Handbook of Positive Psychology

Oxford Library of Psychology

by C.R. Snyder, Shane J. Lopez (Editor)

Psychology has long been enamored of the dark side of human existence, rarely exploring a more positive view of the mind. What has psychology contributed, for example, to our understanding of the various human virtues? Regrettably, not much. The last decade, however, has witnessed a growing movement to abandon the exclusive focus on the negative. Psychologists from several subdisciplines are now asking an intriguing question: "What strengths does a person employ to deal effectively with life?"
The Handbook of Positive Psychology provides a forum for a more positive view of the human condition. In its pages, readers are treated to an analysis of what the foremost experts believe to be the fundamental strengths of humankind. Both seasoned professionals and students just entering the field are eager to grasp the power and vitality of the human spirit as it faces a multitude of life challenges. The Handbook is the first systematic attempt to bring together leading scholars to give voice to the emerging field of positive psychology.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Self Help

848 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2001

About the author

Full name: Charles Richard “Rick” Snyder

Professor Rick Snyder is internationally known for his work at the interface of clinical, social, personality and health psychology. His theories pertain to how people react to personal feedback, the human need for uniqueness, the ubiquitous drive to excuse transgressions and, most recently, the hope motive.

He has received 27 teaching awards at the university, state, and national level, and 31 research awards, including the 2002 Balfour Jeffrey Award for Research Achievement in Humanities and Social Science and the 2001 Guilford Press Award for Pioneering Scholarly Contributions in Clinical/Social/Personality Psychology. In 2005, he received an honorary doctorate from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Professor Synder's research focuses on the ideas of hope and forgiveness. As a pioneer in the positive psychology movement, he has written or edited 23 books, including six books he wrote on the theory of hope. His books and 262 articles describe hope’s impact on various aspects of life, including health, children, spirituality and work.

Reviews

[امیرمحمد حیدری · Rating 1 out of 5]

ترجمه‌شده تحت عنوان معنویت و روان‌شناسی مثبت. صبغه‌ی دینی روان‌شناسی انصافا آخرین‌چیزیه که بهش نیاز داریم. محتوای کتاب هم که بازگوکردن حرف همین به‌اصطلاح روان‌شناساییه که برای افراد سویسایدال مسافرت و گوش‌دادن به آهنگای شادو تجویز می‌کنن.

[Jmp]

Very comprehensive. Repetitive. Yes we need to redefine mental "illness" and "wellness".

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a very in-depth look to studies in all areas of positive psychology. Everything from gratitude, chemicals in your brain, what happens with your organs during emotions, learned helplessness, certain aerobic exercises, SSRI antidepressants, and their effects. Reading this book will also "rub off" on you and put you in a better mood with a clearer understanding about yourself and others around you.

[Keso Gagoshidze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving forward from illness to the psychology of growth:
Impressively comprehensive, detailed, truly handful literature about the inside and out of the science of positive psychology. Had been a very helpful guide during my Positive Psychology course at the university. As I told my non-psychologist friend today: the value of positive psychology is not in the superficially "positive" but in its holistic approach to human life experience - not defined or "blocked" by limitations (classically, by "mental illnesses" that are known for limiting one's functionality), but striving for realization and manifestation. While we need a pathopsychological approach, here appears the importance of moving on. How can we move on? Post-traumatic growth, gratitude, hope, optimism, and fulfilling intimate relationships - empirically proven to be clinically important for further coping interventions. Personally, love this sub-field in psychology, one of the most practical approaches for psychotherapy - the attitude/method, that gives long-term results.

[Caleb Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book this big I've read, but I can confidently say, as an introduction to positive psychology. It left a lasting impression on me. It really helped me get familiarized with terminology and concepts and measurements of a factor I've, for so long, brushed off as artificial and not properly defined.

All and all, I liked this book. I'm taking what I learned from it into my career, research, relationships, and self-betterment.

[Stefan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ett epos när det gäller positiv psykologi och dess olika infallsvinklar. Dock inget för den läsovane då den är TUNG både i vikt och i innehåll. För en surmulen gammal akademiker är den dock något av en guldgruva.

[Fransisca Sidabutar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seandainya gue harus pindah agama, kayaknya gue akan menjadikan Positive Psychology sebagai agama, hehee...

[Jenny Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good resource but a tough read....

[Robb Seaton · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is substantial variability in the quality of the chapters. Some are great, some are terrible.