| Description |
viii, 386 pages : illustrations ; 26 cm |
| Contents |
What is positive psychology? -- Learning about positive psychology: not a spectator sport -- Pleasure and positive experience -- Happiness -- Positive thinking -- Character strengths -- Values -- Interests, abilities, and accomplishments -- Wellness -- Positive interpersonal relationships -- Enabling institutions -- The future of positive psychology |
| Summary |
Positive psychology is the scientific study of what goes right in life, from birth to death and at all stops in between. It is a newly-christened approach within psychology that takes seriously the examination of that which makes life most worth living. Everyone's life has peaks and valleys, and positive psychology does not deny the valleys. Its signature premise is more nuanced, but nonetheless important: what is good about life is as genuine as what is bad and, therefore, deserves equal attention from psychologists. Positive psychology as an explicit perspective has existed only since 1998, but enough relevant theory and research now exist to fill a textbook suitable for a semester-long college course. A Primer in Positive Psychology is thoroughly grounded in scientific research and covers major topics of concern to the field: positive experiences such as pleasure and flow; positive traits such as character strengths, values, and talents; and the social institutions that enable these subjects as well as what recent research might contribute to this knowledge. Every chapter contains exercises that illustrate positive psychology, a glossary, suggestions of articles and books for further reading, and lists of films, websites, and popular songs that embody chapter themes." -- Publisher's description |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 315-365) and indexes |
| Subject |
Positive psychology.
|
| LC no. |
2005029442 |
| ISBN |
0195188330 paperback |
|
