Applied Positive Psychology

About this minor

When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down "happy". They told me I didn't understand the assignment, and I told them they didn't understand life'

JOHN LENNON

When being asked the question what do you want most out of life, people from all over the world answer: to be happy! But despite decades of economic growth we are no happier now than we were sixty years ago. What is happiness and do we really know what makes us happy? Do we give happiness enough priority? Can we influence our own happiness and the happiness of others and how? These (and more) questions are being asked and answered by positive psychologists all over the world and will be addressed in the minor Applied Positive Psychology.

What is Positive Psychology?

Positive Psychology is the scientific study of wellbeing and human flourishing. This new branch on the psychology tree was founded in 2000 by Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. They were not happy about traditional psychology's emphasis on weaknesses and what is wrong. Psychology should also look at what is right and at people's strengths. Since then psychologists all over the world have started to study happiness, well-being and the good life. According to Seligman we can indeed influence our own happiness by changing our actions and by making the right choices. We can flourish individually and together through experiencing positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishment (PERMA model of wellbeing, 2011).

Is Applied Positive Psychology a minor for you?

Are you interested in psychology in general and in focussing on solutions and human strengths? Are you interested in why we do the things we do and in how we can change our thoughts and behaviour to become happier? Are you interested in helping people, organisations and communities to flourish and become their 'best possible self'? If you are interested in studying in a multi-cultural community, then you will like this minor!!

Content of this minor

In this international minor we will look at the scientific knowledge about happiness and well-being and at the factors that lead to a sense of well-being, meaning and connection. Based on this knowledge we will look further into and develop interventions that can help individuals, organisations, communities and society at large flourish.

Keywords

Happiness, well-being, resilience, engagement and flow, character strengths, optimism, motivation and goals, gratitude, positive relations, sustainable workplaces and societies, happiness economics, mindfulness and many others.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the semester you will be able to:

• describe and explain major relevant theories and areas of research within the field of Positive Psychology.
• identify and discuss interventions based on Applied Positive Psychology.
• critically reflect on the value of the theories and different interventions for both personal development and professional practice.
• apply positive coaching techniques at a basic level.
• develop and implement an intervention based upon the knowledge of Positive Psychology for a specific group, organisation or community.

Curriculum

The semester will be divided into two ten-week periods. In each period there will be a mixture of lectures, workshops, training days, coaching and project time. 

Competencies & Learning outcomes

By the end of the semester you: 

• will be able to identify, describe and explain major relevant theories, areas of research and interventions within the field of Positive Psychology.
• have identified best practices of Positive Psychology in your home country.
• can relate the best practices to the PERMA model.
• know how to apply several positive coaching skills and techniques at a basic level.
• know what makes you happy can critically reflect on the value of the skills and exercises on both personal development as well as for professional practice.
• have practiced different mindfulness and meditation techniques.
• will be able to develop and implement an intervention to create more happiness and wellbeing for a specific group, organisation or community based on the knowledge of Positive Psychology using the method of Appreciative Inquiry.

Before you can start

• You have a general interest in psychology and in looking for solutions and strengths instead of problems and weaknesses.
• You are a third or fourth-year student (Bachelor level).
• You have completed your first year of your education and have obtained at least 45 ECTS in the main phase (year 2, 3 or 4).
• You will need to work in an international multidisciplinary team and master the English language (graduation level secondary school).
• Useful additional personal characteristics for participation in an international team are: an open mind, the ability to listen actively, tolerance, flexibility, transparency in motives, interests and values.
• Academic IELTS 6.5 overall, or
• internet based TOEFL 550, or
• Dialang level B2.
• Hanze students need to apply online in Osiris. 

Exchange students can find more information about the application process on www.hanze.nl/applicationexchange.

If you have any questions, please send them by e-mail to: [email protected]

Find out more about our application process and practical matters.

If you have any questions, you can contact Annemiek Sinnema.
Please send them by e-mail to: [email protected]