The Science of Happiness and Well-Being

Gr 9-12 | 1.5 Credits | Quarter-Long | 5x per Cycle

The Science of Happiness and Wellbeing course strives to help students understand the control that they have over their wellbeing by shifting mindsets and developing habits that any student can apply on a daily basis. Each strategy that is taught is paired with extensive research that supports its effectiveness on student happiness and wellbeing. When students are introduced to these strategies and mindsets, they are taught the science and psychology behind why they work and how effective they have proven to be. The assignments in the course will require students to apply these strategies in their lives and reflect upon how they have impacted their wellbeing through journaling and wellness surveys administered before and after the strategies have been applied over a period of time. 

This course is modeled after a course taught at Yale University called Psychology and the Good Life. It was added to their program of studies in 2018 and has since become the most popular course in Yale’s 300 year history, according to CNN. Since then, a modified version of the class geared towards high school students has been developed, which includes content featured in the Science of Happiness and Wellbeing course taught at Wellesley High School.