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Positive Psychology

This course discusses research findings in the field of positive psychology, conducted by Barbara Fredrickson and her colleagues. It also features practical applications of this science that you can put to use immediately to help you live a full and meaningful life.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Positive Emotions: The Tiny Engines of Positive Psychology

Look “under the hood” to discover the powerful drivers of growth, well-being, and health.

The Mindscapes and Outcomes of Positivity

Discover the roots of flexibility, creativity, and resilience.

The Delicate Art of Pursuing Happiness

Discover the ratios and priorities that best promote flourishing and learn common pitfalls to avoid.

Positivity Resonance and Loving-Kindness

Unveil the force of co-experienced positive emotions and practice this lab-tested meditation honed over millennia.

The Fruits of Positivity Resonance

Learn to spot the health benefits that loving-kindness uniquely nourishes.

The Ripples of Positivity Resonance

Far beyond you and your happiness, positive psychology radiates out to benefit your relationships and community.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores positive emotions and their impact on well-being

Taught by a leading researcher in the field of positive psychology

Offers practical applications to help learners enhance their happiness and well-being

Suitable for learners interested in improving their mental health and fostering a more positive mindset

Can assist learners in understanding the science behind positive emotions and their impact on resilience and creativity

May require some prior knowledge of psychological concepts to fully grasp the material

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Reviews summary

Engaging course on positive psychology

Learners say this engaging course on Positive Psychology is well-suited for those new to the field and helps students develop practical skills for a more balanced and fulfilling life. Students particularly appreciate the weekly roundtable discussions and lessons on how to apply positive psychology principles to their daily lives. While one learner found the science behind the content to be somewhat basic, others praised the course for its presentation of real-world applications of positive psychology and its potential to enhance well-being.

Great for those new to positive psychology.

"I started this course without prior knowledge about Positive Psychology."

Roundtable discussions with experts foster interaction.

"Positive Psychology is a very impressive course that opts for a different format to other MOOCs by utilising a round-table discussion"

Provides applicable techniques for daily life.

"It opens the mind and teaches practical skills to enhance the practice of positive psychology."

"Simple ideas are not always easy to put into practise. The course offers a way to do just that and helps heighten awareness about the kinds of emotions we experience daily."

Practical advice grounded in real-life experiences.

"This course is the first I have taken that identifies major positive emotions."

"Positive psychology is not about being happy all the time but learning to build resilience to grow stronger through life's challenges."

Scientific basis may be too elementary for some.

"There wasn't much intellectual substance to this course."

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:

Read 'Positivity: Top-Notch Research Reveals the 3 to 1 Ratio That Will Change Your Life' by Barbara Fredrickson

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Gain insights from the research that laid the foundation for this course

View Positivity on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book
Set aside dedicated time for reading
Take notes or highlight key points
Reflect on the concepts presented in the book and connect them to the course material

Go over your old textbooks or notes on psychology

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Introduce yourself to key terms and definitions used in positive psychology

Browse courses on Psychology

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Find your old textbooks, notes, and other materials that you used in your previous courses on psychology
Review the materials and focus on the definitions of key terms and concepts
Organize the materials into a system that makes sense to you
Review the materials regularly until you feel confident with the basic concepts

Watch video lectures on positive psychology

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Enhance your understanding of positive psychology with visuals and explanations

Browse courses on Positive Psychology

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Search for video lectures on positive psychology on platforms like YouTube or Coursera
Choose videos that cover topics relevant to the course
Take notes or summarize the key points from the videos

Four other activities

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Take practice quizzes on positive psychology

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Test your understanding of the concepts of positive psychology

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Find practice quizzes on positive psychology online or in textbooks
Take the quizzes regularly and track your progress
Review the questions that you answered incorrectly and focus on improving your understanding of those concepts

Attend a workshop on positive psychology

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Gain practical skills and insights from experts

Browse courses on Positive Psychology

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Search for workshops on positive psychology in your area or online
Choose a workshop that aligns with your interests and learning goals
Register for the workshop and attend all sessions
Actively participate in discussions and activities
Take notes and apply the learned techniques in your daily life

Write a blog post or article on positive psychology

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Deepen your understanding by explaining concepts to others

Browse courses on Positive Psychology

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Choose a specific topic in positive psychology that you are interested in
Research the topic thoroughly and gather information from credible sources
Organize your thoughts and create an outline for your blog post or article
Write the content, ensuring it is clear, engaging, and well-supported
Proofread and edit your work carefully before publishing it

Participate in a positive psychology research competition

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Challenge yourself and showcase your understanding

Browse courses on Positive Psychology

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Search for positive psychology research competitions or conferences that offer opportunities to present your work
Develop a research project that aligns with the competition guidelines
Conduct your research, collect data, and analyze your findings
Prepare a presentation or paper to present your research
Attend the competition and present your work

Career center

Learners who complete Positive Psychology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical Psychologists are trained in the science of human behavior, which involves the study of both positive and negative aspects of the human condition. The course in Positive Psychology prepares you to work in this field with the knowledge of the drivers of growth, well-being, and health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Psychologist

School Psychologist

School Psychologists help children and adolescents in schools navigate the challenges of early life. This course in Positive Psychology is an excellent choice for those who wish to enter this career path as it provides insight into the roots of flexibility, creativity, and resilience.

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Counselor

Counselors work with individuals and groups to help them improve their mental health and well-being. The course in Positive Psychology is a valuable tool for counselors as it delves into the art of pursuing happiness and provides guidance on common pitfalls to avoid.

See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor

Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and resources to individuals and families facing social, emotional, and economic challenges. The course in Positive Psychology is an asset to Social Workers as it covers positivity resonance and loving-kindness, which can help strengthen relationships and community.

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Recreation Therapist

Recreation Therapists use activities and interventions to improve the physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being of individuals with disabilities or illnesses. A course in Positive Psychology can be helpful for Recreation Therapists as it provides insight into the delicate art of pursuing happiness and the importance of positivity.

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Teacher

Teachers play a vital role in the lives of children and young adults, helping them learn and grow. A course in Positive Psychology can support Teachers in creating a positive and nurturing learning environment for their students, where they can flourish and reach their full potential.

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Nurse

Nurses provide care and support to patients in a variety of settings. A course in Positive Psychology is an asset for Nurses as it sheds light on the fruits of positivity resonance, which positively impacts health outcomes for patients and creates a more positive work environment for Nurses.

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Life Coach

Life Coaches work with individuals to help them identify and reach their personal and professional goals. A course in Positive Psychology is highly beneficial for Life Coaches as it provides tools and techniques to promote emotional well-being and resilience.

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Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators develop and implement programs to improve the health and well-being of communities. A course in Positive Psychology is a valuable addition for Public Health Educators as it explores the ripples of positivity resonance and the impact it has on relationships and communities, enabling them to design more effective public health campaigns.

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Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help people recover from injuries and illnesses by using activities to improve their physical and cognitive function. A course in Positive Psychology may be useful for Occupational Therapists as it can provide insights into how to motivate patients and support their overall well-being.

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Yoga Instructor

Yoga Instructors guide individuals through physical and mental practices to promote well-being. A course in Positive Psychology may be beneficial for Yoga Instructors as it offers a deeper understanding of the mindscapes and outcomes of positivity, allowing them to create more meaningful and effective classes for their students.

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Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and manage their own businesses. A course in Positive Psychology can be helpful for Entrepreneurs as it teaches the importance of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of happiness, all of which are essential qualities for success in the business world.

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Fitness Trainer

Fitness Trainers help people achieve their fitness goals. A course in Positive Psychology can be useful for Fitness Trainers as it offers tools for motivating clients and fostering a positive mindset, which is crucial for helping clients succeed in their fitness journeys.

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Customer Service Representative

Customer Service Representatives interact with customers to resolve inquiries and provide support. A course in Positive Psychology may be beneficial for Customer Service Representatives as it provides strategies for managing stress and maintaining a positive attitude, which can enhance the quality of interactions with customers.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee the recruitment, development, and well-being of employees within an organization. A course in Positive Psychology can be useful for Human Resources Managers as it provides insights into the importance of positivity in the workplace and strategies for creating a supportive and motivating environment for employees.

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Reading list

We've selected 12 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 .

Character Strengths and Virtues

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Covers the basics of positive psychology and provides a comprehensive overview of the field, including research findings and practical applications. Useful as a textbook or additional reading.

Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and...

Kindle Edition

$$$

Authentic Happiness

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A foundational text in positive psychology, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the field and its practical applications. Explores the different elements of well-being and offers strategies for achieving a more fulfilling life.

Positive Psychology

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Engaging course on positive psychology

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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