Doctorate in Systemic Psychology and Positive Psychology

Program Overview

The Doctorate in Systemic Psychology and Positive Psychology at Branner Global University is an advanced doctoral program designed to prepare scholars, researchers, university faculty, and highly qualified professionals for leadership in the field of psychological sciences.

This doctoral program integrates the scientific foundations of Systemic Psychology, which examines the interactions among individuals, families, groups, organizations, and social systems, with the contemporary principles of Positive Psychology, focused on the scientific study of well-being, resilience, human strengths, flourishing, and optimal functioning.

The program aims to develop researchers capable of producing original scientific knowledge, designing evidence-based interventions, and contributing to the advancement of psychological science, mental health, quality of life, and human development across educational, social, clinical, and organizational contexts.

Special emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary inquiry, scientific innovation, and the development of psychological approaches that strengthen human capacities and foster healthy, adaptive, and resilient systems.

Program Objectives

The doctoral program seeks to:

• Prepare researchers with advanced scientific competence in psychological investigation
• Develop high-level academic and professional expertise in systemic and positive psychology
• Promote interdisciplinary scientific production
• Strengthen evidence-based intervention methodologies
• Advance scientific knowledge in mental health and human development
• Encourage critical analysis of contemporary psychological challenges in social systems

Program Structure

The doctoral program consists of advanced coursework, research seminars, supervised academic activities, scientific production, and doctoral dissertation development.

• Total Workload: 1770 Hours
• Academic Credits: 118 Credits
• Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Final Academic Requirement: Doctoral Dissertation

Curriculum

• Foundations of Systemic Psychology
• Advanced Theories of Positive Psychology
• Family Systems Dynamics
• Resilience and Human Development
• Psychology of Well-Being and Quality of Life
• Systemic Psychology Applied to Mental Health
• Positive Leadership and Human Development
• Positive Organizational Psychology
• Advanced Research Methods in Psychology
• Quantitative and Qualitative Methods in Psychological Research
• Advanced Seminar in Systemic Psychology
• Advanced Seminar in Positive Psychology
• Scientific Publication and Academic Writing
• Doctoral Research Seminar
• Dissertation Development

Research Lines

1. Systemic Psychology and Relational Dynamics

This research line examines psychological processes occurring within relational systems, including families, social groups, institutions, organizations, and communities. It focuses on communication patterns, relational functioning, conflict processes, and systemic interventions that promote psychological balance and adaptive functioning.

Research topics may include:

• Applied systemic psychology
• Family systems and relational dynamics
• Interpersonal communication
• Conflict mediation and systemic intervention
• Psychological interventions in social systems

2. Positive Psychology, Well-Being, and Human Flourishing

This research line focuses on the scientific investigation of human strengths, emotional resilience, subjective well-being, and flourishing. It explores psychological mechanisms that contribute to happiness, meaning, personal growth, and optimal human functioning.

Research topics may include:

• Psychological well-being
• Happiness and life satisfaction
• Emotional resilience
• Character strengths and virtues
• Meaning, purpose, and human flourishing
• Mental health promotion

3. Human Development, Mental Health, and Social Contexts

This research line investigates how social, educational, institutional, and cultural contexts influence psychological development and mental health throughout the lifespan. It seeks evidence-based strategies to improve quality of life and psychosocial functioning.

Research topics may include:

• Lifespan human development
• Mental health and quality of life
• Community psychology
• Educational and organizational well-being
• Public mental health policies
• Psychosocial intervention strategies

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a recognized master’s degree or equivalent graduate qualification in psychology or related fields.

Required documentation includes:

• Academic transcripts
• Curriculum vitae
• Research proposal
• Identification documents
• Proof of degree completion

Graduation Requirements

To obtain the doctoral degree, candidates must:

• Successfully complete all required coursework
• Fulfill academic credit requirements
• Participate in doctoral research seminars
• Produce scientific publications when required
• Defend and approve the doctoral dissertation

Professional Outcomes

Graduates of this doctoral program may pursue academic, scientific, and professional careers in:

• Higher education teaching
• Scientific research
• Psychological consulting
• Mental health program development
• Organizational development
• Public and private institutions