Advanced Certificate Course for Educators
Mental Health Toolkit
Advanced Certificate Course For Educators
Science-Based Training
Recognized by UK Parliament
Available Courses
- 11 Mixed Media Videos
- 7 Modules on the psychology and neuroscience of well-being
- 8 Challenge Modules with mood-boosting practical exercises
- Proficiency Certificate of Completion
- 11 Mixed Media Videos
- 7 Modules on the psychology and neuroscience of well-being
- 8 Challenge Modules with mood-boosting practical exercises
- Detailed Lesson Plans
- Downloadable PowerPoint Slide Presentations for class instruction.
- Weekly Drop-in Q & A (optional)
- Final Project (for Certificate)
- Advanced Certificate of Completion
Course Curriculum
Module 1: Introduction to the Science of Happiness
- What Happened to Happiness? (6:12)
- Birth of a New Science (7:34)
- Habits of Happy People (5.27)
- Introduction Quiz
- Intro Lesson Plan
- Intro Slide Presentation
Module 2: Close Relationships
- Close Relationships (11:23)
- Close Relationships Quiz
- Challenge & Reflection: Active Listening/Constructive Responding
- Relationships Lesson Plan
- Relationships Slide Presentation
Module 3: Acts of Kindness
Module 4: Physical Well-being
Module 5: Flow
Module 6: Strengths
Module 7: Positive Mindset
Module 8: Meaning
Module 9: Happiness Soup
Final Project
Key Topics
Positive Psychology
Learn about leading theories and applications of Positive Psychology on personal happiness and well-being, by pioneers Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.
The Science of Happiness
The Science of Happiness is accelerating. Explore the practical “habits of happy people” through new discoveries in the social and natural sciences.
Mental Health: New Discoveries
Learn about remarkable new discoveries in the science of mental health and well-being, including "food for mood," the power of goal-setting, and finding meaning.
What People Are Saying
I am a Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur in the college admission counseling business. I enrolled in the Science of Happiness (Proficiency Tier) in January 2021. I was drawn in by the simplicity and logic of the course, which provided me with a clear, big picture of happiness. What I need is a better understanding of happiness so I can strive toward it in the right direction. That’s what sets the course apart from the others. Before taking the course, I was immersed in a wide variety of happiness research and knowledge. The course enabled me to build up a systemic structure.
I love The Science of Happiness: Theory and Practice! The Mini-Course is an excellent introduction to the topic with well written, easy to follow content on an easy to use electronic format. I appreciated the background data on depression, diabetes (and more!) as much as I enjoyed learning about the pioneers of happiness psychology. The current recommendations for a happy life are thoughtful, as is the suggestion to concoct one’s own particular “happiness soup.” Thank you for such a user-friendly, info-packed introductory course that’s effortless to access online any time, anywhere!
This House…welcomes the collaboration between the service and the Pursuit of Happiness project, based in New York, an initiative of a group of psychologists and educators dedicated to the advancement of scientific knowledge about happiness and depression prevention, with the volunteers being the first students from a university in Scotland to undertake (the Science of Happiness Course) training by the project.
I was recommended to do this course by a friend in Australia. I am usually very active but with the resections brought about by Covid -19 this gave me an interest. The Course was well structured and presented. Very clear and easy to understand. The content was interesting. At the end I wanted to continue learning. My only comment for improvement would be to have the last module on what we could study next and how to go about it. I am looking forward to learning more about happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why teach about mental health and well-being in schools and Universities?
The provision of curricula and courses on mental health, as well as mental health training for educators, is a top priority. According to two recent surveys conducted in the UK and the US during the Covid-19 pandemic, nearly 50% of high school and university students are experiencing “disabling episodes” of depression or anxiety.
How can my students benefit from this course?
76% of students who practice only one of the “habits of happy people” described in the course, report feeling happier. Numerous scientific studies show that student mental health and well-being directly affect student performance. This Toolkit includes free access to the Proficiency Course for up to 50 students.
What does the Toolkit contain, and how can I use it?
- This Toolkit is chock full of resources you need to teach your students about mental health and wellbeing, including theory and practice:
- Detailed Lesson Plans, including teaching guides, classroom activities, and practical assignments
- Downloadable Mixed Media Videos on each topic
- Downloadable Powerpoints on each topic
- Weekly Discussions with our team, via webinar, text or phone (see below). We are happy to answer your questions, and curious to learn about your challenges and successes.
What's so special about this course?
- Firstly, instead of following a particular school of thought, our educational programs follow the Science of Happiness as it unfolds. For example, major systematic reviews published from 2021-2 indicate that:
- Regular, mixed physical exercise generates large quantities of the brain growth hormone BDNF, which protects against both depression and neurodegeneration.
- Walking through rural or urban forested areas, for only 15 mins, alleviates both depression and anxiety.
- Many fermented foods contain probiotic bacteria, called “psychobiotics,” that can relieve depression.
- Secondly, our material is drawn from the natural sciences (including “food and mood,” sleeping habits, exercise, etc) as well as modern psychology, including Positive Psychology (positive emotions, signature strengths, etc).
- Finally, through step-by-step outlines and practical exercises, we show how these new discoveries can be applied to daily life and exert a powerful impact on mood.
How do I know this course works?
A controlled intervention at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, based on our course material, reported significant improvement in student well-being, depression, and self-confidence.
About Us
Pursuit-of-Happiness.org is a volunteer-driven 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of well-being and depression prevention through education and peer support.
Recent scientific studies show that specific life skills can prevent depression, enhance well-being, and even slow down neurodegeneration. Pursuit-of-Happiness offers online courses on the new and rapidly unfolding Science of Happiness based on scientific research.
The Team
Narration & Production:
- Mark K. Setton, D.Phil., Oxon.
Research Team:
- Paul Desan, PhD, Harvard.
- Anthony Arciero, PhD, George Mason
- Saira Qureshi, MA, LMHC.
- Miguel Toribio-Mateas, PhD, Middlesex
Video Editing:
- Fahim Nirob
