Stress, Self-Care and Mindfulness unit (PSY214)

Online

Introduction

In this online unit you will learn about a range of approaches to managing stress and enhancing well-being which can be applied by individuals in a self-care context. As a foundation, you will learn about stress, coping, well-being and happiness.  This content includes different theories and models used in psychology to explain these concepts. Then you will explore the theory, scholarly evidence base, and practice of a range of self-care approaches, grouped into three themes: 1. Lifestyle (healthy eating, physical activity, sleep, relaxation and nature engagement,) 2. Mindfulness (everyday/informal mindfulness, formal mindfulness and meditation, compassion and self-compassion) and 3. Positive Psychology (gratitude, acts of kindness, character strengths, meaning in life, flow and creativity). You will learn how to think critically regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the self-care approaches covered. Throughout the unit, there is a focus on understanding the mechanisms of action of these approaches (how they “work”). These mechanisms could be psychological (e.g., relating to mental activities like attention and emotion regulation) and/or biological (e.g., relating to physiological activity in the nervous system and/or endocrine system). In each weekly online module, content is presented in text and video formats, along with interactive online learning activities and additional scholarly readings. In practical activities and assessments, you will discuss, apply, and reflect on the techniques discussed in the unit content.  

Summary

Unit name	Stress, Self-Care and Mindfulness
Unit code	PSY214
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health School of Psychological Sciences
Discipline	Psychology
Coordinator	Doctor Kate Talsma
Available as an elective?	No
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	4/7/2027	26/7/2027	29/8/2027	23/10/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explain key concepts relating to stress and psychological well-being.
• Evaluate approaches to managing stress and enhancing well-being, referring to theory, evidence base and practice.
• Apply techniques to manage stress and enhance well-being in a self-care context, and critically reflect on your experience.
• Use a variety of media to communicate about self-care concepts that can be applied to manage stress and enhance wellbeing within a self-care context.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

PSY114 and CXA006

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	3 hour weekly Asynchronous online learning modules 1 hour weekly Asynchronous online Learning Activities 6hrs weekly Independent learning consisting of  readings, assignment preparation, revision
Assessment	Online quizzes (20%)|Information sheet (35%)|Workbook (45%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator via the Reading List link in MyLO.
Recommended	Recommended Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator via the Reading List link in MyLO.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.