aVLAP021 Applied Positive Psychology for Health and Well-Being

Faculty of Medicine
spring 2023
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 3 credit(s). Recommended Type of Completion: k (colloquium). Other types of completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
doc. PhDr. Alena Slezáčková, Ph.D. (lecturer)
PhDr. Pavel Humpolíček, Ph.D. (lecturer)
doc. PhDr. Miroslav Světlák, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Blanka Suchá (assistant)
Guaranteed by
doc. PhDr. Miroslav Světlák, Ph.D.
Department of Medical Psychology and Psychosomatics – Theoretical Departments – Faculty of Medicine
Contact Person: doc. PhDr. Alena Slezáčková, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Medical Psychology and Psychosomatics – Theoretical Departments – Faculty of Medicine
Timetable
Mon 16:00–17:15 KOM 200
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
The capacity limit for the course is 100 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 43/100, only registered: 0/100, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/100
Course objectives
The aim of this course is to provide students with knowledge about current topics of Applied Positive Psychology and to equip them with tools and skills for successful coping with stress and increasing their own well-being and thriving in others. The content of the course stems from research and evidence from the scientific field of positive psychology, which integrates research, theory, and practice of flourishing and well-being. The findings from positive psychology can be applied across the lifespan in contexts such as education, working life, and everyday life. This course is designed to provide students with the practical and thinking skills required in successful careers such as health care, education, community development, social innovation, law, economics, and others. It emphasizes the scientific understanding of practical conditions that enhance mental health, well-being, and flourishing both on an individual and societal level.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to apply scientific findings of positive psychology in their personal and academic life and use appropriate strategies for maintaining their mental health and increasing subjective well-being. Students will not only be able to use effective coping strategies, but also understand the importance of keeping a positive mindset, such as optimistic, hopeful, creative, and flexible thinking, maintaining positive feelings and constructive emotions, and cultivating their character strengths for greater flourishing at individual, organizational, and societal levels.
Syllabus
  • Topics:
  • 1 Introduction to Applied Positive Psychology: What Is Known about Mental Health, Well-Being, and Flourishing (AS)
  • 2 Building Well-Being and Resilience: Interconnected Factors (AS)
  • 3 Cultivating Positive Emotions to Enhance Flourishing (AS)
  • 4 Future-Oriented Thinking: The Power of Hope and Optimism (AS)
  • 5 Neuroscience and Physiology of Stress and Well-being. Lifestyle Practices for Health and Well-being (PH)
  • 6 Body-Mind Relationship and Relaxation Techniques (PH)
  • 7 Positive Communication and Flourishing Interpersonal Relationships (AS)
  • 8 Strengths of Character at School and in the Workplace: Flow, Positive Leadership, and Successful Performance (AS)
  • 9 Posttraumatic Growth: Positive Changes in the Aftermath of Crisis (AS)
  • 10 Keys to Optimal Development: What Young Adults Need to Enjoy Successful Development (AS)
  • 11 Activities to Enhance Well-Being on Individual, Social and Global Scales (Individual exercises)
Literature
    recommended literature
  • Lomas, T., Hefferon, K., & Ivtzan, I. (2014). Applied Positive Psychology: Integrated Positive Practice. London, England: Sage. ISBN 978-1446298633
  • SLEZÁČKOVÁ, Alena and Irena SOBOTKOVÁ. Family Resilience : Positive Psychology Approach to Healthy Family Functioning. In Kumar, Updesh. The Routledge International Handbook of Psychosocial Resilience. Oxford: Routledge, 2017, p. 379-390. Routledge International Handbooks. ISBN 978-1-138-95487-8. info
  • HEFFERON, Kate. Positive psychology and the body : the somatopsychic side to flourishing. First published. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education, 2013, xvii, 254. ISBN 9780335247714. info
  • SLEZÁČKOVÁ, Alena. Průvodce pozitivní psychologií : nové přístupy, aktuální poznatky, praktické aplikace. Vyd. 1. Praha: Grada, 2012, 304 s. ISBN 9788024735078. URL info
  • Applied positive psychology : improving everyday life, health, schools, work, and society. Edited by Stewart I. Donaldson - Mihály Csíkszentmihályi - Jeanne Nakamura. New York: Psychology, 2011, xxvi, 237. ISBN 9780415877817. info
    not specified
  • Lyubomirsky, S. (2007). The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want. New York: Penguin Press.
  • Linley, P.A., Joseph, S. (2004). Positive psychology in practice. New Yersey: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 0-471-45906-2
  • CSÍKSZENTMIHÁLYI, Mihály. Flow a práce. Translated by Eva Hauserová. Vydání první. Praha: Portál, 2017, 246 stran. ISBN 9788026211983. info
  • SLEZÁČKOVÁ, Alena. Hope and Well-being : Psychosocial Correlates and Benefits. Malta: University of Malta, 2017, 129 pp. Resilience and Health. ISBN 978-99957-890-1-5. info
  • SELIGMAN, Martin E. P. Vzkvétání : nové poznatky o podstatě štěstí a duševní pohody. Vydání první. V Brně: Jan Melvil Publishing, 2014, 407 stran. ISBN 9788087270950. URL info
  • A life worth living : contributions to positive psychology. Edited by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi - Isabella Selega Csikszentmihalyi. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006, ix, 253. ISBN 0195176790. URL info
  • SELIGMAN, Martin E. P. Learned optimism : how to change your mind and your life. 1st Vintage Books ed. New York: Vintage Books, 2006, x, 319. ISBN 1400078393. info
  • SELIGMAN, Martin E. P. Authentic happiness : using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment. New York: Free Press, 2002, xii, 321. ISBN 0743222989. info
Teaching methods
Lectures, class discussion, homework.
The lectures will take place in face-to-face form.
Assessment methods
The course is completed by a colloquium.
Assessment methods: active participation in the lectures, 80% attendance (max. 2 absences), and the online evaluation test. There will be an attendance check during every lecture.
In the evaluation test, students will evaluate how interesting and useful the course was, what knowledge they managed to apply in their everyday life, and how it affected their health and well-being.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Information on the extent and intensity of the course: 30.
Teacher's information
The first lecture will take place on Monday, February 13th, 2023, from 4 to 5:15 p.m. Students are encouraged to use the Study materials and the Interactive syllabus.
The course is also listed under the following terms spring 2021, spring 2022, spring 2024, spring 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (spring 2023, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/med/spring2023/aVLAP021