Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths

by C.R. Snyder, Shane J. Lopez, Jennifer T. Pedrotti

The fully updated Third Edition of Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths covers the science and application of positive psychology and presents new frameworks for understanding positive emotions and strengths through a culturally competent lens. Authors Shane J. Lopez, Jennifer Teramoto Pedrotti, and C.R. Snyder bring positive psychology to life by addressing important issues such as how positive psychology can improve schooling and the workplace, as well as how it can promote flourishing in day-to-day life. Throughout the book, well-crafted exercises allow readers to apply major principles to their own lives. The book also explores various positive conditions within multiple cultural contexts, such as happiness and well-being, and processes related to mindfulness, wisdom, courage, and spirituality. "The emphasis is not exclusively clinical; it includes applications and implications across a number of environments and draws from a number of perspectives, including neurobiology. This range makes it an excellent choice for anchoring major concepts so students can explore the application of positive psychology to their specific areas of interest." --Dr. Pamela Rutledge, Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Textbooks, School, Counselling

600 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2006

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

[Navin Valrani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a masterpiece. From a deep explanation on the divergence between Eastern and Western philosophies around happiness to the concepts of hope, self-efficacy, and optimism, this book is based on comprehensive research on a living a more fulfilling life. Altruism and gratitude also is explained with some surprising research-drawn conclusions.

[Geoffrey Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly readable review of research in the field of positive psychology. This is suitable for upper division undergraduates and first year graduate students. It is a great resource for students wanting to explore ideas for research projects. There are many examples of survey items related to the topics.

[Angelica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice intro to positive psychology.

[Tiffeny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another required read for a class, but easy to understand and an interesting, important concept. While mostly written with therapists & educators in mind, it has good methods that anyone could use in any aspect of life.

[zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good source of research idea and survey examples. Applicable to life thanks to many personal mini-experiments.

Tho still few unnecessary long examples and unclear distinguish between negative and positive sides.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this topic and wish to explore it more.

[Mohanrajnraj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Books

[Kate Huon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far thoroughly enjoying this!

[Kyra Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting concepts but a little redundant at times. Not written super interestingly either. I liked the mini exercises and try it yourself pieces.

[Mohammad alshawan · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book that represent the buiding blocks of the civilizations.

[Carrie Fleharty · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was well written for a textbook. I thoroughly enjoyed the exercises within this book. I liked how the book was written as it presented information in an orderly and interesting way. The thoughts and perspectives of others who share the same theories of positive psychology provided the reader with a deeper understanding and also helped the reader to think about the purpose of the writing and how it affects us in our everyday lives.

[Tom Sutton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Introductory textbook. Very survey. Good primer. Always references studies, very easy to read. Mostly for students.

[Latasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the subject of positive psychology, but this book made it a snooze fest. Interesting topics, terrible tone and the audience would be bored to tears, I think.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad introductory text to positive psychology