Interpersonal Relationships and Well-Being
About this course
This course will introduce the students to the psychology of human relationships. It will address knowledge and skills needed for positive relationships in community, family and career settings. Its primary focus will be romantic relationships, although other kinds of close relationships (e.g., family, friends, work relationships) will also be discussed. The goals of this course are: (1) to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the research in relationship psychology and of its underlying theories, (2) to help students acknowledge the significance of interpersonal relationships, (3) to help students discern those problem situations in which interpersonal skills are required, (4) to cope with unhealthy relationships and respond non-violently, with awareness and empathy, (5) to learn how to effectively apply knowledge in daily living. The course is largely experiential as it includes a lot of classroom activities.
Expected learning outcomes
Hopefully, by successfully completing this course the students will have the skills to: identify and describe the core theories involved in relationships research, interpret, critically evaluate, and discuss scientific research on relationships, acknowledge the significance of interpersonal relationships, develop a better understanding of self and others in terms of how we relate to others (self-Disclosure), have the skills needed to develop and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships, and apply knowledge to experiences from the daily life.
Independent work, Teamwork, Interdisciplinary work, Respect of diversity and multicultural environments, Accountability and sensitivity of gender issues, Critical thinking and self-criticism, Advancement of free, creative and inductive thinking
Indicative Syllabus
2nd week: Relationships in modern society
3rd week: Impact on health, mental health, well-being and happiness
4th week: Psychological resilience and social networks
5th week: Theories of interpersonal relationships
6th week: Assessment of interpersonal relationships
7th week: Kindness and forgiveness
8th week: Stress, conflicts and conflict resolution
9th week: Infidelity, Betrayal and jealousy
10th week: Coercion, manipulation, exploitation and interpersonal violence
11th week: Interpersonal skills and coping strategies
12th week: Compassionate, empathetic or non-violent communication
13th week: Dissolution and Loss
Teaching / Learning Methodology
Support of learning process through the asynchronous platform e-class
Use of powerpoint during lectures.
Use of video/DVD during lectures.
Email, fb, Skype (communication with students)
Support of learning process through the asynchronous platform e-class
Use of powerpoint during lectures.
Use of video/DVD during lectures.
Email, fb, Skype (communication with students)
Recommended Reading
Armour, M. P., & Umbreit, M. S. (2005). The paradox of forgiveness in restorative justice. In E. L. Worthington Jr (ed.), Handbook of forgiveness. New York, NY: Routledge. Available online at http://fetzer.org/sites/default/files/images/Parodox_of_Forgiveness_in_RJ.pdf Harvey, J. H., Pauwels, B. G., & Zicklund, S. (2001). Relationship connection: The role of mnding in the enhancement of closeness. In C. R. Snyder & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), The handbook of positive psychology (pp. 423-233). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of personality and social psychology, 52(3), 511-524. Lyubomirsky, S (2011). The How of Happiness. A Practical Guide to Getting the Life You Want. New York: The Penguin Press Lyubomirsky, S. (2013). The myths of happiness: What should make you happy, but doesn’t, what shouldn’t make you happy, but does. New York, NY: Penguin. Wong, P. T. P. (2004). The healing power of forgiveness. Available online at http://www.meaning.ca/archives/presidents_columns/pres_col_dec_2004_healing-forgiveness.htm Birtchnell, J., Newberry, M., & Kalairzaki, A. (Eds) (2016). Relating Theory: Clinical and Forensic Applications. London: Palgrave Macmillan. Keltner, D. (2009). Born to be good: The science of a meaningful life. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.
Prerequisites
Start Date
TBA
End Date
TBA
Apply
TBA
Local Course Code
0807.7.012.1
Cycle
TBA
Year of study
TBA
Language
English
Study Load
Lectures (3X13) 39 Experiential activities 13 Homeworks 20 Reading 48 Overall 120 ECTS
Mode of delivery
1. Final exam test of multiple choice type 2. Homeworks and class presentations of group projects 3. Group Discussions 4. Self-Assessments 5. Attendance and Participation 6. Assessment criteria are referred upon e-class. Exam degrees are uploaded at e-class and exam papers are available to students.
Instructors
Dr. Argyroula Kalaitzaki
Course coordinator
Dr. Argyroula Kalaitzaki