What is positive psychology?

Positive psychology is an area of psychology that's dedicated to studying and developing positive emotions, desirable experiences, and character strengths. While other areas of psychology may focus on solving mental health problems, this field focuses on identifying positive mental health traits. A positive psychologist might ask, ""Why is this person satisfied with life?"" rather than ""What is ailing this person and how can we correct it?"" Psychologist Martin Seligman is known as a major contributor to the field of positive psychology. He theorized that there are five elements to a good life: positive emotion, engagement, positive relationships, meaning, and accomplishment (PERMA). Together, these elements can provide a sense of satisfaction that goes beyond momentary happiness.

Why is it important to learn about positive psychology?

In your personal life, knowledge of positive psychology practices can improve your sense of well-being. You can apply the field's findings to subjects such as gratitude, humor, purpose, and flow to increase positive experiences. You can also pass those lessons on to other people to better their lives.

What career opportunities can arise from learning about positive psychology?

Learning about this field can help you pursue a career as a positive psychologist. You'll use your skills to counsel individuals and guide them down a path of mental wellness. The job may involve working with students in a school's counseling office, patients in a healthcare facility, or employees in a business' human resources department. Another potential career path involves starting a private practice as a life coach who works one-on-one with clients. Positive psychologists also conduct ongoing research into subjects like flow and emotional intelligence.

How will online courses help me learn about positive psychology?

Online courses can give you an in-depth understanding of positive psychology through video lectures, reading assignments, and exercises. Lessons will guide you through practical skills such as routinely practicing gratitude, finding purpose, and using mindfulness meditation to stay present. You'll also learn the skills to pass these lessons on to others.

Browse
Positive Psychology

Filter by

252 results for "positive psychology"

University of Pennsylvania
Foundations of Positive Psychology
Skills you'll gain: Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership and Management, Business Psychology, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, People Development, Personal Development, Professional Development, Research and Design, Resilience, Probability & Statistics, Big Data, Business Analysis, Creativity, Data Analysis, Data Management, General Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Basic Descriptive Statistics
4.8
(6.9k reviews)
Beginner · Specialization · 3-6 Months
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
University of Michigan
The Science of Success: What Researchers Know that You Should Know
Skills you'll gain: Business Psychology, Leadership and Management, People Analysis, Professional Development, Human Learning, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, People Development, Behavioral Economics, Business Analysis, Talent Management, Marketing
4.8
(2.6k reviews)
Beginner · Course · 1-3 Months

Searches related to positive psychology

positive psychology: resilience skills

positive psychology: character, grit and research methods

positive psychology specialization project: design your life for well-being

positive psychology: martin e. p. seligman’s visionary science

positive psychology: applications and interventions

foundations of positive psychology

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular positive psychology courses

Foundations of Positive Psychology: University of Pennsylvania
The Science of Well-Being: Yale University
Positive Psychology: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Positive Psychology: Martin E. P. Seligman’s Visionary Science: University of Pennsylvania
Finding Purpose and Meaning In Life: Living for What Matters Most: University of Michigan
The Science of Well-Being for Teens: Yale University
Introduction to Psychology: Yale University
Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health: The University of Sydney
Positive Psychology: Applications and Interventions: University of Pennsylvania
Managing Emotions in Times of Uncertainty & Stress: Yale University

Frequently Asked Questions about Positive Psychology

Positive psychology is an area of psychology that's dedicated to studying and developing positive emotions, desirable experiences, and character strengths. While other areas of psychology may focus on solving mental health problems, this field focuses on identifying positive mental health traits. A positive psychologist might ask, ""Why is this person satisfied with life?"" rather than ""What is ailing this person and how can we correct it?""
Psychologist Martin Seligman is known as a major contributor to the field of positive psychology. He theorized that there are five elements to a good life: positive emotion, engagement, positive relationships, meaning, and accomplishment (PERMA). Together, these elements can provide a sense of satisfaction that goes beyond momentary happiness.‎
Learning about this field can help you pursue a career as a positive psychologist. You'll use your skills to counsel individuals and guide them down a path of mental wellness. The job may involve working with students in a school's counseling office, patients in a healthcare facility, or employees in a business' human resources department. Another potential career path involves starting a private practice as a life coach who works one-on-one with clients. Positive psychologists also conduct ongoing research into subjects like flow and emotional intelligence.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Filter by

252 results for "positive psychology"

Foundations of Positive Psychology

The Science of Well-Being

Positive Psychology

Positive Psychology: Martin E. P. Seligman’s Visionary Science

Finding Purpose and Meaning In Life: Living for What Matters Most

The Science of Well-Being for Teens

Introduction to Psychology

Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health

Positive Psychology: Applications and Interventions

Managing Emotions in Times of Uncertainty & Stress

The Science of Success: What Researchers Know that You Should Know

Positive Psychology: Resilience Skills

Searches related to positive psychology

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular positive psychology courses

Frequently Asked Questions about Positive Psychology

What is positive psychology?‎

Why is it important to learn about positive psychology?‎

What career opportunities can arise from learning about positive psychology?‎

How will online courses help me learn about positive psychology?‎

Start or advance your career

Popular Courses and Certifications

Popular collections and articles

Earn a degree or certificate online

Coursera

Community

More

Filter by

252 results for "positive psychology"

Searches related to positive psychology

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular positive psychology courses

Frequently Asked Questions about Positive Psychology

What is positive psychology?‎

Why is it important to learn about positive psychology?‎

What career opportunities can arise from learning about positive psychology?‎

How will online courses help me learn about positive psychology?‎

Coursera Footer

Start or advance your career

Popular Courses and Certifications

Popular collections and articles

Earn a degree or certificate online

Coursera

Community

More