D.Y.

PATIL COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

AKURDI, PUNE-411035

Audit Course 4-Report

Topic Name: The Science of Happiness and Wellbeing

Name of the Student: Trisha Karemore

Roll No. of the Student: SEAIDC63

Name of the Subject: The Science of happiness (217535-III)

Branch : Artificial Intelligence & Data Science

Year: 2024-25 Sem-II

Student Subject Teacher HoD

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 Index

Sr. No. Title Pg. no.

1 Introduction 3

2 Objectives 4

3 Course Contents 5

4 Assignments 6

5 Applications 7

6 Conclusion 9

7 References 10

Introduction
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In today’s rapidly changing world, the concept of happiness is often misunderstood,
misrepresented, or oversimplified. While society frequently equates happiness with wealth,
success, or material possessions, scientific research has consistently shown that genuine and
lasting happiness is much deeper and more meaningful. As mental health concerns rise and
individuals face increasing personal and professional pressures, the need to understand and
cultivate wellbeing has never been more critical.
The course titled “The Science of Happiness and Wellbeing”, offered by NPTEL, presents a
comprehensive and evidence-based exploration of what it truly means to live a fulfilling and
happy life. Anchored in the field of positive psychology, the course dismantles common myths
about happiness and introduces learners to powerful concepts backed by decades of
psychological research. Rather than treating happiness as a random or elusive state, the course
emphasizes that it can be nurtured and developed through intentional thoughts, actions, and
habits.
One of the unique features of this course is its ability to blend theory with practical application.
Learners are not only introduced to foundational theories such as hedonic and eudaimonic
wellbeing, the PERMA model, and the happiness set-point theory, but are also encouraged to
practice mindfulness, gratitude, compassion, and other exercises that have been scientifically
proven to increase subjective wellbeing. The course also explores the role of relationships,
resilience, and meaningful engagement in enhancing life satisfaction.
Moreover, the science of happiness is shown to be relevant across multiple domains—personal
growth, interpersonal relationships, academic and workplace settings, and even policy-making.
By drawing from leading scholars like Martin Seligman, Sonja Lyubomirsky, and Mihaly
Csikszentmihalyi, the course offers an interdisciplinary perspective that is both insightful and
transformative.
This report aims to provide a detailed overview of the course, summarizing its key concepts,
core teachings, and research findings. It will also highlight the various strategies and techniques
that individuals can adopt to lead happier, more balanced, and purpose-driven lives. In doing
so, it hopes to reflect the central message of the course: that happiness is not a luxury or a result
of external circumstances, but a science that can be learned, practiced, and cultivated by
anyone, regardless of their background or life situation.

Objectives

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The specific objectives of the course are as follows:
1. To examine the scientific basis of happiness by exploring psychological, neurological,
and biological perspectives that define and influence wellbeing.
2. To challenge prevalent misconceptions about happiness, particularly those that associate
happiness exclusively with external achievements such as wealth, status, or material
possessions.
3. To introduce the principles and applications of positive psychology, with an emphasis
on cultivating personal strengths, positive emotions, and character virtues.
4. To familiarize learners with established models and tools for measuring happiness and
subjective wellbeing, including frameworks such as the PERMA model and scales like
PANAS and SWLS.
5. To provide evidence-based strategies and interventions that promote sustainable
happiness, such as gratitude practices, mindfulness techniques, acts of kindness, and
reflective journaling.
6. To underscore the importance of interpersonal relationships and social connections in
enhancing emotional and psychological wellbeing.
7. To foster self-awareness and personal insight, encouraging learners to engage in
reflective practices that facilitate emotional growth and resilience.
8. To promote the integration of wellbeing practices into everyday life, with the aim of
improving personal, academic, and professional functioning and contributing to the
broader goal of human flourishing.

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 Course Content

Week 1: Operationalizing happiness: Defining happiness

Week 2: Understanding the construct of happiness: The science of happiness These five
modules would introduce the key concepts that make up the science of happiness, and create
the basic ground for the sessions to follow. It would also include pretests to assess current
happiness and other related parameters.
Week 3: Factors influencing happiness: Biological, psychological & socio-cultural factors
These modules would focus on the key components influence happiness through talks, case
studies and self-learning tasks.
Week 4: Unanswered questions: What makes us happy? The modules in this week would focus
on the myths as well as the simple secrets of happiness and how to make the act successful
through understanding and practice. Happiness: The dynamics within: Key ingredients of
happiness These modules would address the key ingredients with scientific evidence, case
studies and online assignments and assessments.
Week 5: Train yourself in Happiness: Two short modules on Mindfulness These sessions
would take us through the science as well as the art of mindfulness through online practice
sessions and training aids. Happiness in the social context: Three modules on Emotional
Intelligence. Emotions play a key role in happiness and need to be addressed in their various
ways in response to people and society. Tests, assessments and training sessions to hone skills
would be included.
Week 6: Happiness at work: Getting rid of daily hassles Happiness and efficiency, happiness
and creativity, and various other key components like innovation and follow would be
addressed in these units. Fine tuning work-life balance: Strategies to develop happiness
Through units as well as assessment tools participants would be guided through techniques to
hone their work-life balance – a key component of success as well as happiness.
Week 7: Becoming happier: State & trait of happiness This week would focus on sustaining
and enhancing what has been learnt so far through both theoretical as well as training inputs.
Week 8: Creating happiness: Making a difference for others Happiness needs to spread. These
units would focus on networking and sustaining what has been learnt by sharing with others.
Post-test assessments would also be used to tests changes that have been brought about during
the 12 weeks of the course.

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 Assignments

Week 1: Operationalizing Happiness – Defining Happiness

 Assignment 1: Multiple-choice quiz assessing understanding of happiness definitions,
cultural influences, and foundational concepts.
Week 2: Understanding the Construct of Happiness – The Science of Happiness
 Assignment 2: Quiz focusing on myths about happiness, its evolution, and the interplay
between beliefs, genetics, and happiness.
Week 3: Factors Influencing Happiness – Biological, Psychological & Socio-Cultural
Factors
 Assignment 3: Questions related to empathy, morality, self-concept, and pro-social
behaviors contributing to happiness.
Week 4: Unanswered Questions – What Makes Us Happy?
 Assignment 4: Assessment on common myths, key ingredients of happiness, and the
role of optimism, relationships, and belonging.
Week 5: Training in Happiness – Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence
 Assignment 5: Quiz covering mindfulness practices, emotional intelligence, and their
impact on social interactions and wellbeing.
Week 6: Happiness at Work – Enhancing Professional Wellbeing
 Assignment 6: Evaluation of concepts related to workplace happiness, efficiency,
creativity, and strategies for work-life balance.
Week 7: Becoming Happier – State and Trait of Happiness
 Assignment 7: Questions focusing on sustaining happiness, emotional intelligence,
decision-making, and leadership habits.
Week 8: Creating Happiness – Making a Difference for Others
 Assignment 8: Final quiz assessing understanding of spreading happiness, social
innovation, and applying course learnings to real-world scenarios.

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 Applications

The insights and practices derived from The Science of Happiness and Wellbeing have a wide
range of real-world applications that extend beyond personal development. By integrating
evidence-based strategies from psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science, individuals
and institutions can significantly enhance quality of life, productivity, and emotional resilience.
Below are the key domains where the concepts of happiness and wellbeing can be effectively
applied:

1. Personal Life and Self-Growth

 Emotional Regulation: Improved ability to manage stress, anxiety, and negative
emotions through mindfulness and positive thinking.
 Greater Life Satisfaction: Use of gratitude, optimism, and value-based living to
enhance daily experiences.
 Stronger Self-Concept: Building self-esteem, resilience, and a clearer sense of
purpose.

2. Educational Settings
 Student Wellbeing: Incorporation of happiness training and mindfulness practices into
curricula to improve focus, motivation, and emotional balance.
 Enhanced Academic Performance: Positive psychology tools improve concentration
and reduce burnout.
 Teacher Development: Training educators to foster positive classroom environments.

3. Workplace and Organizational Development

 Employee Engagement: Techniques such as strengths-based feedback and recognition
foster motivation and job satisfaction.
 Leadership and Teamwork: Emotional intelligence and positive communication
improve collaboration and reduce conflict.
 Corporate Wellbeing Programs: Structured interventions for stress management and
work-life balance.

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4. Healthcare and Therapy
 Mental Health Interventions: Use in clinical settings for managing depression,
anxiety, and PTSD through non-pharmacological approaches.
 Preventive Health: Promoting lifestyle changes and mental resilience through
happiness-focused interventions.
 Holistic Treatment Plans: Integration of wellbeing science into rehabilitation and
chronic illness management.

5. Community and Social Impact

 Strengthening Social Bonds: Community practices that promote empathy, kindness,
and cooperative behavior.
 Public Policy and Governance: Designing policies that measure success not only
through economic indicators but also through happiness indices (e.g., Gross National
Happiness).
 Youth and Elderly Welfare: Programs that address age-specific wellbeing needs and
reduce loneliness.

6. Digital Wellbeing and Technology

 Wellbeing Apps: Development of tools that track mood, promote gratitude journaling,
or offer guided meditations.
 Social Media Awareness: Educating users about mindful usage and the impact of
online behavior on mental health.

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 Conclusion

The NPTEL course “The Science of Happiness and Wellbeing” offers an in-depth exploration
of the psychological, biological, and social factors that influence human happiness. Through a
combination of theoretical frameworks, empirical research, and practical applications, the
course equips learners with the tools to enhance personal wellbeing, foster positive
relationships, and create more fulfilling environments in various settings, including work,
education, and healthcare.
Key takeaways from the course include the importance of positive psychology in shaping
emotional resilience, the role of mindfulness and emotional intelligence in improving daily life,
and the profound impact of social connections on overall happiness. Furthermore, the course
emphasizes that happiness is not merely a fleeting emotional state but a sustained, multifaceted
experience that can be cultivated through intentional practices.
As we apply the concepts of happiness and wellbeing in our personal and professional lives, we
begin to witness improvements in mental health, productivity, and social harmony. By
integrating these scientifically-backed strategies into daily routines, individuals, organizations,
and societies can move towards a more balanced, compassionate, and thriving existence.
Ultimately, the knowledge gained from this course serves as a foundation for lifelong learning
and growth, encouraging a shift towards a holistic understanding of human flourishing.
Happiness, in this context, is not only about personal joy but also about creating a positive
impact on the collective well-being of others.

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 References

Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-

Being. Free Press.
 This book by Martin Seligman, a leading figure in positive psychology, outlines his
well-being theory and the five pillars of flourishing, offering foundational insights into
the science of happiness.
Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You
Want. Penguin Press.
 Sonja Lyubomirsky’s book presents a comprehensive exploration of the practical
aspects of happiness, drawing from empirical research to provide actionable strategies
for enhancing well-being.
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.
 Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s seminal work on the concept of “flow” is central to
understanding how engagement in meaningful activities contributes to happiness and
wellbeing.
Diener, E., & Biswas-Diener, R. (2008). Happiness in the New Year: A Psychological
Perspective. Oxford University Press.
 This book provides an overview of the research on happiness and its relation to various
life outcomes, including income, relationships, and health.
Fredrickson, B. L. (2009). Positivity. Crown Publishing.
 Barbara Fredrickson’s work focuses on the role of positive emotions in human
flourishing and the science behind cultivating them in everyday life.
Kern, M. L., & Jones, P. (2017). The Science of Well-Being and Happiness. Journal of
Positive Psychology, 12(3), 185-201.
 This journal article reviews recent developments in the field of happiness research and
the application of well-being science in various sectors.
NPTEL Course Materials. (2025). The Science of Happiness and Wellbeing. National
Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL).
 This course material provided by NPTEL serves as the primary source of the theoretical
and practical frameworks discussed in this report.

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