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Personality

Louisiana State University Alexandria
Syllabus: Psychology 3004; Fall; 2007
Positive Psychology: Virtues and Strengths

Vincent A. Escandell, Ph.D.
vescandell@lsua.edu, escandellv@yahoo.com, & Vincent.escandell@va.gov
Cell phone 318-451-1115

Course description:
An introduction to theories, models, and applications of positive psychology with emphasis on optimal functioning and growth. Contact Hours: 3 hours

Seligman, M.E. (1998). Building human strength: psychology’s forgotten mission. APA Monitor, January, page 2.
Before WWII, psychology had three missions: curing mental illness, making the lives of all people more fulfilling, and identifying and nurturing high talent. After the war two events changed the face of psychology. In 1946, the Veterans Administration was created, and practicing psychologists found they could make a living treating mental illness. In 1947, the National Institute of Mental Health was created and academic psychologist discovered they could get grants for research on mental illness.
As a result we have made huge strides in the understanding of and therapy for mental illness. …
The major psychological theories have changed to under gird a new science of strength and resilience. Individuals – even children- are now seen as decision makers, with choices, preferences, and the possibility of becoming masterful, efficacious, or, in malignant circumstances, helpless and hopeless. Such science and practice will prevent many of the major emotional disorders. It will also have two side effects. Given all we are learning about the effects of behavior and of mental well being on the body, it will make our clients physically healthier. It will also reorient psychology to these two neglected missions, making normal people stronger and more productive as well as making high human potential, actual.
Our Goal:
Our goal is to make normal people stronger and more productive and making human potential, actual.

Class information:...