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Principles of Positive Psychology (EDUC90787)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 25Online
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- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
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Contact information
Semester 1 (Early-Start)
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 (Early-Start) - Online |
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Fees | Look up fees |
The Principles of Positive Psychology subject will explore the impetus behind the development of positive psychology as well as the theories and frameworks underpinning it. Problem-focused and strengths-based approaches to mental health will be distinguished and the merits and limits of each presented for critical evaluation. Some discussion about the various forms of well-being relating to hedonic and eudaimonic happiness will take place and distinctions between cognitive and affective and subjective and objective forms of happiness will also be made. This subject will provide an overview of some of the key factors associated with positive psychology and well-being, including positive emotions, engagement, meaning, accomplishment and relationships and introduce students to the relevance of these in different contexts and life domains. In particular, the available evidence behind each of these factors will be critically examined.
Intended learning outcomes
Students will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale behind positive psychology.
- Articulate the fundamental objectives of positive psychology.
- Identify and analyse the key conceptual and theoretical frameworks underpinning positive psychology.
- Identify the contributions of other scholars from a range of disciplines and their influence on developing a positive approach to mental health.
- Differentiate between the various forms of well-being (cognitive and affective, subjective and objective).
- Distinguish between problem-focused and strengths-based approaches to mental health and well-being.
- Understand and apply a strengths-based approach to mental health issues.
- Discuss current issues in positive psychology and identify areas which require further scientific attention.
Generic skills
- Analytical and cognitive skills will be developed through critical evaluations of theoretical and empirical contributions.
- Innovative and creative thinking skills will be promoted by encouraging multidisciplinary perspectives and developments to be taken into account and synthesised.
- Written communication skills will be developed through the assignment work.
- Reflective thinking will be developed through diarising learning processes, growth and development experiences.
- Students will learn to synthesise a large volume of relevant conceptual and empirical works.
Last updated: 10 February 2024