Cambridge University Press The Science and Application of Positive Psychology

Positive psychology tackles the big questions: What does it mean to live a 'good life'? What helps people to flourish and access their optimal potential? And how can we increase our capacities for joy, meaning, and hope? This engaging textbook emphasizes the science of positive psychology - students don't simply learn about positive psychology in the abstract, but instead are exposed to the fascinating research that supports its conclusions.Bridging theory and practice, this textbook connects up-to-date research with real-world examples and guides students to apply evidence-based practices in their own lives. Its comprehensive coverage includes major new topics, such as spirituality, therapeutic interventions, mindfulness, and positive relationships. Featured pedagogy includes 'Are You Sure about That?' boxes presenting methodological and statistical principles in context, and 'Practice Positive Psychology' activities to extend student learning, while online resources include lecture slides, a test bank, and an instructor manual. Review 'Cheavens and Feldman are experts and provide an accessible yet thorough overview of the rapidly expanding field of positive psychology. This textbook will be a valuable resource for educators interested in teaching positive psychology, as well as researchers and clinicians who want to learn more about the current state of the field. The textbook highlights many of the myths and misunderstandings of positive psychology, and it also provides valuable exercises to help readers to understand how to apply the science of positive psychology in their own lives.' Matthew W. Gallagher, University of Houston'Cheavens and Feldman have created a delicious positive psychology textbook to be savored. Their approach adeptly reinforces the importance of the scientific method in understanding what we know about the pursuit of happiness, which builds students' appreciation for the value of thinking like a psychologist. The scholarship is crisply current and reflects careful consideration of cultural and diversity concerns. Their recommended applications are straightforward and practical. It is a textbook I wish I had written.' Jane S. Halonen, University of West Florida'This fascinating, comprehensive textbook integrates in-depth and up-to-date scientific approaches to theory, research, and intervention on human psychological strengths and thriving. The book presents personal, interpersonal, and ecological aspects in an inviting, interesting, practical, and thought-provoking way. The motivating exercises at the chapters' conclusions support the students' thorough comprehension of the theories and research.' Malka Margalit, Tel Aviv University'Cheavens and Feldman have created a readable, memorable text that offers the perfect blend of scientific background and practical application of skills. The book targets an undergraduate audience who may be entering a positive psychology course with very little (if any) previous exposure to psychological science. Students who read this text will come away with new knowledge, better critical thinking skills, and enhanced well-being as a result of the evidence-based, meaningful content Cheavens and Feldman present.' Jennifer L. Price, Georgetown College'This outstanding text comes at a crucial time for the field of positive psychology and provides a comprehensive survey of the current state of the science. Written in an engaging and critical style, this book will help readers to distinguish between the reliable facts of science and the vapid conjecture of pop psychology. Students and scholars alike will want a copy.' Kevin L. Rand, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis Book Description Emphasizing the science of positive psychology, this comprehensive and engaging textbook features up-to-date research and major new topics. About the Author Jennifer S. Cheavens, Professor of Psychology at The Ohio State Univer