PC6077 - Positive Psychology (2024/25)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | ||||||||||
| Module title | Positive Psychology | ||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||
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| Running in 2024/25(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The aim of this module is to provide a critical introduction to the fast-evolving field of positive psychology, with emphasis on theoretical and methodological approaches in positive psychology and real-life applications. You will learn how to appropriately review and contrast different conceptions of well-being and associated phenomena, and analyse how they have been applied to individuals, groups, and communities across time and cultures. Through experiential learning and reflection, you will explore new ways of applying the principles and methods of positive psychology to foster individual and collective well-being. The module will thus enhance your knowledge and critical understanding of positive psychology and its application in different settings, and equip you with transferable skills necessary for further study in different branches of psychology and employment in various professional contexts.
Prior learning requirements
Topics covered in the module will be drawn from: Competing conceptions of well-being, tracing back their historical and philosophical origins; concepts that originated in the field of positive psychology and spread to other areas of psychology (e.g., positive emotions, character strengths, flow, mindfulness, and flourishing); applications of positive psychology in a variety of domains (e.g., education, work, sports, leisure, relationships, clinical psychology, community enhancement, and urban planning); ethics and methodologies used in positive psychology intervention studies.
Syllabus
Topics covered in the module will be drawn from: Competing conceptions of well-being, tracing back their historical and philosophical origins; concepts that originated in the field of positive psychology and spread to other areas of psychology (e.g., positive emotions, character strengths, flow, mindfulness, and flourishing); applications of positive psychology in a variety of domains (e.g., education, work, sports, leisure, relationships, clinical psychology, community enhancement, and urban planning); ethics and methodologies used in positive psychology intervention studies.
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The learning objectives will be achieved through a combination of lectures, interactive workshops and seminars, supplementary guided web-based learning, and self-managed independent study. Formative assessments and group work in seminars will provide you with constructive tutor and feedback. You will be encouraged to reflect on your learning throughout the module and to take responsibility for your own learning including identifying developmental needs.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Provide a rationale for a positive psychology intervention based on a critical appraisal of existing theories and your own experiential learning and reflection.
2. Design a positive psychology intervention including the identification of a suitable target, the definition of the treatment, procedure, and pre/post-treatment data collection.
3. Write a positive psychology intervention proposal that could be submitted to a funding agency, perform a cost-benefit analysis, and appraise its limitations and potential side effects.