Neural and Psychological Evidence to Shift Mindsets from "Me" to "We" Using a Scalable Decentering Curriculum

Overview:

This project aims to develop an entry-level college course on positive psychology and neuroscience focused on transforming students' mindset from a self-centered perspective to one that emphasizes a collective and pro-social focus.

Abstract:

This project aims to develop an entry-level college course on positive psychology and neuroscience focused on cultivating a healthy and decentered mindset. The course will be refined through the use of psychological, linguistic, and neuroimaging measures to ensure its effectiveness. The goal is to transform students' mindset from a self-centered perspective to one that emphasizes a collective and pro-social focus. Once developed, all course materials will be made available to instructors worldwide to promote the teaching of a healthy and decentered mindset on a broader scale. The project recognizes the influence of our worldviews on our well-being, behaviors, and long-term health, and seeks to address the rise of psychopathology and social unrest by promoting stress-resilience, empathy, compassion, and prosocial perspectives through innovative experiential practice modules in the course.

Broader Impact:

This project is creating a college course that helps students shift from a self-focused mindset to a more caring, community-centered outlook, using science-based lessons to boost empathy, resilience, and well-being. The course will be freely available worldwide, aiming to inspire a more compassionate and connected society for generations to come.