Master in Psychology

Positive Psychology specialization

   The Postgraduate Program “Psychology” of the Department of Psychology of Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences awards a Postgraduate Diploma of Studies with three specializations. One of them is the specialization in “Positive Psychology”.

        The aim of the specialization is the complete theoretical, research and practical training of students in Positive Psychology subjects.

           In the first semester students become familiar with the concepts and practical applications of Positive Psychology. In addition to their theoretical training they are trained in the methodological principles and directions that are necessary for the design of interventions and applications of Positive Psychology in various fields such as Clinical Psychology, Counselling, Education, Sports, Public Policy and Organizations.

           During the second semester, students are trained in Positive Psychology in a more experiential way, while being actively involved in several field and community applications. Knowledge becomes experience. At the same time, the process of designing and writing their dissertation begins.

          The elaboration of their diploma thesis is completed in the third semester, during which students are also involved in field and community applications, gaining relevant work and research experience.

           After the completion of the Postgraduate Program, the graduates of the specialization have all the necessary knowledge and skills to actively do research and work in the field, implementing interventions and practices of Positive Psychology in various fields and contexts. 

Academic Coordinator: Dr. Anastasios Stalikas

Postgraduate Program Director: Dr Panagiotis Kordoutis

In Charge of Field and Community Implementations of the Postgraduate Program "Psychology" Department of Psychology: Dr. Maria Doropoulou

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Positive Psychology: The science of well-being

       Positive Psychology is a new domain of Psychology that studies the nature and promotion of well-being and flourishing of humans and focuses on their strengths and capabilities. It studies the positive dimensions of human existence, such as well-being, meaning in life, life satisfaction, psychological resilience, positive emotions, optimism, savoring, the development of talents, character strengths, psychological flow and other positive variables.

        For decades, the science of Psychology had been focusing on the study, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and it was a popular belief that Psychology was all about illness, the labelling of human weaknesses and the study and treatment of psychopathology. Positive Psychology is a new domain of Psychology that aims to answer the question “What goes right with me?”. Positive Psychology underlines that the absence of psychopathology or misery does not mean the presence of well-being or happiness. The treatment of psychopathology leads the individual to a zero point. Specific and appropriate interventions are needed in order for them to overcome that zero point and reach a good, happy, and meaningful life. Positive Psychology does not, however, close the eyes to psychopathology and negative aspects of human existence. Instead, it studies the ways, in which its positive and negative aspects can result beneficial to humans.

       Positive Psychology is an applied field of Psychology. Positive Psychology Interventions are implemented in several domains such as Clinical Psychology, Counseling, Education, Public Policy, and Organizations.

Positive Psychology in Greece

       In Greece, Positive Psychology has started flourishing during the last decades with the Psychology Department of Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences leading. In 1998, at the Psychology Department a research team of positive emotions was created, which was consisted of PhD, Master’s and Bachelor’s students, sharing the desire to join in scientific research programs and the same interest in Positive Psychology.

      Later, in 2010, members of this team created the Hellenic Association of Positive Psychology  that aims to contribute to the academic knowledge, research, awareness, education in the field of Positive Psychology in Greece and the global scientific community.

        In 2018, the Postgraduate Program “Psychology with three specializations was founded at the School of Social Sciences’ Department of Psychology of Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. The Postgraduate Program culminates in being awarded the Master’s Diploma and one of its three specialization is “Positive Psychology”.

          In 2018, was also founded the “Positive Psychology Lab at the Department of Psychology that aims to fulfill the academic and research needs of the Department, in the domain of Positive Psychology and also its applications that promote well-being, and flourishing of individuals, teams and organizations.

       Moreover, the Centre of Continuing Education of Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences offers the educational program “One-year Educational Program on Positive Psychology” for professionals and students in health and mental health fields, teachers, educators and human resources professionals. The aim of this program is to provide education and expertise in Positive Psychology themes.