The Psychology of Wellbeing

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.

This course isdesigned for anyone with an interest in psychological wellbeing. It may be of particular interest to those working in community settings.

This course isdesigned for anyone with an interest in psychological wellbeing. It may be of particular interest to those working in community settings.

• 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