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Positive Psychology

Martin E. P. Seligman’s Visionary Science

Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D.

Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman—renowned worldwide as the “father of Positive Psychology”—has led visionary leaps in the scientific research, empirical data and personal understandings of human flourishing. This course explores the past, present and future of positive psychology as a journey through the key scientific leaps led by Dr. Seligman and his colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania's Positive Psychology Center and Master of Applied Positive Psychology program.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Positive Psychology Introduction by Dr. Martin Seligman

In this module, Dr. Martin Seligman introduces the scientific foundations of positive psychology and key research findings that led to a revolutionary understanding of what makes people flourish. Participants will learn about research-based skills and exercises to increase well-being and begin to practice these skills in their own lives.

The Skills of Well-being Can Be Learned, Taught, and Transformative

In this module, Dr. Martin Seligman shares the great leaps in scientific understanding that created the foundation for a science of well-being at individual, communal, and global levels.

Being Whole: Mind/Body Flourishing Throughout Life

In this module, Dr. Martin Seligman shares key research questions from the field of Positive Psychology, and the answers turn some conventional assumptions on their head. Are we shaped by the future vs. the past? And what does science tell us about mind/body flourishing? What gets better as we age?

Future Directions in Positive Psychology

In this module, Dr. Martin Seligman discusses some of the most inspiring recent and future developments in the field of Positive Psychology, in particular those that transcend individual experience and have the potential to transform our world.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Appropriate for beginners and generalists looking to explore the fundamentals of positive psychology

Renowned instructor Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman has had significant contributions to the field

Develops valuable skills in well-being and flourishing

Provides insights into the relationship between mind and body health

Lacks specific prerequisites, making it accessible to learners from diverse backgrounds

Focuses primarily on individual well-being and may not delve deeply into societal or global implications

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Reviews summary

Positive psychology's mission

learners say Positive Psychology: Martin E.P. Seligman’s Visionary Science is a largely positive course that teaches about the science of happiness and well-being. The course is engaging and informative, and it is highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about positive psychology and developing the skills to live a more fulfilling life.

Each person has their unique set of strengths that can be used to promote well-being.

"VIA's strength survey can help you identify your own unique strengths."

"Knowing and using our signature strengths is one way to increase happiness and well-being. "

Learned optimism is a skill that can be cultivated to help promote well-being.

"Learned optimism is a way we can reframe negative thoughts into positive ones."

"Learned optimism has been shown to have a positive effect on well-being."

Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment are the pillars identified as crucial to a meaningful and flourishing life.

"Flourishing in life can be summarized by PERMA"

"PERMA is something we can cultivate in our lives"

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: Martin E. P. Seligman’s Visionary Science with these activities:

Review Positive Psychology

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Reviewing Positive Psychology by Seligman and Peterson can help you understand key concepts associated with the field and its applications to your own life and well-being.

View Authentic Happiness on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-3
Make a list of key concepts and ideas
Identify how you can apply these concepts to your own life and well-being

Practice Gratitude

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Practicing gratitude can help you cultivate positive emotions and increase your well-being.

Browse courses on Gratitude

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Write down three things you are grateful for every day
Express gratitude to someone in your life

Learn about Mindfulness

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Learning about mindfulness can help you reduce stress, improve your focus, and increase your overall well-being.

Browse courses on Mindfulness

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Watch a guided meditation video
Practice mindfulness for 5 minutes every day

Four other activities

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Create a Flourishing Plan

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Creating a flourishing plan can help you set goals and take action to improve your well-being.

Browse courses on Flourishing

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Identify your strengths and weaknesses
Set goals in different areas of your life, such as relationships, health, and career
Develop a plan to achieve your goals
Monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed

Join a Positive Psychology Support Group

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Joining a positive psychology support group can provide you with support, accountability, and resources to help you on your journey to flourishing.

Browse courses on Positive Psychology

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Find a local or online support group
Attend a meeting and share your experiences and insights

Volunteer for a Cause You Care About

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Volunteering for a cause you care about can help you connect with your community, make a difference, and increase your own well-being.

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Identify a cause you are passionate about
Find a volunteer opportunity that aligns with your interests and skills
Commit to a regular volunteering schedule

Write a Blog Post or Article About Positive Psychology

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Writing a blog post or article about positive psychology can help you deepen your understanding of the field and share your knowledge with others.

Browse courses on Positive Psychology

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Choose a topic that you are knowledgeable about and passionate about
Do your research and gather evidence-based information
Write a clear and engaging article or blog post
Publish your article or blog post on a relevant platform

Career center

Learners who complete Positive Psychology: Martin E. P. Seligman’s Visionary Science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Psychologist

Psychologists may use research and the fundamentals of positive psychology in their work. Those who want to specialize in positive psychology to strengthen their careers may find this course particularly useful, as it provides an extensive basis in the science of well-being at individual, communal, and global levels.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Wellness Coach

Wellness Coaches assist their clients in various aspects of well-being. A key component of this course is the exploration of what makes people flourish. This information could be valuable to a Wellness Coach who wants to improve their approach to assisting others in increasing their well-being.

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Life Coach

Positive Psychology explores what makes people flourish, and a Life Coach's main objective is to help people live more fulfilling lives. Taking this course may be particularly helpful for a Life Coach who wants to incorporate well-being and flourishing into their coaching practice.

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Clinical Social Worker

Positive Psychology may be incorporated into the work of Clinical Social Workers in several ways. This course provides valuable insights into a variety of research-based skills and exercises that increase well-being. This course may be especially useful for Clinical Social Workers who want to expand their knowledge of well-being.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Social Worker

School Psychologist

A School Psychologist might find the study of positive psychology to be useful in developing interventions that foster student well-being and success. This course may be especially helpful for a School Psychologist who wants to incorporate well-being and flourishing into their work.

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Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and Family Therapists frequently specialize in a particular region of psychology. Positive Psychology may be beneficial to those specializing in relationships and family dynamics as it explores what makes people flourish. This course includes research-based skills and exercises that can improve well-being.

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Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists assist people in participating in meaningful activities. This course delves into the scientific underpinnings of positive psychology and key research findings that have led to a groundbreaking understanding of what makes people flourish. This knowledge may be useful to an Occupational Therapist who wants to learn more about well-being.

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Astronomer

While this course does not teach astronomy, it may be useful for an Astronomer who wants to better understand human behavior and motivation. The course provides an introduction to the science of flourishing, which could be helpful in interpersonal interactions or in understanding the effects of isolation in extreme environments like space.

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Physicist

Physicists may be interested in studying positive psychology to learn more about human flourishing and well-being. While this course does not directly teach physics, it may provide insights into human behavior and motivation that could be valuable to a Physicist interested in these topics.

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Data Scientist

A Data Scientist may be interested in the principles and research methods of positive psychology to better understand human behavior and well-being. This course introduces the science of flourishing and provides research-based skills and exercises that can be applied to data analysis.

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Software Engineer

Positive Psychology principles may be used by Software Engineers to design technology that promotes user well-being. This course provides a foundation in the science of flourishing, which may be useful for a Software Engineer interested in developing products that enhance well-being.

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Landscape Architect

Landscape Architects may be interested in the principles of positive psychology to create outdoor spaces that promote well-being and flourishing. This course explores what makes people flourish and provides research-based skills and exercises that can be applied to landscape design.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners may be interested in the principles of positive psychology to create cities and communities that promote well-being and flourishing. This course explores what makes people flourish and provides research-based skills and exercises that can be applied to urban planning.

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Architect

Positive Psychology emphasizes the importance of environmental factors in well-being. An Architect may be interested in this course to learn more about how the design of buildings and spaces can promote well-being and flourishing.

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Interior designer

Interior Designers may be interested in the principles of positive psychology to create spaces that promote well-being and flourishing. This course explores what makes people flourish and provides research-based skills and exercises that can be applied to interior design.

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Reading list

We've selected 29 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: Martin E. P. Seligman’s Visionary Science.

Character Strengths and Virtues

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of positive psychology, covering its history, key concepts, and research findings. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about the science of well-being.

Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and...

Kindle Edition

$$$

Positive Psychology

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The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology comprehensive reference work that provides an overview of the latest research in the field. It is an essential resource for scholars and researchers in positive psychology.

Positive Psychology

Martin E. P. Seligman’s Visionary Science

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Positive psychology's mission

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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