You’ll explore theoretical understandings and concepts of well-being from a range of social scientific perspectives. The course covers multiple dimensions of wellbeing including biological, emotional, cognitive, social, and cultural aspects, as well as evolutionary and developmental contexts. It examines links between wellbeing and human performance, contemporary social movements, positive psychology research, and the relationship between wellbeing, physical activity, health, social policy, and intervention strategies.

Course Content

• Multidimensional definition and account of wellbeing

• Dimensions of social psychology of wellbeing (biological, emotional, cognitive, social, cultural)

• Evolutionary and developmental contexts of human wellbeing

• Links between wellbeing and human performance and capabilities

• Contemporary social movements related to wellbeing (work-life balance, downshifting, slow movement)

• Critical analysis of research in social psychology of wellbeing and positive psychology

• Relationship between wellbeing, physical activity, and health

• Social psychology of wellbeing in relation to social policy and intervention strategies