SO 275 - Happiness for Helpers

In this social work elective, students will explore how to apply social work frameworks such as person-in-environment to understanding happiness. Students will analyze and reflect on the different aspects of life which influence one’s understanding of and search for happiness, including psychological, social, cultural, spiritual, environmental and global influences. They will reflect on what impacts one’s values, beliefs and attitudes about happiness, as well as one’s behavior in the pursuit of happiness in various social contexts. Exploring concepts such as vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue in helping professions while also considering empirical evidence and culture, students will develop their own plan for self-care and pursuing happiness and well-being in their future careers.

Four credits.