Due Date: Wednesday, 14 August, 4:00pm
PSYC 302 Essay, 2023
Due Date: Wednesday, 14 August, 4:00pm
Word Limit: 1,500 words
Value: 25%
Topic: From the list below, select ONE context within which wellbeing has been studied. Provide a critical literature review of the literature on wellbeing in that context and then provide critical discussion of how such contexts might be changed to increase wellbeing.
Social relationships
Volunteering
The workplace
Consumption
Economic inequality
Leisure/Recreation/Sport
Tourism
Food
Environment (natural or designed/modified)
Population health
Online/social media experiences
Your own suggestion (confirm with examiner before beginning)
Possible Readings:
Readings will depend upon the particular context you choose but some general readings that relate to wellbeing include:
Maddux, J.E. (2018). Subjective well-being and life satisfaction. New York: Psychology Press. (Any chapters relevant to your chosen topic) (The required textbook.)
Bernecker, K. & Becker, D. (2021). Beyond self-control: Mechanisms of hedonic goal pursuit and its relevance for well-being. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 47(4), 627-642.
Brown, H.S. & Vergragt, P.J. (2016). From consumerism to wellbeing: Toward a cultural transition? Journal of Cleaner Production, 132, 308-317.
Diener, E.; Ng, W.; Harter, J. & Arora, R. (2010). Wealth and happiness across the world: Material prosperity predicts life evaluation, whereas psychosocial prosperity predicts positive feeling. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 99(1), 52-61.
Eid, M. & Larsen, R.J. (2008). The science of subjective well-being. New York: Guilford Press.
Fredrickson, B.L. (2008). Promoting positive affect. In, M. Eid and R.J. Larsen, The science of subjective well-being. New York: Guilford Press. Pp. 439-468.
Kasser, T. (2002). The high price of materialism. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press.
King, L.A. (2008). Interventions for enhancing subjective well-being. In, M. Eid and R.J. Larsen, The science of subjective well-being. New York: Guilford Press. Pp. 431-438.
Ryan, R.M.; Huta, V. & Deci, E.L. (2008). Living well: A self-determination theory on eudaimonia. Journal of Happiness Studies, 9(1), 139-170.
Seligman, M.E.P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. New York: Free Press.
Twenge, J.M. (2019). More time on technology, less happiness? Associations between digital-media use and psychological well-being. Current Directions in Psychological Science DOI: 10.1177/0963721419838244
* IMPORTANT: Use of ChatGPT and other AI tools
Use of ChatGPT and other AI tools is not permitted for this assignment. Any use of such tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
