Answers the question, “Who is responsible for my happiness?” The lesson offers suggestions for a balanced, pro-active pursuit of personal happiness. Students learn how to transform negative criticism into positive communication for improved relations, how genetics plays a role in our capacity for happiness, and how the pursuit of hedonistic “highs” predisposes us to addiction and stress.
Producers: Governors State University
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Military Marriages
Do military marriages have special challenges and needs? This special bonus video allows students to learn about the unique situations that arise in military marriages. As you view the video, consider the challenges that confront military couples in building a solid and loving marriage.
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An Introduction
Sets out the objectives, methodology, and expectations of the course. Students are introduced to the difference between “person” and “personality”, and they are invited to assess their current assumptions and attitudes toward two people they know – one they like and one they don’t.
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The Variety of Personality Theories
Defines terminology pertinent to all personality theories. Students learn how the terms “structure”, “dynamics”, “development”, and “system” apply to the study of personality theories. The criteria for assessing the validity of a theory are discussed.
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Hooking Up – Upside, Downside
Discusses the pros and cons of casual sex. Investigative reporters and relationship experts present the advantages and disadvantages of “hooking up”. Discussion reveals how gender affects our perceptions of casual sex, and emphasizes the importance of safe-sex awareness.
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What to Look for in a Mate
Takes a look at statistical predictors of effective partner selection. Students learn how such variables as compatibility, accountability, ethnicity, and communication styles play a hand in mate selection. Neuroscientific research reveals how common notions of attraction based on familiarity can often go awry.
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How to Tell When you are Really in Love
Further examines the skills that help sustain true love. Discussion emphasizes the importance of tuning into and committing to true love. Topics include the high correlation between romantic expectations and divorce, and the role of Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs in successful relationships.
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Seven Tests Before you Commit
Outlines what you need to know before you commit to a relationship. Lecture defines seven areas critical to building relations, and discussion explains the impact of each on love relationships. Students learn how true commitment can help us weather the inevitable problems that naturally occur in any relationships.
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Cohabitation – The Plain Facts
Exposes myths and highlights research on the subject of “living together”. The lesson identifies the pros and cons of non-marital cohabitation and explains the dangers of “sliding” into as opposed to “deciding” on this form of commitment. Deciding factors discussed by the class include the statistical realities of cohabitation, the conflicting male-female expectations about cohabitation, and the surprising correlations between cohabitation, divorce, and general dissatisfaction.
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When to Stay, When to go
Draws a distinction between problem relationships that can be salvaged and those that cannot. Class discussion focuses on the “red flags” that signal trouble in a relationship or marriage. Students receive helpful hints for making even the most difficult relationships happy and fulfilling, including how to get beyond volatile hot buttons, how to find joint passion with your partner, and how to recognize a losing battle when you see one.