Positive Psychology

Code:

P738

Acronym:

PP

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Psychology

Instance: 2015/2016 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Psychology
Course/CS Responsible:	Integrated Master Psychology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIPSI	40	Official Curricular Structure	2	-	3	30	81

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

Introduction to the scientific study of the enhancement of strengths and optimal functioning. Basic research, concepts, assessment and interventions in understanding optimal functioning within diverse populations and settings.

Learning outcomes and competences

It is intended that students will be able to:

Acquire an historical, cultural and interdisciplinary perspective of Positive Psychology;
Acquire a strong knowledge regarding classifications, theories and constructs associated with Positive Psychology, in terms of characterization, assessment and intervention;
Acquire a developmental perspective of Positive Psychology;
Acquire knowledge about methodologies and areas of action-reasearch of Positive Psychology;
Apply the knowledge in the development and evaluation of intervention and research proposals in different settings;

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. Syllabus & Introductions


2. Current models of Positive Psychology

                                        Classifications and measures of strengths

                                             ii.     Clifton Strengths Finder (Gallup)

                                            iii.     Classification VIA

                                            iv.     SI’40

                                         Distinction between classifications and measures

1. Models and instruments of Positive Psychology

                                             i.     Hope, Optimism, Self-Efficacy

                                             ii.     Well-Being, Happiness, Life Satisfaction
                                           
                                             iii.    Positive Emotions

                                             iv.    Altruism, Forgiveness, Gratitude

                                             iv.    Spirituality, Resilience

      4. Positive Psychology across the Lifespan
                                             
                                              i. Childhood

                                              ii. Adolescence

                                              iii. Adulthood

                                              iv. Old Age

1. Positive Psychology Interventions

                                               i.     School

                                               ii.     Health

                                               iii.    Work

                                               iv.    Family and Community

Mandatory literature

Lopez Shane J. 340; Positive psychological assessment. ISBN: 1-55798-988-5
Snyder C. R.; Positive psychology. ISBN: 0-7619-2633-X
Snyder C. R. 340; Handbook of positive psychology. ISBN: 0-19-513533-4
Seligman, M. E. P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M; Positive psychology: An introduction. , American Psychologist, 55, 5–14., 2000
Seligman, M. E. P., Rashid, T., & Parks, A. C.; Positive psychotherapy. , American Psychologist, 61, 774–788., 2006
Seligman, M. E. P., Steen, T. A., Park, N. & Peterson, C. ; Positive psychology progress: Empirical validation of interventions., American Psychologist, 60, 410- 421., 2005

Teaching methods and learning activities

This course is based on a theoretical and practical dynamic of teaching and learning. Classroom activities will include expositions on the matter. Students will present reflections on the topics in study from the literature, work and practical exercises.

The assessment will include one practical work, mandatory, to apply the contents of the Unit Curriculum (5 values​​) and one final exam with two questions of direct response (2.5 points each) to evaluate the acquisition of specific knowledge. There are two more questions (expanded response) to assess the ability of demonstration, articulation and critical position (5 points each).

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	75,00
Trabalho escrito	25,00
Total:	100,00

Calculation formula of final grade

25%TE + 75%E = Final Classification
Every componente is expressed in a scale between 0 and 20