Course

Unit 1

Introduction; Applications and Future of Positive Psychology

Introduction: Definitions, Objectives and Goals, History of Positive Psychology – Eastern and Western Perspectives, Essential Concepts, Research methods

Applications – Education, Organisation, Counselling and Psychotherapy; Assessments in Positive Psychology

Future directions – Cultural perspectives; Emerging trends; Policy making and social development

Explore online Positive Psychology assessment tools like VIA Survey of Character Strengths, PERMA profiler, or free well-being quizzes to assess themselves and peers.

Unit 2

Well-being and Character Strengths

Well-being – Definitions, Types – Subjective well-being, psychological well-being and social well-being, Theories, Fostering Well-being

Character Strengths – Definitions, VIA classification of Virtues and character strengths – Types and significance; Methods to enhance Character Strengths; Connection amidst Well-being and Character Strengths

Use mobile apps such as Happify or Moodfit to track daily positive activities, well-being, and character strengths.

Unit 3

Positive emotions and Optimism

Positive Emotions – Definitions and Types, Broaden and Build theory, Cultivating Positive Emotions

Optimism- Definition and Theories, Neurobiology of Optimism, Flourishing, Coping and Emotional Intelligence

Maintain digital journals using apps like Daylio or Journey to record daily positive experiences and optimism exercises, promoting reflection and self-monitoring.

Unit 4

Resilience and Grit

Resilience – Definitions and Theories, Factors contributing to Resilience, Fostering Resilience

Grit – Definition and similarities and difference between goals, determination and grit, Four Pillars of Grit, Fixed and Growth mindsets, Grit development. Relationship between Resilience and Grit

Participate in online interactive resilience and grit challenges (via Kahoot or Google Forms) to practice coping strategies and growth mindset activities.

Unit 5

Flow, Mindfulness and Spirituality

Flow – Concepts – Meaning, Consciousness, Quality of life; Conditions for Flow; Body, Thoughts, Emotions, Family and Work in Flow; Mastering Flow

Mindfulness – Definition, John Kabat Zinn – Breathing meditation, Body scan meditation, Mountain meditation and Loving Kindness meditation. Relationship between Flow, Mindfulness and Spirituality

Practice guided mindfulness and flow exercises via apps such as Insight Timer, Headspace, or Calm. Record reflections digitally and share anonymized progress summaries for discussion.

Text Books / References

Textbooks

1. Carr, A. (2011). Positive psychology: The science of happiness and human strengths. Routledge.
2. Snyder, C. R., & Lopez, S. J. (2007). Positive psychology: The scientific and practical exploration of human strengths. Sage Publications.
3. Mohanty, G. B. (2018). Positive psychology. Kalyani Publishers.
4. Peterson, C. (2006). A primer in positive psychology. Oxford University Press.
5. Snyder, C. R., Lopez, S. J., Edwards, L. M., & Marques, S. C. (Eds.). (2021). The Oxford handbook of positive psychology (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.

Suggested Readings

1. Peterson, C. (2006). A primer in positive psychology. Oxford University Press.
2. Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-     being. Free Press.
3. Snyder, C. R., & Lopez, S. J. (2009). Oxford handbook of positive psychology (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.

This course aims to introduce the basic concepts of Positive Psychology which helps the students to see the behaviour from its strength and well-being perspective. Positive Psychology focuses on cultivating human strengths, virtues, and factors that contribute to optimal functioning and flourishing. By shifting the attention from merely diagnosing and treating psychological weaknesses or disorders, this approach encourages students to identify and harness positive traits such as resilience, gratitude, optimism, and empathy. The course emphasises the practical application of these strengths in diverse contexts, including education, organisational settings, counselling, and psychotherapy. Students will learn how positive psychological principles can enhance learning environments, foster productive workplaces, and improve therapeutic outcomes by promoting mental health and well-being. Through theoretical exploration and evidence-based practices, learners will be equipped to apply positive psychology concepts in real-life scenarios, thereby supporting individual and community well-being and unlocking human potential in both personal and professional spheres.

Course Objectives:

• To develop understanding about the basics, principles, methods of Positive Psychology
• To explore the evidence-based practices that prevails in the field
• To analyse the applications of the Positive Psychology in various required sectors
• To introduce beginner-level technology tools to track, enhance, and share well-being and positive psychology practices.

Course Outcomes

• CO1: Students understand the foundational concepts of Positive Psychology
• CO2: Students know the evidence-based practices
• CO3: Students apply the Positive Psychology concepts for their personal and professional development
• CO4: Students explore ways to devise strategies to solve problems using the concepts of Positive psychology
• CO5: Students utilise beginner-level digital tools to monitor and promote well-being, character strengths, and positive interventions.

CO-PO Mapping