This case study will explore Emma's journey through Module 1: Introduction to Positive Psychology, highlighting her reflections, challenges, and progress. Lesson 1.1: What is Positive Psychology? Emma's Experience: In the first lesson, Emma learns that positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life worth living, focusing on human strengths, well-being, and flourishing. She discovers that unlike traditional psychology, which often focuses on pathology and mental illness, positive psychology aims to enhance positive emotions and experiences. Reflection: Emma reflects on how her previous understanding of psychology was limited to addressing problems and mental health issues. She feels inspired by the idea that she can proactively work on enhancing her happiness and well-being. Lesson 1.2: The History and Evolution of Positive Psychology Emma's Experience: Emma delves into the history and evolution of positive psychology. She learns about key figures like Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who pioneered the field. She also explores how positive psychology has grown from focusing on individual well-being to encompassing broader societal impacts. Reflection: Emma appreciates the historical context and evolution of positive psychology. She finds it interesting that the field has a strong scientific foundation and is supported by extensive research. This reassures her about the effectiveness of the principles she will learn. Lesson 1.3: Key Concepts and Terminology in Positive Psychology Emma's Experience: In this lesson, Emma is introduced to key concepts such as positive emotions, character strengths, resilience, and subjective well-being. She learns about the importance of cultivating positive emotions and how they contribute to overall life satisfaction. Reflection: Emma is particularly intrigued by the concept of character strengths and how identifying and leveraging them can enhance her personal and professional life. She takes the VIA Character Strengths Survey and discovers her top strengths are creativity, curiosity, and kindness.

Challenges Emma struggles with integrating these new concepts into her busy life and often feels overwhelmed by the amount of information. She finds it challenging to shift her focus from problem-solving to strength-building, as she is used to addressing issues directly. Progress Emma starts a gratitude journal, noting down three things she is grateful for each day. This simple practice begins to shift her mindset towards a more positive outlook. She identifies opportunities at work to utilize her strengths, such as volunteering for creative projects and seeking out learning opportunities that satisfy her curiosity. Outcome By the end of Module 1, Emma feels more equipped to approach her life with a positive psychology mindset. She recognizes the value of focusing on her strengths and cultivating positive emotions. She is excited to continue her journey and apply these principles in her daily life.