Positive Psychology 2500-EN_F_99
Psychology is the scientific study of all aspects of the mind, and yet, for
various reasons, psychologists have largely focused their efforts on
exploring the abnormal, while leaving the less pressing topics such as
“happiness” to pop psychology. In effect, researchers know (or used to
know until very recently) very little about issues which are central to most
people’s lives. What is happiness? What makes people happy? How can
you raise your children to be happy adults?
In this course we will start by observing the overemphasis on the
abnormal in the history of psychology and recognising the need for a new
field. Then we will discuss whether topics such as happiness (and other
“positive” life outcomes, e.g. resilience, creativity or genius ) can be
studied scientifically and we will contrast that with the so-called “pop
psychology”. Then we will explore the principles of Positive Psychology,
including definitions, determinants and neurobiology of happiness. We
will cover the works of Martin Seligman, the father of this new discipline,
as well as studies of many other researchers.
As this field is largely application-oriented, we will look closely at studies
examining the effectiveness of various “treatments”. In other words, we
will explore whether there is any recipe for happiness, and whether such
techniques are effective in preventing negative life outcomes such as
depression. Finally, we will consider the role of positive psychology in
areas such as child rearing, education, health, institutions etc.
Type of course
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes:
Understanding of the core concepts, theories and studies in Positive Psychology
Awareness of the extent to which current psychology addresses all aspects of human functioning.
Knowledge of the effectiveness of various “positive treatments in increasing happiness and life satisfaction.
Assessment criteria
40% Essay, 2000 words ( around week 11; exploring a chosen topic in
Positive Psychology beyond the curriculum of this course )
40% Final exam, 1,5h, written, Short Answer Questions, testing
knowledge of the main concepts and studies
20% Mid-term exam, 0,5 h, written in class around week 6
Students are allowed 2 absences per term. If students miss more than 2
classes, but have a legitimate excuse (such as illness), they might be given
extra assignments. Poor attendance is likely to result in poor performance
on exams, and is therefore strongly discouraged.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: