
Explores the science of happiness and provides insights into why we are often wrong about what will make us happy. It thought-provoking and entertaining read.
Save
Memoir of one woman's year-long quest to find happiness. It fun and inspiring read that provides practical tips for living a happier life.
Save
Provides a practical guide to using positive psychology in everyday life. It includes exercises and strategies for building strengths, increasing positive emotions, and living a more meaningful life.
Save
Comprehensive overview of the field of positive psychology. It includes chapters on a wide range of topics, including happiness, well-being, resilience, and gratitude.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of positive psychology. It valuable resource for students and researchers who are interested in learning more about positive psychology.
Save
Explores the science of happiness and provides insights into why we are often wrong about what will make us happy. It thought-provoking and entertaining read.
Popular self-help book that provides practical advice for living a more successful and fulfilling life. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about personal development.
Save
Classic work of philosophy that explores the meaning of life. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about finding purpose and meaning in life.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/aoxbrv/positive
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Effort
2 to 5 hours per week for 8 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
American Psychological Association
Instructor
Rita Dwan
Session
April 16, 2024
- April 16, 2025
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Explores positive psychology, which is a well-established field in psychology
Taught by Rita Dwan, a recognized instructor in positive psychology
Develops a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of positive psychology
Covers key factors that affect subjective well-being, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic
Examines the applications of positive psychology in interventions, highlighting its practical relevance
Explores cultural differences in desired levels of happiness, providing a global perspective on well-being
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