The Psychology of Happiness: Science, Wellbeing & Human Flourishing

• Examine major theories and research findings in positive psychology

• Explore gratitude, purpose, motivation, relationships, mindfulness, and resilience

• Evaluate scientific evidence behind common well-being practices and claims

• Challenge popular misconceptions about happiness, resilience, and human flourishing

• Use reflective journaling to examine values, relationships, and goals

• Test selected evidence-based strategies through guided experiential activities

• Communicate psychological concepts using evidence and critical reasoning

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain major concepts and research findings in positive psychology

• Evaluate evidence supporting strategies for well-being and resilience

• Apply and reflect on selected practices without overstating their effects

Students leave with a collection of research-informed reflections, stronger psychological literacy, and clearer direction about psychology, neuroscience, public health, education, or human development.

Positive psychology asks students to evaluate well-being with the same care used to study other human behavior. Research helps distinguish a promising practice from a universal claim and reveals how relationships, purpose, motivation, environment, and individual differences can shape results.

Reflection adds another form of disciplined thinking. Students connect evidence with their own observations while recognizing that one experience does not prove a general rule. These habits strengthen psychological literacy, self-awareness, and responsible communication. They are useful in psychology, neuroscience, education, public health, counseling, leadership, and human development.

This academy is for high school students who have completed 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and are interested in psychology, neuroscience, behavior, well-being, resilience, relationships, motivation, education, or public health. It suits students who want to examine happiness scientifically while also reflecting on personal values and experience.

Participants should be ready to read and discuss research, question popular assumptions, join experiential activities, keep reflective notes, and communicate conclusions carefully. No prior psychology background is stated as a requirement. Openness to evidence, reflection, and perspectives different from one's own will support meaningful participation.

Based on students surveyed in the Dartmouth Precollege Summer Scholars program (2026)

Dartmouth Precollege Summer Scholars gives high school students a concentrated introduction to college-level learning in Hanover, New Hampshire. The intensive, noncredit academies are fully developed and run by Dartmouth and taught by Dartmouth faculty and expert instructors. Students explore current ideas through discussion, projects, and sustained work that helps them test an academic interest in depth.

Residential students live in Dartmouth residence halls, eat at 53 Commons, and can join workshops and counselor-supported evening and weekend activities. Time in Hanover and the Upper Valley adds a distinctive New England setting, while the broader experience helps students build independence and clarify what they may want to study next.