EDF4599 · The psychology of wellbeing and human flourishing

Overview

This unit will introduce you to the theoretical orientation and application of wellbeing science through positive psychology as it applies to individuals, groups and organisations in professional psychological practice. Positive psychology is the scientific investigation of conditions and processes that facilitate optimal functioning and flourishing. You will critically reflect on and examine a number of these conditions and processes including belonging, gratitude, flow, character strengths and mindfulness alongside positive emotions such as happiness, optimism and contentment. Critical examination will extend to measurement tools and assessment approaches. Examining how psychologists apply the principles of wellbeing science, including in combination with other therapeutic approaches, within clinical settings, education, and organisations will be a central focus of this unit. You will consider cultural diversity and cross-culture applicability as well as examine the strengths and limitations of the available evidence-base. You will also have opportunity for personal engagement with positive psychology tools and practices for enhancing wellbeing. You will engage in short weekly practices which will offer an opportunity for you to reflect - individually and collectively - on what you learned from the experience. Teaching approaches will include lectures, case studies, pre-class reading and activities, embodied learning and reflection, and modelling of positive psychology practices and interventions.

Areas of study: Psychology

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. critically consider the underlying principles of wellbeing science and positive psychology
2. comprehensively understand, explain and demonstrate competence in administering and applying a range of positive psychological tools and techniques
3. apply empirically supported positive psychology practices to your personal life and critically reflect on personal benefits and challenges
4. critically evaluate relevance and applicability of positive psychology tools and practices for diverse clients in a range of professional practice settings
5. communicate to a range of diverse clients and organisations the opportunities for wellbeing science to facilitate optimal functioning and flourishing.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per teaching period comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Usually, you can expect to engage with: • 24 hours of scheduled learning delivered on campus via weekly/regular directed learning activities; and • the remaining hours to be allocated towards self-directed/independent study Scheduled learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.