Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths

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

Bringing both the science, and the real-life applications, of positive psychology to life for students

This revision of the cutting edge, most comprehensive text for this exciting field presents new frameworks for understanding positive emotions and human strengths. The authors—all leading figures in the field—show how to apply the science to improve schooling, the workplace, and cooperative lifestyles among people. Well-crafted exercises engage students in applying major principles in their own lives, and more than 50 case histories and comments from leaders in the field vividly illustrate key concepts as they apply to real life.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Textbooks, School, Counselling

616 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]

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]

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]

Nice intro to positive psychology.

[Tiffeny]

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]

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]

I loved this topic and wish to explore it more.

[Mohanrajnraj]

Good Books

[Kate Huon]

So far thoroughly enjoying this!

[Mohammad alshawan]

good book that represent the buiding blocks of the civilizations.

[Carrie Fleharty]

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]

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

[Tashie]

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]

Not a bad introductory text to positive psychology