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Positive Psychology in a Nutshell
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First published October 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 5, 2019
This book gives a brief explanation of how psychology used to be thought of as 'what's wrong with that person,' and when positive psychology came along it was immediately accepted and acceptable. Many quotes are given showing schools of thought and studies.
The famous Stanford marshmallow test is referenced, indicating that children who displayed delayed gratification were/ are more successful in life.
Character study has been expanding but we get plenty about Maslow's order of needs and nothing about the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator character profiles we now see (Google ENTJ for example); and we don't get a mention of how many people with positive mindsets and prone to optimism are entrepreneurs, or anything similar. A list of ten strengths we can handle, but the author provides variants including over 30 strengths. Some can clearly create problems if overdone, for instance strong self-image and assertion leads to pomposity; we are rightly told we need a balance.
The author is far too prone, in my opinion, to generalisation; "we all watch many more hours of tv, we have more free time now but fill it with watching tv which does not make us happier, watching soap operas can make people happier," none of which applies to me, nor ever did. "We get twenty kinds of orange juice in shops but no shop stocks pear or cherry juice," well they do in my supermarket, even prickly pear cactus, and hibiscus and ginger; and Ireland gets variety many years after Britain, and USA or Europe probably had all these earlier. Mainly it's a matter of when something can be easily brought to mass market.
I also thought that telling someone their mindset can be improved by thinking of gratitude isn't doing much for someone whose home life is chaotic and violent, who has a controlling, belittling partner or who needs to lose ten stone and get active. No mention of decluttering which improves someone's life both physically and mentally, helping them make choices and discard bad memories but get ready for new life chapters. No mention of neuroplasticity which can identify why people get stuck in ruts and literally, physically, find change hard to attempt or accomplish. The physical, the home life, the environment of the patient / client / reader might need positive change far more than the person.
The book contains many handy references to other writers and studies so could be useful to anyone writing up a paper without time to read lots of books.
I borrowed this book from the Dublin Business School Library. This is an unbiased review.
The famous Stanford marshmallow test is referenced, indicating that children who displayed delayed gratification were/ are more successful in life.
Character study has been expanding but we get plenty about Maslow's order of needs and nothing about the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator character profiles we now see (Google ENTJ for example); and we don't get a mention of how many people with positive mindsets and prone to optimism are entrepreneurs, or anything similar. A list of ten strengths we can handle, but the author provides variants including over 30 strengths. Some can clearly create problems if overdone, for instance strong self-image and assertion leads to pomposity; we are rightly told we need a balance.
The author is far too prone, in my opinion, to generalisation; "we all watch many more hours of tv, we have more free time now but fill it with watching tv which does not make us happier, watching soap operas can make people happier," none of which applies to me, nor ever did. "We get twenty kinds of orange juice in shops but no shop stocks pear or cherry juice," well they do in my supermarket, even prickly pear cactus, and hibiscus and ginger; and Ireland gets variety many years after Britain, and USA or Europe probably had all these earlier. Mainly it's a matter of when something can be easily brought to mass market.
I also thought that telling someone their mindset can be improved by thinking of gratitude isn't doing much for someone whose home life is chaotic and violent, who has a controlling, belittling partner or who needs to lose ten stone and get active. No mention of decluttering which improves someone's life both physically and mentally, helping them make choices and discard bad memories but get ready for new life chapters. No mention of neuroplasticity which can identify why people get stuck in ruts and literally, physically, find change hard to attempt or accomplish. The physical, the home life, the environment of the patient / client / reader might need positive change far more than the person.
The book contains many handy references to other writers and studies so could be useful to anyone writing up a paper without time to read lots of books.
I borrowed this book from the Dublin Business School Library. This is an unbiased review.
March 4, 2023
Minu jaoks väga kerge lugemine, teadus osa oleks võinud rohkemgi olla :)
November 9, 2018
I have become increasingly interested in the Positive Psychology movement. The idea is that “Psychology has more often than not emphasized the short comings if individuals rather than their potentials. This particular approach focuses on the potentials. It is not targeted at fixing problems, but is focused on researching things that make life worth living instead” (p – 15). I found this statement tied in well with the recovery model which we are supposed to be using in our service. Too often in Mental Health I believe we have been focused on recognising people’s pathologies, rather than their strengths. I just think there is a lot more in this type of psychology in helping people (such as myself) to become better.
This is a well written, concise introduction to Positive Psychology. In 15 short chapters, she briefly goes over some of the concepts inherent within the movement. It provides a lot of references and avenues to further investigate the readers area of interest without trying to become too deep. Boniwell is well balanced, freely giving both sides of the debate on contentious issues. Whilst describing (the same feeling I have) that Positive Psychology is for her, she does criticize the movement and expresses a concern that it is in danger of becoming an ideology (and the latest fad). She emphasises the important of rigorous scientific methods being used to support its findings.
One of my mantras has been to recognise the wisdom and truth of the middle path. You can trace the idea of the middle path back as far as Aristotle, who postulated that any virtue taken to an extreme becomes a vice. Boniwell reinforced this principle by showing the importance negative experiences in assisting with personal growth. According to Boniwell, we are need to find ourselves within the middle of 3:1 or 8:1 ratio of positive to negative experiences (p 23). Below 3:1 we will not be happy, above 8:1 we will not be challenged. I found myself thinking “Ahh the middle path”. This seems to be reflect in Buddha’s concept of the middle path as well.
How many times was I told as a young nurse that I needed to improve my time management, so I was pleased to read “Contrary to popular belief, research shows that time management training has little effect on our time use and performance” (p 74).
I remain interested in the concept of Post Traumatic Growth. Boniwell introduces it briefly as a legitimate thing (which I plan to learn more about and reminded me that exercise is as effective as anti-depressants in the treatment of depression (p 119).
This book opened a lot more doors than it closed and reminded me of how much I still have to learn. It provided me with a map of where I might find the knowledge that interests me. I look forward to re-reading the last three chapters which gives suggestions of interventions and practice of positive psychology.
This is a well written, concise introduction to Positive Psychology. In 15 short chapters, she briefly goes over some of the concepts inherent within the movement. It provides a lot of references and avenues to further investigate the readers area of interest without trying to become too deep. Boniwell is well balanced, freely giving both sides of the debate on contentious issues. Whilst describing (the same feeling I have) that Positive Psychology is for her, she does criticize the movement and expresses a concern that it is in danger of becoming an ideology (and the latest fad). She emphasises the important of rigorous scientific methods being used to support its findings.
One of my mantras has been to recognise the wisdom and truth of the middle path. You can trace the idea of the middle path back as far as Aristotle, who postulated that any virtue taken to an extreme becomes a vice. Boniwell reinforced this principle by showing the importance negative experiences in assisting with personal growth. According to Boniwell, we are need to find ourselves within the middle of 3:1 or 8:1 ratio of positive to negative experiences (p 23). Below 3:1 we will not be happy, above 8:1 we will not be challenged. I found myself thinking “Ahh the middle path”. This seems to be reflect in Buddha’s concept of the middle path as well.
How many times was I told as a young nurse that I needed to improve my time management, so I was pleased to read “Contrary to popular belief, research shows that time management training has little effect on our time use and performance” (p 74).
I remain interested in the concept of Post Traumatic Growth. Boniwell introduces it briefly as a legitimate thing (which I plan to learn more about and reminded me that exercise is as effective as anti-depressants in the treatment of depression (p 119).
This book opened a lot more doors than it closed and reminded me of how much I still have to learn. It provided me with a map of where I might find the knowledge that interests me. I look forward to re-reading the last three chapters which gives suggestions of interventions and practice of positive psychology.
March 31, 2022
كتاب رهيييييب!
بعد عقود من الزمن كان كل تركيز علماء النفس يصب على الاضطرابات والمشاكل النفسية، أصبح مؤخرًا من مجالات علم النفس النامية هو التركيز على دراسة مالذي يفرق بين الشخص السعيد والأقل سعادة؟ وما هي جودة الحياة؟ وكيف من الممكن تحقيقها؟
وهل فعلًا الهدف من الحياة تحقيق السعادة فقط، أم هناك أشياء أخرى خلف ذلك؟
كتاب متاكدة لو رجعت أقراه من جديد في كل مره راح أفهمه بتعمق أكثر!
بعد عقود من الزمن كان كل تركيز علماء النفس يصب على الاضطرابات والمشاكل النفسية، أصبح مؤخرًا من مجالات علم النفس النامية هو التركيز على دراسة مالذي يفرق بين الشخص السعيد والأقل سعادة؟ وما هي جودة الحياة؟ وكيف من الممكن تحقيقها؟
وهل فعلًا الهدف من الحياة تحقيق السعادة فقط، أم هناك أشياء أخرى خلف ذلك؟
كتاب متاكدة لو رجعت أقراه من جديد في كل مره راح أفهمه بتعمق أكثر!
February 18, 2025
A short overview of the entire field of Positive Psychology
Until around 30 years ago, studying psychology essentially meant studying what goes wrong in psychology. It looked at a minority of humans where there were problems which needed solutions.
The development of Positive Psychology over the last thirty years has been a conscious decision to re-balance the field, by looking at what it means for human psychology to work optimally. This has meant studying wider populations, and it potentially has implications for everyone.
What this book provides is an overview of what the subject of Positive Psychology looks like. In fifteen chapters, the book explores key ideas like ‘emotions,’ ‘optimism’ and ‘living in the flow.’ Topics like that are covered quickly, in chapter-length treatments. The chapter on happiness covers just 14 pages, but there are entire books devoted to issues like that. So readers are getting an overview of ‘edited highlights’ on the topics covered.
Nevertheless, the book does provide interesting details which will make readers think. For example, chapter 2 tells us that there is an optimal relationship of 3:1 between the amount of positivity and negativity which people include in their lives.
Chapter 5 reports an interesting study on the longevity of nuns. Researchers looked at the happiness expressed in the writings of nuns in their twenties and compared that to the dates of death. More than half the nuns who expressed happiness were still alive at the age of 94, while only 11% of those with a gloomier disposition were.
Another interesting titbit was the finding that people perform optimally when they spend around 6 hours a day in social activities. If they have a particularly stressful job, then that figure rises to around 9 hours.
Facts like those are interesting to read and they are conveyed well by the book. They give readers specific things to think about, and questions which they can ask of themselves and their own lives.
The final chapter was a particularly welcome attempt by the author to explain the limitations and problems in the field. Yes, there is a lot that is right about what positive psychology is trying to achieve, but there are still problems. Those problems include risks such as the popularity of the subject turning it into an ideology, which effectively makes it harder for others to challenge its assumptions.
However, there are also wider problems in the background of the subject, which it would have been good for the book to flag up. Many of the psychology experiments cited in the book have been carried out in America, Europe and other ‘Western’ locations. The problem with that is that there is a specific outlook included in those populations (who are sometimes referred to as WEIRD). This means that there are sometimes questions about how relevant or widespread some findings are? Do they represent discoveries about humans, or just discoveries about humans in certain parts of the world.
Generally, the book is well presented. It is written in a clear and accessible language which mainly avoided distracting notes and references in the text. Nevertheless, around 20% of the book was footnotes, providing extra detail for those readers interested in following matters up.
Overall, this is a book which will be useful for readers from High School age upwards, who would like to know more about positive psychology, although its generalised nature means that it will be less useful for those already studying the subject.
(These comments are based on a reading of the 2012 Third edition, in digital format).
Until around 30 years ago, studying psychology essentially meant studying what goes wrong in psychology. It looked at a minority of humans where there were problems which needed solutions.
The development of Positive Psychology over the last thirty years has been a conscious decision to re-balance the field, by looking at what it means for human psychology to work optimally. This has meant studying wider populations, and it potentially has implications for everyone.
What this book provides is an overview of what the subject of Positive Psychology looks like. In fifteen chapters, the book explores key ideas like ‘emotions,’ ‘optimism’ and ‘living in the flow.’ Topics like that are covered quickly, in chapter-length treatments. The chapter on happiness covers just 14 pages, but there are entire books devoted to issues like that. So readers are getting an overview of ‘edited highlights’ on the topics covered.
Nevertheless, the book does provide interesting details which will make readers think. For example, chapter 2 tells us that there is an optimal relationship of 3:1 between the amount of positivity and negativity which people include in their lives.
Chapter 5 reports an interesting study on the longevity of nuns. Researchers looked at the happiness expressed in the writings of nuns in their twenties and compared that to the dates of death. More than half the nuns who expressed happiness were still alive at the age of 94, while only 11% of those with a gloomier disposition were.
Another interesting titbit was the finding that people perform optimally when they spend around 6 hours a day in social activities. If they have a particularly stressful job, then that figure rises to around 9 hours.
Facts like those are interesting to read and they are conveyed well by the book. They give readers specific things to think about, and questions which they can ask of themselves and their own lives.
The final chapter was a particularly welcome attempt by the author to explain the limitations and problems in the field. Yes, there is a lot that is right about what positive psychology is trying to achieve, but there are still problems. Those problems include risks such as the popularity of the subject turning it into an ideology, which effectively makes it harder for others to challenge its assumptions.
However, there are also wider problems in the background of the subject, which it would have been good for the book to flag up. Many of the psychology experiments cited in the book have been carried out in America, Europe and other ‘Western’ locations. The problem with that is that there is a specific outlook included in those populations (who are sometimes referred to as WEIRD). This means that there are sometimes questions about how relevant or widespread some findings are? Do they represent discoveries about humans, or just discoveries about humans in certain parts of the world.
Generally, the book is well presented. It is written in a clear and accessible language which mainly avoided distracting notes and references in the text. Nevertheless, around 20% of the book was footnotes, providing extra detail for those readers interested in following matters up.
Overall, this is a book which will be useful for readers from High School age upwards, who would like to know more about positive psychology, although its generalised nature means that it will be less useful for those already studying the subject.
(These comments are based on a reading of the 2012 Third edition, in digital format).
November 19, 2021
A great introduction to positive psychology and i love some of the suggested activity techniques given. It felt like both a self-help book whilst also a book outlining the research surrounding positive psych and the future of its discipline. Great read
November 2, 2017
Very clever, good read.
June 18, 2021
Like the book says, it is overview not practical handbook. But nicely written and easy to read.
February 7, 2022
Easy to understand survey of positive psychology with some useful interventions.
December 6, 2024
Book delivers on its premise- it is positive psychology in a nutshell.
It contains brief & comprehensive overview of topics and references to more detailed materials.
It contains brief & comprehensive overview of topics and references to more detailed materials.
October 13, 2016
This was a supplemental textbook for class; very basic but gave clear definitions of concepts with pointers for further research. Great for an intro class.
October 13, 2022
A very well organised, researched, and simplified explanation on Positive Psychology in a nutshell as the title mentions. Easy to read, grasp, and understand to take away small life style changes that can help in a significant impact whether you are psychology professional or an enthusiast or a lay person wanting to understand what Positive Psychology is and how it can be leveraged for a flourishing life.
February 16, 2013
This interesting little book is an excellent introduction to positive psychology. It is written in a way which is easy to understand for the general reader even though it is also aimed at academics. I liked the cartoon style illustrations which really help to get the author’s point across. The book looks at how positive psychology came into being and explains how psychology up until then had primarily looked at disease and what was abnormal rather than what was normal.
The book looks at the things which makes us happy – not money surprisingly enough! It looks at the importance of what motivates the individual and how everyone needs to work out both their intrinsic values and their strengths. Psychology mainly studies weaknesses where positive psychology looks at strengths.
Each chapter is divided into short sections and there is at least one book listed as recommended reading at the end of each chapter. One chapter towards the end of the book looks at things the individual can do to change their level of happiness which do not involve very much effort but may help people feel happier. One thing which positive psychology has discovered is that happiness/unhappiness is something which is innate and there is only so much we can do to influence our individual happiness level.
If you enjoy reading self-help books then this will be a useful addition to your bookshelves as it talks about the science behind many self-help ideas. The book contains a list of references which will be useful to the reader who wants to take the subject further. There is an index
The book looks at the things which makes us happy – not money surprisingly enough! It looks at the importance of what motivates the individual and how everyone needs to work out both their intrinsic values and their strengths. Psychology mainly studies weaknesses where positive psychology looks at strengths.
Each chapter is divided into short sections and there is at least one book listed as recommended reading at the end of each chapter. One chapter towards the end of the book looks at things the individual can do to change their level of happiness which do not involve very much effort but may help people feel happier. One thing which positive psychology has discovered is that happiness/unhappiness is something which is innate and there is only so much we can do to influence our individual happiness level.
If you enjoy reading self-help books then this will be a useful addition to your bookshelves as it talks about the science behind many self-help ideas. The book contains a list of references which will be useful to the reader who wants to take the subject further. There is an index
April 12, 2017
This was a set reading for a course I am studying at university. It was a quick engaging read. It provides an overview of the field of positive psychology and has a good reference list which directs you to further authors and books or journal articles for a more in depth look at the topics covered.
May 21, 2021
This book helped me through a difficult time in my life. It's quite self-explanatory, but you need someone else to tell you you're good enough when you're down. It's ok, but I wouldn't read it again.
August 12, 2022
The perfect, light and breezy positive psych textbook.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews