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Positive Psychology
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Positive Psychology
The Science of Well-Being

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November 2019 | 392 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

Positive Psychology brings together a range of research and a comprehensive review of the more recent work and lessons learned since the founder’s original vision of this field. Organised into five sections: An Introduction, Positive Experiences, Personality Processes, External Influences, and Applications, this text provides a thorough introduction to an interesting and challenging area in Psychology. With a final look at the future of Positive Psychology, and its potential to inform social change and how useful this knowledge can be when considering the well-being of entire societies, this text is an enlightening read and invaluable resources for students.

Strongly guided by empirical work this text encourages the reader to think critically and go beyond the facts.

Key features:

  • Provides a framework for teaching and understanding global trends in Positive Psychology.
  • Inclusion and a review of up-to-date research.
  • Using storytelling and happiness’s intrinsic appeal to foster interest in the methods we use to answer important questions in Positive Psychology.
  • Online resources including student self-tests, an instructor test bank, instructor slides and links to additional web content.

 

 
Part I: Introduction
 
Chapter 1 Describing the Science of Positive Psychology
 
Part II: Happiness and Positive States
 
Chapter 2 Positive Emotions
 
Chapter 3 Happiness
 
Part III: Personality Processes
 
Chapter 4 Personality
 
Chapter 5 The Self
 
Chapter 6 Thinking
 
Part IV: Social, Psychological, and Physical Environments
 
Chapter 7 Social and Physical Environments
 
Chapter 8 Close Relationships
 
Part V: Towards Increasing Positivity
 
Chapter 9 Stability and Change
 
Chapter 10 Looking Forward

Supplements

Click for online resources
This website includes:
  • An Instructor Testbank
  • Student Multiple Choice Questions
  • Flashcard glossary

The book starts with consideration of what Positive Psychology actually means. This is followed by chapters addressing happiness, emotions, environments and the future – for us as psychologists and the science. I particularly liked the highlighting of areas of deficiency in research so far, signposting areas where today’s students can innovate and explore. 

 It would seem the time is right for a more current teaching text and I found this book to be insightful and inspiring. 

Stuart Hillston
The British Psychological Society

Simple & straightforward. I don't dig into the research as I teach the course for application.
I have requested a paperback copy so I can mark it up more easily. I also teach 2 sections of Positive Psych in the Spring.

Dr Bob Reese
Psychology Dept, Radford University
April 13, 2023

This is a fascinating insight into how psychology can actively promote wellbeing. Really contemporary content combined with an engaging tone and helpful web links make this a must-read for any students keen to see how psychology can be applied in a positive way.

Mrs Suzi Smale
Psychology, Petroc College
October 18, 2020

Useful text for trainee teachers, to bring about a positive way of thinking within professional contexts

Dr Linzi McKerr
Institute of Education, Worcester University
August 11, 2021

Really useful information that leads into appreciative enquiry and professional midwifery advocacy. Clear and interesting.

Ellie Sonmezer
Institute of Health & Society, Worcester University
October 6, 2021

Useful for psychology students more than trainee teachers but some useful information nevertheless. Have passed the booked on to our psychology department for adoption.

Ms Kelly Stewart
Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, University of Central Lancashire
May 12, 2020

This is not a topic that is covered in my modules but an excellent book to have on the reading list.

Ms Lucy Helen Anacleto
Social Science, Coventry University Scarborough Campus
May 20, 2020

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 9: Stability and Change


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Paperback
ISBN: 9781473902152
£34.99

Hardcover
ISBN: 9781473902145
£96.00