The Science of Well-Being for Teens

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being-for-teens

Introduction

### Course Review and Recommendation: The Science of Well-Being for Teens In an era where mental health among teenagers is increasingly under pressure, **The Science of Well-Being for Teens** on Coursera emerges as a beacon of hope. Developed from Dr. Laurie Santos' acclaimed Yale course, *Psychology and the Good Life*, this 6-week program aims to equip youths with the psychological insights and tools they need to foster happiness and well-being. #### Course Overview The statistics speak volumes—37% of teens report experiencing poor mental health. This course is designed specifically to confront this pressing issue head-on, merging academic theory with practical exercises that encourage self-reflection and positive change. Each week, participants engage with content that demystifies happiness, helping to dismantle the misconceptions that can lead to stress and discontent. With its accessible format and engaging delivery, this course promises to enlighten teens on how to thrive, not just survive, through high school and beyond. #### Syllabus Breakdown ##### 1. **Misconceptions about Happiness** The course opens with a compelling module that challenges participants to rethink their understanding of happiness. Dr. Santos introduces evidence that reveals common misconceptions about happiness, such as the belief that success and material wealth directly correlate with it. This foundational knowledge sets a thought-provoking tone as students are encouraged to evaluate their definitions of happiness. ##### 2. **Biases that Get in the Way of Happiness** This module smartly navigates the cognitive biases that can cloud judgment and diminish joy. By discussing concepts like the “hedonic treadmill” and social comparison, Dr. Santos provides teens with strategies to overcome mental hurdles that hinder their happiness. Students learn how to better predict their own emotional responses and develop a healthier perspective on life’s ups and downs. ##### 3. **Behaviors that Make Us Happy** In this section, the focus shifts to actionable behaviors that contribute to overall well-being. Dr. Santos underscores the importance of social connections, hobbies, and physical wellness. This module serves as a practical reminder of how small changes—such as increasing sleep or incorporating exercise—can yield significant rewards for mental health. ##### 4. **Thoughts that Make Us Happy** Harnessing the power of thought patterns is pivotal in this module, where participants learn to cultivate a positive mindset. Dr. Santos introduces techniques for gratitude, mindfulness, and perspective-taking. Through engaging exercises, teens are encouraged to nurture their mental habits, enhancing their overall outlook. ##### 5. **Feelings that Make Us Happy** Here, Dr. Santos delves into the complexity of emotions. Attendees discover the importance of both positive and negative feelings and how to manage them effectively. By learning techniques like breath regulation, participants are equipped to navigate emotional turbulence and emerge more resilient. ##### 6. **Achieving Happiness Goals** The course concludes with practical strategies to apply the happiness principles learned throughout the program. Dr. Santos emphasizes the importance of habit formation and the role of environment and social circles in our pursuit of happiness. This module not only empowers teens to set their well-being goals but also provides a roadmap to maintain them. #### Final Thoughts **The Science of Well-Being for Teens** is not just a course; it's an investment in a teenager's mental health and future happiness. Dr. Laurie Santos’s engaging teaching style, combined with evidence-based strategies, makes this course both informative and transformative. Regular ‘happiness homework’ assignments encourage consistent application of the concepts learned, further solidifying skills that can be carried well into adulthood. For any teen struggling with mental well-being or simply looking to enhance their overall happiness, this course comes highly recommended. It fosters a supportive environment for self-exploration and personal growth, making it a vital resource during these formative years. By prioritizing mental health education, we can pave the way for a happier, more resilient generation.

Syllabus

Misconceptions about happiness

In this module, you will learn what it means to be happy and why pursuing happiness is not a pointless endeavor. Dr. Santos addresses how our minds lie to us and how the science shows that our misconceptions about money, grades, and social media are holding us back from implementing the techniques studied in positive psychology.

In this module, you will learn about biases that get in the way of our own happiness. Dr. Laurie Santos explores why we get used to good and bad things in life and how we can deal with growing accustomed to things and making bad predictions about what we will want in the future. Dr. Santos discusses how we compare ourselves to others using reference points and what we can do to deal with our limited attention.

In this module, you will learn about behaviors that make us happy. Dr. Laurie Santos discusses behaviors such as engaging in social behaviors, finding time to do the things you love, and practicing healthy habits. Dr. Santos explains how a little bit of extra sleep each night or exercise can make a world of a difference.

In this module, you will learn about thought patterns that lead to better moods. Dr. Laurie Santos addresses the power of focusing our thoughts and developing the right mindset in order to experience gratitude, practice mindfulness, and get some perspective.

In this module, you will learn how harnessing our feelings can make us happier. Dr. Laurie Santos explores how we need both our positive and negative emotions in order to improve our well-being. Dr. Santos also explores how to regulate your fight-or-flight response using a tool that is most definitely underused, the breath.

In this module, you will learn techniques to achieve happiness goals learned throughout the course. Dr. Laurie Santos investigates how we can put happiness tips into practice, addressing the ways in which situations and people can affect us. Dr. Santos additionally discusses how to implement better habits and hack the habits that we do have.