Positive Psychology (PSYC2381)
Information valid for Semester 1, 2025
Course level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
School
Psychology School
Units
2
Duration
One Semester
Attendance mode
In Person
Class hours
2 Lecture hours
2 Tutorial hours
Recommended prerequisite
PSYC1030
Assessment methods
Quizzes, task-sheets, journal self-practice exercises and self-reflections
Course enquiries
Associate Professor James Kirby (Semester 1, St Lucia, In person)
A/Prof James Kirby
Study Abroad
This course is pre-approved for Study Abroad and Exchange students.
Current course offerings
| Course offerings | Location | Mode | Course Profile |
| Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025) | St Lucia | In Person | Course Profile |
Please Note: Course profiles marked as not available may still be in development.
Course description
Traditionally applied psychological research has focused on understanding the causes of psychopathology & the evaluation of therapies aimed at alleviating psychological distress. In more recent times attention has broadened to consider psychological wellbeing as an important focus for psychologists. The field of positive psychology acknowledges that people maybe be "languishing" but not suffering from diagnosed mental disorders such as anxiety or depression. Importantly, this focus on wellbeing has attempted to identify a wide range of character strengths and virtues that promote creativity, self-compassion, flexibility, all of which can help facilitate a sense of purpose and help people to "flourish". This course will explore both the theory & practice of positive psychology.
