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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.
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. Consider 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. Understand 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. Reflect and apply wellbeing concepts to local communities and how they could be implemented.7. Critically evaluate the literature on wellbeing, considering its limitations.
PSYC105 and PSYC106; or 60 points at 100 level from any subject.
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Julia Rucklidge
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.
Domestic fee $978.00
International fee $4,988.00
* 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 .