Positive Psychology Precapstone: Theory and Research

Why do some individuals and communities thrive in the face of challenges while others struggle to adapt? This course explores psychological resilience and well-being through the lens of positive psychology.

The focus is designing evidence-based interventions that address gaps in current health and well-being applications tailored to specific populations.

Students investigate how positive psychology, mindfulness, stress management, belief systems, and decision-making intersect with physical and psychological health.

Guided by foundational theories such as the Langerian unified mind-body model and Seligman's positive psychology, students identify unmet needs within a chosen cohort or demographic.

Through reflective journaling, interactive workshops, and stakeholder-focused activities, students craft problem statements, explore relevant theoretical frameworks, and articulate strategies for actionable interventions, culminating on a semester-end proposal to take to prototype in the capstone course.

This course emphasizes flexible thinking, situational awareness, and empathy, culminating in the submission of a detailed proposal that sets the stage for prototype development and iterative refinement in the capstone.