INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 1st and 2nd February, 2013 INDRAPRASTHA COLLEGE FOR WOMEN, UNIVERSITY OF DELHI

CONCEPT NOTE Psychology as a discipline is well connected with human living and psychologist as professionals are positively impacting the lives of people all over the globe. If we look closely at the historical roots of the discipline of Psychology, we come across three objectives that the practitioners and academicians delineated for themselves at the outset: curing mental illness, making lives more fulfilling and identifying and nurturing high talent. However, due to crisis of war, resources were directed towards realization of the first goal i.e. understanding of human suffering and treating mental illness. The rest of the two goals were sidelined and eventually forgotten. As a result, Psychology so far has largely operating on a disease model. However, until recently, due to consistent efforts of academicians and practitioners all over the globe, there has been a revival of the positive aspect in Psychology giving rise to the movement termed as Positive Psychology. Positive Psychology is grounded in the belief that humans work on cultivating their talents and potentialities. They are constructive and wish to lead fulfilling and happy lives. Hence, this branch of Psychology is a scientific study of human virtues, strengths and talents, positive emotions, fulfilling relationships and psychological wellness. This emerging field is meant to complement and not replace the traditional psychology. At the Department of Psychology, Indraprastha College of Women, University of Delhi, we support the belief that apart from learning what is wrong with human living and how to deal with it; it is equally important to explore what is right with human condition and how to nurture it. Thus, we announce International Seminar on Positive Psychology under the aegis of Manovriti-the Annual Psychology Department festival. The objectives of the seminar are as follows: To expose the undergraduate student community to the ideas & issues related to Positive Psychology & its applications To cognize the factors responsible for enhancement of positive emotions, positive individual traits and positive institutions To stimulate an enquiry into issues related to mindfulness, happiness, well-being, resilience, optimism etc.

 To critically evaluate emergence of Positive Psychology as a trend within the discipline The themes of the seminar are as follows: Positive Emotions Well-being & Resilience Self-Efficacy, Optimism and Hope Mindfulness, Flow and Spirituality Altruism, Gratitude & Forgiveness Attachment, Love & Flourishing Relationships Childhood and Positive Psychology Positive Psychology at Workplace