Course Curriculum
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Available Courses
Shauna O'Hare (4th year student, Northern Ireland)
"The Hear to LIsten" (Peer Well-being Support Initiative) was not only beneficial for those who used the service, but also for the Listeners. My proudest achievement within my university experience was completing the Science of Happiness training and joining "Hear to Listen."
~ UK House of Parliament ~ (motion passed 3/21/2022)
This House…welcomes the collaboration between the service and the Pursuit of Happiness project, based in New York, an initiative of a group of psychologists and educators dedicated to the advancement of scientific knowledge about happiness and depression prevention, with the volunteers being the first students from a university in Scotland to undertake training (the Science of Happiness Course) by the project.
Julie Scanlan (4th year student, Scotland)
The Hear to Listen team not only provided essential wellbeing support to students using the service, but it also created a vast and diverse network of student volunteers who listened to and supported one another’s wellbeing.
About Us
Pursuit-of-Happiness.org is a volunteer driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of well-being and depression prevention.
Recent scientific studies show that specific life skills can prevent depression, enhance well-being, and even slow down neurodegeneration. Pursuit-of-Happiness offers courses on the new and rapidly unfolding Science of Happiness based on scientific research.
The Team
Narration & Production:
Marie Cooke, PhD., Glasgow
Mark K. Setton, D.Phil., Oxon.
Research Team:
Paul Desan, PhD, Harvard
Anthony Arciero, PhD, George Mason
Saira Qureshi; MA, LMHC
Miguel Toribio-Mateas, PhD, Middlesex
Video Editing:
Fahim Nirob
Frequently Asked Questions
How can this course make me a better peer supporter?
The peer support movement is picking up speed around the world, in many forms. This course trains you to be a Listener—individuals who offer a person centered, confidential listening service to your peers. This could be fellow students at school or university, colleagues at work, or any organised group to which you belong.
But it's not only about lending an ear. As Mahatma Gandhi put it, it’s about being the change that you wish to see in the world. So in this course we explore the core principles of the Science of Happiness. Based on that training, as a Listener, you can contribute to a culture that values emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
By the end, you'll be equipped to practically apply these principles to support others.
How long does the Course take to complete?
As long as you like. Each of the videos lasts from 5-15 minutes. The Course is completely self-paced, and the practical exercises are designed to reinforce the theoretical content.
What's so special about this course?
This course equips you with the essential knowledge and tools to not only support your peers but to also enhance your own wellbeing. In doing so, you'll become a source of inspiration to those around you. Rather than sticking to a single perspective, the course embraces the multifaceted Science of Happiness, drawing from various fields of expertise. Plus, with our 80% discount for students, we're committed to making this invaluable knowledge accessible to all.
Who can benefit from this course?
Anyone who wishes to make a difference in the lives of their peers, whether they are fellow students, colleagues at work, or members of any organized group. The skills you'll acquire are universal and can be applied in various settings to promote emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
Will I be qualified as a therapist or counselor after completing this course?
No, this course is designed to train you as a Listener, not as a therapist or counselor. While you will offer a person-centered, confidential listening service, you will not be diagnosing or treating mental health conditions. However, you will play a crucial role in creating a safe space for peers and, when necessary, guiding them to professional services that can further assist them.
How is offering Peer Support beneficial for me?
Offering peer support can be a transformative experience for you as a Listener. Not only will you provide immediate relief to someone struggling, but you will also instill a sense of hope and purpose in them. By assisting others in overcoming challenges, you will boost your own resilience, self-worth, and autonomy.