Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths

The fully updated Third Edition of this best seller covers the science and application of positive psychology and presents new frameworks for understanding positive emotions and strengths through a culturally competent lens. The authors 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. Key features: The latest research in positive psychology is integrated throughout and covers topics such as hope, courage, and altruism while giving attention to multiple cultural contexts. A new streamlined 16-chapter organization makes the book easier to cover in a typical semester. New coverage of Islam is featured among the philosophical influences on positive psychology. Additional coverage includes new material on adult stages in the lifespan, courage and culture, and cultural influences on various aspects of positive psychology. New research has been added on wisdom and the neurobiology of wisdom and mindfulness, as well as neurological findings related to mindfulness. Personal Mini-Experiments chapter inserts allow you to apply the practice of positive psychology to your daily life. Life Enhancement Strategies features offer change strategies you can implement quickly and easily to help you attain greater connections with others, pursue meaning in your life, and experience increased life satisfaction. More than 50 case histories and comments from leaders in the field vividly illustrate key concepts as they apply to real life. In-depth discussion of science and applications of positive psychology explores various positive conditions, such as empathy, altruism, gratitude, attachment and love. A broad exploration of culture includes special consideration of facets such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, generation, nation of origin, gender, and socioeconomic status.