Positive Psychology from edX

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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This activity will help you to connect with other students and to learn from each other.

Browse courses on Positive Psychology

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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

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Practice exercises on gratitude and mindfulness

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Volunteering can help you to connect with others, learn new skills, and make a difference in the world.

Browse courses on Altruism

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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

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Volunteering can help you to connect with others, learn new skills, and make a difference in the world.

Browse courses on Altruism

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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

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This activity will help you to visualize your goals and aspirations and to stay motivated to achieve them.

Browse courses on Positive Psychology

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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

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This activity will help you to deepen your understanding of positive psychology and to share your knowledge with others.

Browse courses on Positive Psychology

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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