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Positive Psychology

Martin E. P. Seligman’s Visionary Science

Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D.

4.9

Based on 6,065 ratings

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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.

There are no prerequisites.

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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.

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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

Seligman's visionary positive psychology science

According to learners, this course offers a deep dive into the scientific foundations of positive psychology led by its founder, Dr. Martin Seligman. Students find the content insightful and transformative, providing a clear understanding of key concepts and research. Many appreciate the practical exercises and skills taught, which they can immediately apply to their lives. While the lectures are praised for their clarity and Selgiman's expertise, some students mention the course is strongly theory-based, which might be less practical for those seeking only applied techniques.

Requires careful attention to complex ideas.

"Some modules delve into complex research details that require focus."

"While the explanations are clear, the concepts themselves are deep and thought-provoking."

"Not a light, easy course; it demands engagement with nuanced ideas."

"Requires active processing to fully grasp the scientific arguments presented."

May be too theoretical for some learners.

"While scientifically rigorous, it leans heavily theoretical; more practical case studies would be helpful."

"Great if you want the science, but less hands-on than I expected for applying concepts."

"Some parts felt very academic, potentially challenging for those new to scientific language."

"Requires self-direction to translate the theory into concrete practice beyond the suggested exercises."

Builds a strong base in the field.

"Gave me a solid understanding of the core principles and history of positive psychology."

"Excellent introduction to the field, covering key research and concepts effectively."

"Provides a comprehensive overview necessary for further study or application."

"Helped solidify my understanding of what positive psychology truly is."

Grounded in research and empirical data.

"The course is firmly grounded in scientific research and empirical data, which is essential."

"I appreciated the emphasis on the evidence-based aspects of positive psychology."

"It's not just self-help platitudes, but serious science presented clearly."

"Provides a solid scientific foundation for understanding human flourishing."

Offers skills and exercises for real-life use.

"The exercises provided are practical and have made a noticeable difference in my daily life."

"I learned research-based skills I could immediately start practicing."

"Provides actionable strategies for increasing well-being."

"Translates complex theory into applicable techniques for personal growth."

Learn directly from positive psychology's founder.

"Learning directly from Dr. Seligman is an incredible experience and provides unique insights."

"Hearing the history and vision from the founder himself makes the concepts truly come alive."

"Seligman's personal reflections and examples are incredibly powerful."

"Getting the information straight from the source is invaluable for understanding the field."

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.

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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.

Browse courses on Volunteering

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wellness Coach

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marriage and Family Therapist

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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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist

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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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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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

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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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

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

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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

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Seligman's visionary positive psychology science

Activities

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Reading list

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