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Applied Positive Psychology
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Applied Positive Psychology
Integrated Positive Practice



September 2014 | 240 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
If you think you know what positive psychology is, think again! This book offers a new integrative vision for making life better that takes in the body and the brain, culture and society, childhood and development... A must read for students.”
- Stephen Joseph, University of Nottingham

"Captures the best of the positive psychology initiative, and most importantly, translates it to practice. The authors bring remarkable depth and breadth to the subject matter and do so in a way that is fresh, engaging, relevant, and unusually thoughtful."
- Carol Ryff, University of Wisconsin-Madison

"If you want to understand what positive psychology really is, learn how it works in practice and discover its huge potential to transform our lives and our world then look no further than this superb book. I really can't recommend it highly enough."
- Mark Williamson, Director of Action for Happiness

This exciting new textbook, written by leading academics in the UK, offers the very first authored title on applied positive psychology for university courses.

Consisting of the latest cutting-edge theory and research in the subject and structured around a pioneering multidimensional model of wellbeing, this book will provide you with the knowledge and tools to apply positive psychology in many areas of life. These include interventions aimed at developing mental and physical functioning, to recommendations for enhancing relationships and reshaping organisational structures. The book shows how these practices can be successfully deployed in diverse real-world settings, from the classroom to the workplace. Key features include:

  • Learning objectives set out at the start of each chapter
  • Practice essay questions throughout and quizzes to test your knowledge at the end of each chapter
  • Useful measurement tools and recommendations for research
  • Summary boxes and suggested further reading and resources
  • Case studies and ‘Reflection’ boxes that invite you to explore topics in greater depth and relate findings to your everyday life.

This book will be essential reading for all students with an interest in or studying a course in applied positive psychology, and is strongly recommended to students taking a wider course in positive psychology and the psychology of happiness and wellbeing.

 
Introduction
 
Chapter 1: Preparing for the Journey
A map to guide us

 
Our motto

 
 
Chapter 2: The Mind
Consciousness

 
Embodiment

 
Emotions

 
Cognitions

 
Awareness+

 
 
Chapter 3: The Body and the Brain
Biochemistry

 
Neurons

 
Neural networks

 
The nervous system

 
The body

 
 
Chapter 4: Culture and Society
Microsystem

 
Mesosystem

 
Exosystem

 
Macrosystem

 
Ecosystem

 
 
Chapter 5: Childhood and Development
Pregnancy and birth

 
Infancy

 
Early childhood

 
Positive education

 
Positive youth development

 
Development throughout adulthood

 
Positive aging

 
 
Chapter 6: Occupations and Organisations
The mind

 
The body

 
Culture

 
Society

 
 
Chapter 7: Religion and Spirituality
The religion-health connection

 
Meditation and Buddhism

 
Yoga and Hinduism

 
Religion, spirituality, and positive psychology

 
 
Chapter 8: Ethical and Reflective Practice
Ethical practice

 
Reflective practice

 

If you think you know what positive psychology is, think again!  This book offers a new integrative vision for making life better that takes in the body and the brain, culture and society, and childhood and development. Written by the team who lead the Applied Positive Psychology programme at the University of East London you can be sure that the scholarship is cutting edge. A must read for students of positive psychology.

Professor Stephen Joseph, editor of Positive Psychology in Practice
University of Nottingham

It's hard to think of any discipline that could be more important in modern society than Positive Psychology - the science and practice of improving wellbeing. This book marks a significant coming-of-age for this exciting and rapidly developing field. It provides a grounded, compelling and comprehensive view of the many ways that Positive Psychology can help make life better - from individuals and families to schools, workplaces and communities; from birth and childhood to adult life and old age. If you want to understand what Positive Psychology really is, learn how it works in practice and discover its huge potential to transform our lives and our world then look no further than this superb book. I really can't recommend it highly enough.

Dr Mark Williamson
Director, Action for Happiness

This textbook captures the best of the positive psychology initiative, and most importantly, translates it to practice. The authors bring
remarkable depth and breadth to the subject matter and do so in a way that is fresh, engaging, relevant, and unusually thoughtful. Everyone who reads this book will derive useful insights about how to live. The closing chapter on ethical and reflective practice is a masterpiece.

Carol Ryff
University of Wisconsin-Madison

If you are interested in having a positive impact on people’s lives then this book is for you. By firmly placing Positive Psychology in an applied and social context the authors identify its true purpose - to make life better. It does a brilliant job of showing readers how to apply the insights that research has uncovered. It will surely become one of the go-to text books for all students of Positive Psychology.

Nic Marks
Creator of the Happy Planet Index, Five Ways to Wellbeing and Founder of Happiness Works

A major strength of the book relates to the diversity with which the material is presented. It is rare for a textbook to contain such a multitude of learning tools (e.g. case studies, measurement tools, media, and quizzes).
In sum, Applied Positive Psychology provides a thoughtful and thorough description of the practical realm of positive psychology. It is an appropriate textbook choice for courses with an applied focus, and a good companion text for courses with a broader focus on positive psychology.

Kelly Campbell, California State University, San Bernardino
Psychology Learning and Teaching

A fascinating and refreshing read for any new or experienced practitioner or anyone with an interest in this field.

Mrs Michelle Brook
Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, De Montfort University
December 11, 2017

This book is easy to read and is applicable to all students working in health . I particularly like the reflective element of the book and case studies. The case studies help students link theory to practice. This book will not only inform their work but will help in their own personal and professional development.

Mrs Felicity Page
School of Sport, Health & Outdoor Ed, University of Wales, Trinity St David
September 22, 2016

Very specific to the nature of the module and create excellent discussion and practical challenges for the students

Gerry Fitzpatrick
Department of Health, Sport and Exercise Studies, Waterford Institute of Technology
October 21, 2015

This book is clear in its intent to interest students into the fascinating field of positive psychology. It is readable and thought provoking in equal measure. It will be used to develop self awareness and personal development with a range of higher education learners.

Mrs Janet Macfarlane
health, University of Bolton
January 12, 2016

This book is a valuable resource, especially for those who may be keen to get an overview of work/ideas in the area of positive psychology. The ideas presented are contemporary and meaningful.

After reading this book, myself and my students have felt motivated to apply the ideas to our own lives and work.

I'd recommend it for use with both undergraduate and with postgraduate cohorts.

Dr Abbe Brady
School of Sport & Leisure, Gloucestershire University
June 25, 2015

For instructors

Please contact your Academic Consultant to check inspection copy availability for your course.

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