Maastricht, Limburg -- (SBWire) -- 01/21/2015 --After years of study, the science of positive psychology is making headway, offering evidence-based approaches to help people live full and meaningful lives. This is exciting for pioneers of the field like Barbara Fredrickson, director of the Positive Emotions and Psychophysiology (PEP) Laboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Fredrickson will share her extensive knowledge of positive psychology through a new MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) available for free on Coursera starting February 9.

The course not only gives students insight into the visionary scientific work of Fredrickson and her colleagues, it also features practical applications of this science that students can put to use immediately. Topics of study include positive emotions, creativity and resilience, love and connection, as well as flourishing and physical health.

Students who take this course will become conversant in leading-edge theory and evidence straight from the PEP Lab, including work that measures the benefits of positive emotions for your heart and your immune system.

Anyone can sign up for the six-week course at https://www.coursera.org/course/positivepsych. No background in science or psychology is needed.

About Barbara Fredrickson
In addition to her work at the PEP Lab, Barbara Fredrickson is a Kenan Distinguished Professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, with appointments in Psychology and the Kenan-Flagler School of Business. Fredrickson is one of the most highly cited scholars in psychology, working in the areas of social psychology, affective science, and positive psychology. She has received more than sixteen consecutive years of research funding from the National Institutes of Health, and she is currently president-elect of the International Positive Psychology Association. She has authored more than 100 scientific articles and book chapters, plus her general audience books, Positivity and Love 2.0, offer fresh and practical perspectives on our most vital human emotions.

Source: Positive Psychology Program