Positive Psychology: Theory, Research And Applications

by Kate Hefferon

This book combines a breadth of information about positive psychology with reflective questions, critical commentary and up to date research. It is written in a witty, engaging and contemporary manner and includes: Personal development exercises to help you meld together research and application Mock essay questions to get essay writing going Think about it boxes to get you thinking about the concepts and theories discussed Experiments boxes giving you most influential positive psychology experiments to date Suggested resources guiding you where to go next Measurement tools presenting popular positive psychology tools Time out boxes on key issues, concepts and thinkers Chapter summaries to help you check their understanding Review questions to enhance your learning "Positive Psychology" is key reading for students taking modules in positive psychology and well-being, and will also be of interest to students of applied, coaching and sports psychology, as well as psychologists, coaches, counsellors and researchers interested in this burgeoning field.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Science, Education

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only "required" reading for my positive psychology program. I'd say it did a good job of supporting the material we were learning in class, but don't know that it added any value. Would recommend for those considering the field of positive psychology to better understand the practice and principles and if it is for them.

[Suzanne Hazelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both authors of this book were lecturers on the MSc in Applied Positive Psychology that I studies. This was the course text :-)

[Lesley Botez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction to the theory, research and applications of the science of positive psychology. Very clear and well written.

[Nyla Mujtaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

its a good book

[Mohamed Yehia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book on the positive phycology & I really enjoyed this book a lot. It changed my view in life actually. It is an inspiring book for me.

[Delia Florea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great explanation of theory, research, and scientific evidence for students.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I read textbooks for fun. Don't judge. This is an excellent introduction to the field of Positive Psychology, something I am familiar with because one of my very best friends is a devotee. While I would have liked to seen a bit more discussion of Humanistic Psychology, this text has all of the most recent thinking in the field in one place, with lots of examples of assessment tools, theoretical underpinnings, and philosophical foundations. I pretended I was back in college while I read it; I underlined and highlighted and wrote notes to myself (which is what I do when I want to remember something I've read). There was much to think about here on both a personal and a professional level.

Take away: happiness, life-satisfaction, meaning...these things can be crafted, and the science of Positive Psychology is blazing the trail. Very good stuff.

With that said, it was interesting for me to read this book about goals and motivation and positive affect and world view (all great subjects) while watching the unfolding horrors in Iraq. What does any of this mean to someone who has become and IDP and is fleeing for their life from murderous violence and political oppression? For a wealthy white Westerner like me, it's easy to find the mental space and resources to ponder the meaning of my existence, to keep a gratitude journal, and to set goals. For a great many people in this world, their thoughts are consumed by the business of keeping alive.

Very sad, and very humbling.