The Psychology of Well-Being and Human Flourishing

New for 2024!

Are you interested in discovering how positive psychology can enhance your own life and the lives of those around you? Are you seeking a research stream with practical applications in personal and professional development? Are you passionate about human performance?
This subject stream provides you with the opportunity to research and explore these interests. The latest findings in positive psychology present a novel approach to traditional inquiries concerning human thriving in both personal and professional contexts. Under the guidance of your chosen supervisor, you will investigate best practices that promote a fulfilling life, encourage long-term well-being, and elevate individual performance in both personal and professional realms.
By building on this evidence, your research project will contribute to understanding the factors and practices that can sustain human flourishing, and facilitate the thriving of individuals like yourself. 

Intended audience

This stream welcomes students who are enthusiastic and curious about deepening their understanding of well-being, personal growth, and human flourishing. The focus extends to specific applications in areas such as personal and professional development, workplace well-being, human performance, and learning and development in business settings. If you are a student eager to explore these dimensions, this stream is tailored to satisfy your excitement and curiosity.

Previous knowledge

No specific psychological knowledge or skills are required. It is warmly suggested to request and go through the reading list provided by the supervisor. 

Assessment

Dissertation (no more than 6,000 words): 100% of the total.

Research Topics

Below, you will find suggestions for potential research proposals. The specific focus of your project will be determined in collaboration with your supervisor, ensuring that your passions and interests will play a guiding role in this process. It is possible to amend, combine or suggest various themes and research topics. As a general guideline, the research proposals should concentrate on key themes related to the psychology of well-being and human performance, with a look at their practical application to specific issues.
If you already have a research topic in mind, please engage in a discussion with your supervisor. Alternatively, draw inspiration from the exciting research topics listed below:

1. Which factors can contribute to sustained well-being?

   In exploring this topic, you will identify the factors and best practices supporting individuals in their quest for a stable sense of psychological well-being. This investigation may delve into effective virtuous cycles and the factors sustaining this process in both short and long terms. 

2. The role of “glimmers” in promoting well-being and human flourishing:

   Glimmers, defined as "moments of positivity," represent events that, in contrast to triggers, can evoke positive responses and potentially serve as the starting point for significant changes. This research involves delving into the literature related to this concept and identifying the most effective factors and variables promoting the process of change.

3. Psychological well-being in the learning process: can healthier people be drivers of cultural change?

   This research investigates how psychological well-being can contribute to a successful and enduring learning process. Specifically, the aim is to explore the best teaching and learning practices that can support improved problem-solving as well as significant cultural change in various contexts, including life changes, the classroom, or the workplace.

4. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger: are adverse events necessary for human flourishing?

   As the adage suggests, challenging times can be crucial for sparking a thriving and better life. This research aims to identify the factors and best practices related to the development of resilience in both personal and professional contexts.

5. Aristotle at work: can workplaces promote human flourishing and thriving?

   We spend most of our day in the workplace and a bad work-life balance has been shown to have deleterious repercussions on our well-being. However, how much of the opposite is true? This research explores the literature on factors that, while supporting a good quality of life in the workplace, can aid individuals in their efforts to thrive and lead fulfilling lives outside the workplace too. 

Prefer to follow a research idea of your own?

Take a look at the Open Stream.