A free public lecture on the science of happiness and increasing your own positive wellbeing will take place tonight (Nov. 6) at the UBC Okanagan campus.
Mark Holder, associate professor of psychology at the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences, will give the presentation at the Rotary Centre for the Arts (Mary Irwin Theatre), 7 p.m.
An award-winning teacher and researcher, Holder studies the science of happiness, identifying factors that contribute to happiness in children and the investigation of strategies to enhance happiness in adults.
Medicine and psychology have traditionally focused on dysfunction and illness, such as diagnosing what is wrong with people then prescribing how to fix their problems. Recently, science has placed an increased emphasis on positive well-being, helping determine what is right with people and how to promote that.
Holder leads a research team investigating the science of happiness. With humor and knowledge, he outlines recent research findings related to human flourishing, spirituality, optimism, personal relationships and life satisfaction.
Holder’s lecture is among the activities of Thrive Week at the UBC Okanagan campus. Thrive is a week of events encouraging the UBC community to invest in mental wellbeing.
