About the course

The Positive Life Choices course is a structured, therapeutic program designed to help individuals develop self-awareness, take responsibility for their actions, and make better decisions for the future. Through a series of engaging, evidence-based modules, participants learn how to manage emotions, set personal goals, build healthy relationships, and break free from negative behavioural patterns. Whether facing legal consequences or seeking personal growth, this course provides practical tools and reflective exercises to support lasting change and a more stable, purpose-driven life.

References Informing the Positive Life Choices Program

1. Seligman, M. E. P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55(1), 5–14. Introduces the foundation of positive psychology, emphasizing the study of strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. 2. Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405–432. Demonstrates the effectiveness of social and emotional learning (SEL) programs in improving students' social behavior and academic performance. 3. Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191–215. Presents the concept of self-efficacy, highlighting its role in motivating individuals to change behavior. 4. Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1983). Stages and processes of self-change of smoking: Toward an integrative model of change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51(3), 390–395. Introduces the Transtheoretical Model of behavior change, outlining stages individuals go through in modifying behavior. 5. Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2012). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press. Details a client-centered counseling style for eliciting behavior change by helping clients explore and resolve ambivalence. 6. Greenberg, M. T., Domitrovich, C. E., & Bumbarger, B. K. (2001). The prevention of mental disorders in school-aged children: Current state of the field. Prevention & Treatment, 4(1), 1a. Reviews evidence-based prevention programs and their effectiveness in reducing risk factors for mental disorders. 7. Positive Action Program. (n.d.). Evidence-Based Life Skills Curriculum & Programs. Retrieved from Positive Action Provides a comprehensive SEL curriculum that has been shown to improve academic achievement and behavior. 8. CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning). (2020). CASEL Program Guide: Effective Social and Emotional Learning Programs. Retrieved from CASEL Offers criteria for evaluating SEL programs and highlights effective, evidence-based programs. 9. Resnick, M. D., Bearman, P. S., Blum, R. W., et al. (1997). Protecting adolescents from harm: Findings from the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health. JAMA, 278(10), 823–832. Identifies protective factors that reduce the likelihood of risky behaviors in adolescents. 10. Guerra, N. G., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2008). Linking the prevention of problem behaviors and positive youth development: Core competencies for positive youth development. New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development, 2008(122), 1–17. Discusses core competencies essential for positive youth development and prevention of problem behaviors.

The Positive Life Choices Program is meticulously crafted to align with established psychological theories and evidence-based practices including:

• Positive Psychology & Strengths-Based Approach: Grounded in the principles of positive psychology, the program emphasizes building on individual strengths and virtues to promote well-being and resilience (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000). • Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Incorporating SEL frameworks enhances participants' abilities to manage emotions, set goals, and establish positive relationships, which are critical for personal development and reducing recidivism (Durlak et al., 2011; CASEL, 2020). • Behavior Change Models: Utilizing the Transtheoretical Model and concepts of self-efficacy, the program supports individuals through the stages of change, fostering motivation and commitment to personal growth (Prochaska & DiClemente, 1983; Bandura, 1977). • Motivational Interviewing: Techniques from motivational interviewing are employed to engage participants in reflective discussions, helping them to resolve ambivalence and embrace change (Miller & Rollnick, 2012). • Evidence-Based Curricula: Drawing from established programs like Positive Action, the curriculum offers structured activities that have been proven to improve behavior and academic outcomes (Positive Action Program). • Youth Development & Risk Prevention: By focusing on core competencies and protective factors identified in youth development research, the program aims to reduce engagement in risky behaviors and promote positive life trajectories (Resnick et al., 1997; Guerra & Bradshaw, 2008). By integrating these evidence-based components, the Positive Life Choices Program provides participants with the tools and support necessary to make informed decisions, develop healthier relationships, and pursue meaningful goals, thereby facilitating lasting behavioral change and personal growth.

Curriculum

11 Chapters · 51 Lessons

  1. 1

    Introduction

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Summary

  2. 2

    Module 1: Understanding Choices and Consequences

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      The Power of Choice: How Decisions Shape Our Lives

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Short-Term vs Long-Term Thinking

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Taking Responsibility for Your Actions

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Natural and Legal Consequences

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz

  3. 3

    Module 2: Self-Awareness and Personal Values

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Identifying Your Core Values

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Understanding Emotions and Thought Patterns

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Influences from Family, Culture, and Environment

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Aligning Decisions with Who You Want to Be

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz

  4. 4

    Module 3: Emotional Regulation and Impulse Control

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Recognising Emotional Triggers

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      The Impact of Anger, Anxiety, and Frustration

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Practical Tools to Pause and Respond

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Building Self-Control in High-Stress Situations

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 3 Assignment: Emotional Regulation and Impulse Control

  5. 5

    Module 4: Healthy Relationships and Boundaries

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Identifying Toxic vs Supportive Relationships

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Assertive Communication Skills

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Setting and Respecting Boundaries

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Building Trust and Mutual Respect

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 4 Assignment: Healthy Relationships and Boundaries

  6. 6

    Module 5: Peer Influence and Social Pressure

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Understanding Social Influence and Group Dynamics

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      How to Say No Without Conflict

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Finding Positive Role Models and Networks

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Making Independent, Self-Directed Choices

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 5 Assignment: Peer Influence and Social Pressure

  7. 7

    Module 6: Goal Setting and Motivation

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Creating a Vision for Your Future

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Setting Realistic, Achievable Goals

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Overcoming Setbacks and Staying Motivated

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Tracking Progress and Celebrating Growth

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz

  8. 8

    Module 7: Healthy Lifestyle Habits

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Nutrition, Sleep, and Physical Health

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Substance Use and the Brain

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      The Role of Routine and Structure

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Wellness Practices that Support Clarity and Stability

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 7 Assignment: Healthy Lifestyle Habits

  9. 9

    Module 8: Problem Solving and Decision Making

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Steps to Make Thoughtful, Informed Decisions

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Problem Solving Under Pressure

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Weighing Risks and Benefits

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Owning the Outcome, Good or Bad

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz

  10. 10

    Module 9: Building a Positive Identity

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Rebuilding Self-Worth After Mistakes

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Positive Self-Talk and Mental Resilience

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Creating a Personal Code of Conduct

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Living with Integrity and Purpose

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz

  11. 11

    Module 10: Planning for a Better Future

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Strengthening What You’ve Learned

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Creating an Action Plan for Change

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Avoiding Old Patterns and Relapse

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Committing to Long-Term Growth and Accountability

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz