Positive Psychology
Volledige vakbeschrijving
The intent of positive psychology is to have a more complete and balanced scientific understanding of the human experience, by abandoning the exclusive focus on vulnerability factors (‘fixing what is wrong’) towards including protective factors (‘building what is strong’). Positive psychology is concerned with both making the lives of people fulfilling as with healing and preventing pathology. Focusing on building strengths (e.g., optimism, positive affect) instead of correcting weaknesses can protect against and bolster recovery of mental illnesses. Examining both vulnerability and protective factors will help to disentangle what leads to outcomes of recovery, sustainability (perseverance in valued activities despite hardship) and growth (benefit finding).
The course will focus on the science of (applied) positive psychology. First, key constructs (e.g. optimism, self-compassion) and theories (e.g. broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, self-determination theory) in the field of positive psychology will be covered. Second, the use of evidence-based positive psychology interventions in clinical practice will be discussed. Last, experience with positive psychology techniques will be gained during this course.
Doelstellingen van dit vak
After you have finished this course:
- you have gained knowledge about central positive psychology topics (e.g. well-being, resilience, optimism, positive emotions and self-compassion);
- you are able to understand and explain theories that are relevant to positive psychology (e.g., self-determination theory and broaden-and-build theory);
- you can interpret, contrast and criticize empirical findings in the field of positive psychology;
- you have gained knowledge on evidence based positive psychology interventions;
- you know different positive psychology techniques and know how to apply them to enhance subjective well-being.
- M.M. Hanssen