PSYC214-23S1 (D) Semester One 2023 (Distance)

The Science and Practice of Wellbeing

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 20 February 2023
End Date: Sunday, 25 June 2023
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 5 March 2023
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 14 May 2023

Description

The Science and Practice of Wellbeing will introduce you to the psychological science and practice of wellbeing. It will draw on psychological theory, research evidence, and practical techniques to help you understand the factors that create flourishing individuals, communities, and societies. Psychological models of wellbeing will be introduced and critically evaluated. The course will teach about empirically validated holistic methods of improving mental wellbeing. This course will provide you with an understanding of current theoretical models and research evidence regarding the factors that promote the capacity for people to thrive. This course diverts from a more traditional focus on illness to one on health, from what causes us to experience distress and suffering to what protects us against distress and assists with flourishing, and from a focus on eliminating problems to cultivating strengths.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Demonstrate information literacy by developing a conception of ‘wellbeing’ based on diverse sources, including Māori and Pasifika perspectives, popular and scientific sources, and a range of disciplines.

2. Distinguish between common myths versus empirical evidence regarding the contributors to wellbeing.  

3. Discuss the key psychological, sociocultural and biological factors contributing to wellbeing, including emotions, thinking styles, social and cultural engagement, positive relationships, connection with the land, accomplishment, meaning, personal growth, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle.  

4. Explain how to measure wellbeing and how to recognise reliable and valid questionnaires for assessing wellbeing constructs.  

5. Discuss and practice strategies to enhance personal wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.  

6. Critically evaluate the literature on wellbeing in terms of its limitations so as to recognise directions for future research.

Prerequisites

60 points at 100 level from any subject.
Recommended PSYC105/PSYC106.

Recommended Preparation

Course Coordinator

Julia Rucklidge

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Reflective writing pieces (4) 20%
Mid semester test 20%
Literature Review 30%
Exam 25%
Participation in research or additional reflective writing piece 5%
Knowledge checks

Textbooks / Resources

There is no textbook for this course; you will be required to read/watch a selection of scientific papers, popular articles and/or videos for each topic.

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $951.00

International fee $4,750.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing .

All PSYC214 Occurrences

  • PSYC214-23S1 (C) Semester One 2023
  • PSYC214-23S1 (D) Semester One 2023 (Distance)