NEW TEEN VERSION AVAILABLE HERE: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being-for-teens
In this course you will engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits. As preparation for these tasks, Professor Laurie Santos reveals misconceptions about happiness, annoying features of the mind that lead us to think the way we do, and the research that can help us change. You will ultimately be prepared to successfully incorporate a specific wellness activity into your life.
THE SCIENCE OF WELL BEING WAS PRODUCED IN PART DUE TO THE GENEROUS FUNDING OF THE DAVID F. SWENSEN FUND FOR INNOVATION IN TEACHING.
Why take this course?
What's included
6 videos6 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 21 minutes
Start Your Journey•1 minute
Become Happier by Learning & Applying Psychological Science•4 minutes
Hear the Story Behind the Course•4 minutes
What is the G.I. Joe Fallacy?•5 minutes
A Good Job•7 minutes
Watch out for scams•1 minute
6 readings•Total 55 minutes
Welcome Letter from Professor Santos•5 minutes
Course Requirements & Rewirements•10 minutes
Measure Your Happiness and Discover Your Strengths•10 minutes
References & Notes•10 minutes
Optional Pre-Course Survey•10 minutes
Free Access to the Course•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 5 minutes
Quick Quiz •5 minutes
Misconceptions About Happiness
Module 2•2 hours to complete
Module details
What do we think will make us happy?
What's included
5 videos3 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 59 minutes
Part 2 - Money•12 minutes
Money - Updated! •7 minutes
Awesome Stuff, True Love, Perfect Body & Good Grades•13 minutes
Annoying Features of the Mind•7 minutes
Question & Answer•22 minutes
3 readings•Total 25 minutes
Savoring & Gratitude•10 minutes
Learn More from Dr. Santos•5 minutes
References & Notes•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
Module 2 Quiz •15 minutes
Why Our Expectations are so Bad
Module 3•2 hours to complete
Module details
Why do we mispredict what makes us happy?
What's included
6 videos2 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 63 minutes
Annoying Feature #1•4 minutes
Annoying Feature #2•26 minutes
Annoying Feature #3•7 minutes
Annoying Feature #4•14 minutes
Annoying Features Summary•2 minutes
Question & Answer•10 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
Kindness & Social Connection•10 minutes
References & Notes•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
Module 3 Quiz •20 minutes
How Can We Overcome Our Biases
Module 4•2 hours to complete
Module details
How we counteract our annoying features of the mind?
What's included
5 videos2 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 70 minutes
Part 1 - Rethink "Awesome Stuff"•18 minutes
Part 2 - Thwart Hedonic Adaptation•19 minutes
Part 3 - Reset Your Reference Points•19 minutes
Overcome Biases Summary•3 minutes
Question & Answer•10 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
Exercise & Sleep•10 minutes
References & Notes•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
Module 4 Quiz •15 minutes
Stuff that Really Makes Us Happy
Module 5•3 hours to complete
Module details
What can we do to improve our happiness?
What's included
10 videos2 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
10 videos•Total 144 minutes
Good Job•21 minutes
Good Grades•18 minutes
Kindness•10 minutes
Interview with Elizabeth Dunn•16 minutes
Social Connection•13 minutes
Interview with Nicholas Epley•23 minutes
Time Affluence•6 minutes
Mind Control•19 minutes
Healthy Practices•11 minutes
Question & Answer•7 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
Meditation & Gratitude Visit•10 minutes
References & Notes•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
Module 5 Quiz •20 minutes
Putting Strategies into Practice
Module 6•3 hours to complete
Module details
How can we intentionally put these strategies into practice and build healthier habits?
What's included
6 videos7 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 67 minutes
Part 1 - Situation Support•5 minutes
Part 2 - Goal Setting•14 minutes
Interview with Gabriele Oettingen•33 minutes
Question & Answer•11 minutes
Recap•3 minutes
Conclusion•1 minute
7 readings•Total 63 minutes
Mystery Rewirement•10 minutes
References & Notes•10 minutes
Final Rewirement Challenge•10 minutes
Measure Your Happiness•10 minutes
Contribute to Research•10 minutes
Optional Post-Course Survey•10 minutes
Are you an educator?•3 minutes
2 assignments•Total 45 minutes
Module 6 Quiz •15 minutes
Reflect on the Rewirement Challenge•30 minutes
Instructor
Instructor ratings
Instructor ratings
We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
For more than 300 years, Yale University has inspired the minds that inspire the world. Based in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale brings people and ideas together for positive impact around the globe. A research university that focuses on students and encourages learning as an essential way of life, Yale is a place for connection, creativity, and innovation among cultures and across disciplines.
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
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Larry W.
Learner since 2021
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Learner reviews
4.9
40,285 reviews
5 stars
91.82%
4 stars
6.93%
3 stars
0.66%
2 stars
0.17%
1 star
0.40%
Showing 3 of 40285
L
LK
5·
Reviewed on Sep 21, 2020
I found the course content to be interesting and very well organized. I often find myself thinking about the ideas presented and how to apply them to my daily life. Dr.Laurie Santos did a great job!
S
SD
5·
Reviewed on Aug 3, 2020
Nice course. Coursera helps me a lot with give me financial freedom. I want to do more course from this platform like meditation, mindfulness, etc. Etc. Please coursera help me. Thank you. Love you.
I
IC
5·
Reviewed on Aug 11, 2021
Absolutely amazing course with a large dose of science and practical exercises. The instructor is very knowledgeable. It was a pleasure for me to attend the course and listen to Laurie every week. :)
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What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.