Positive Psychology

What is Positive Psychology?

Positive psychology is the science of optimal human functioning. It focuses on what makes people flourish, rather than languish. Ultimately, it is about producing well-being and personal development, rather than merely reducing distress and disease.

There are many topics under the umbrella of positive psychology such as flow, happiness, curiosity, mindfulness, mindsets and much, much more.

Positive psychology doesn’t negate ‘psychology as usual’. Rather it can be viewed as a supplement to the established clinical disciplines within the field. Its is important to maintain a holistic perspective when looking at the potential within human kind.

What courses are available?

There are currently only 2 MSc. course in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) across the world. Within Europe, the only English speaking Msc. in Applied positive psychology is currently running at the University of East London, London, UK. For details on the course, please follow the link below.

 

 

 

 

 

www.uel.ac.uk/psychology/programmes/postgraduate/positive-msc.htm

How can I get involved?

For information on how to get involved in Positive psychology within the UK, please email Mapp@uel.ac.uk

What books on Positive Psychology do you recommend?

The most comprehensive undergraduate/introductory MSc. textbook on the market is Hefferon & Boniwell (2011):

Discover the latest research findings and thinking on the topics of happiness, flow, optimism, motivation, character strengths, love and more! Find out how one’s happiness levels can be increased, what stops us from flourishing and how positive psychology can be applied to many professional disciplines. This textbook combines a breadth of information about positive psychology with reflective questions and critical commentary. Not your usual textbook, it is written in a witty, engaging and contemporary manner accessible to many.

Available at amazon:

www.amazon.co.uk/Positive-Psychology-Kate-Hefferon/dp/0335241956/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1314385954&sr=8-3

Positive Psychology Quarterly

We are pleased to announce the UK’s first newsletter aimed at MAPP students, alumni, lecturers, speakers, and associates – past and present. Positive Psychology Quarterly (PPQ) is a forward-looking newsletter focusing on how Positive Psychology is being studied, implemented, and changing the world we live in.

Every edition will be built with students’ needs at its heart, its purpose to entertain and inform MAPP students about ongoing developments in the field and the course itself, featuring:

• News • Event Listings • Book Reviews • Charitable Endeavours • Individual Student and Professional Profiles • Notices of Recognition • Developments • Achievement Awards • Lecturers’ Activities • Extracurricular Opportunities • Students’ Experiences and Tips • Test Yourself Sections • Fun, Informative Surveys • Regular columns on MAPP itself with student input • Notices And Useful information/Resources

. PPQ Website