The Psychology of Wellbeing
Gain a psychological understanding of emotions and behaviour, and discover new ways to improve mental health and wellbeing
Duration
3 weeksWeekly study
3 hours100% online
How it worksDigital upgrade
Free
The Psychology of Wellbeing
This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.
Study the psychological science behind wellbeing and mental health
Welcome to this introduction to the University of Aberdeen’s 13‑week course, The Psychology of Wellbeing, which runs twice a year in September and January. Should you wish to continue to the full course, you can enjoy 10% off your registration using the code FutureLearn26.
Foundations of Wellbeing and Happiness
This course offers an exploration into the science of human flourishing, tracing the rise of wellbeing from a historical perspective to its current status as a global priority.
We start by investigating whether the wellbeing movement is a passing trend or a fundamental shift in societal values, offering an historical perspective to ground your understanding. You will move beyond surface-level ideas to define what wellbeing is, scrutinising theoretical models to arrive at a multifactorial definition.
The Psychology of Adaptation and Bias
You will examine why our biological systems often hinder our pursuit of joy, specifically through the mechanics of hedonic adaptation and the psychological immune system. You will learn about internal set points and the impact of negative bias on daily experiences.
Understanding these cognitive hurdles is essential for navigating the riot of emotions that define the human condition.
Storytelling and Emotional Intelligence
Finally, the course will explore how the stories we tell ourselves and others shape our reality, investigating how collective myths and personal biases influence our perception of success. You will develop a deeper emotional language, learning the critical difference between expression and suppression.
Syllabus
Week 1
What is wellbeing and why does it matter?
Psychology of Wellbeing welcome
An introduction to the course and a brief history of wellbeing.
What actually is wellbeing?
This series of recordings explores the concept of psychological wellbeing.
Why does wellbeing matter and how do we measure it?
In this activity, in a series of short recordings, we take a closer look at why wellbeing matters, how we measure it and reflect upon it in discussion.
Experiental measures and evaluation of wellbeing
In this activity, in a series of short recordings, we explore the concept of measuring wellbeing, reflect upon it in discussion, concluding the week with a reading list.
Week 2
Our brains and wellbeing
Why don’t our brains make us happy?
In this activity, we will watch two videos regarding hedonic adaptation and brain mechanisms.
Bad is stronger than good
In this activity, we will watch two videos and discuss them.
We want to be happy- but our brains don’t always let us
In this activity, we will watch two videos and complete a discussion.
What we believe makes us happy: the stories we are told
In this activity, we will watch a video, complete 2 discussion boards and familiarise ourselves with a reading list.
Week 3
Emotions and wellbeing.
Emotions…. What are they anyway?
In this activity, we will watch several videos exploring the subject of emotions.
Theory of emotions
In this activity, we will watch two videos exploring the subject of emotions and take part in a discussion board.
The Power of Emotions
In this activity, we will watch two short videos regarding the power of emotions.
Emotional suppression, expression and our beliefs about emotions
In this activity, we will watch the last video on emotions, take part in a discussion and see the reading list.
Who is this accredited by?
The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Critique the evolution of wellbeing from its historical roots to contemporary global trends
- Develop a definition of wellbeing by exploring diverse academic models
- Discuss the biological impediments to joy, specifically the psychological immune system and set points
- Evaluate the impact of negative bias and affective forecasting on future emotional predictions
- Explore how personal narratives and collective societal myths shape perceptions of success
Who is the course for?
This course isdesigned for anyone with an interest in psychological wellbeing. It may be of particular interest to those working in community settings.
Who developed the course?
University of Aberdeen
University of Aberdeen is the 3rd oldest Scottish and 5th oldest UK University. With 14500 students from 120 countries, it is a world leader in medical research, energy, environment, law and business.
What's included?
University of Aberdeen are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn
Learner reviews
Learner reviews cannot be loaded due to your cookie settings. Please and refresh the page to view this content.
Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...
More courses you might like
Learners who joined this course have also enjoyed these courses.
Browse more in Psychology & Mental Health and Healthcare & Medicine
