Springer Psychological Selection and Optimal Experience Across Cultures: Social Empowerment through Personal Growth: 2 (Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology, 2)

This book conveys the message that educating people to enjoy engagement and involvement in activities relevant and meaningful for social welfare can foster the harmonious development of human communities, and the peaceful cohabitation of cultures. Review From the reviews: “This book will have much interest for the general reader. It contains extensive detail about a wide range of cultural experiences. Moreover, the research results and data analyses are easily understood through tables and clear explanations. The volume will be of particular interest to those researchers and theorists working in the emerging field of positive psychology. Those working in the specific areas covered in the final eight chapters will also find much material to stimulate ideas for further research.” (John M. Davis, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol. 57 (20), May, 2012) From the Back Cover Studies on well-being derive from two main perspectives: hedonism and eudaimonism. The former emphasizes the human search for pleasure and satisfaction while the latter focuses on fulfillment of one’s true nature that includes both self-actualization and commitment to socially shared goals. Operating under the eudaimonic approach, Psychological Selection and Optimal Experience Across Cultures uses recent advancements in positive psychology to explore the connections between personal well-being and social welfare. People grow and live in cultures that deeply influence their values, aspirations and behaviors. However, individuals in their turn play an active role in building their own goals, growth trajectories and social roles while at the same time influencing culture trends. This process, known as psychological selection, is related to the individual pursuit of well-being. People preferentially select and cultivate in their lives activities, interests and relationships associated with optimal experience―a state of deep engagement, concentration and enjoyment. Several cross-cultural studies confirm the positive and rewarding features of optimal experience, and based on these evidences this book highlights the interplay between individual and cultural growth trajectories, ultimately conveying the core message that educating people to enjoy engagement and involvement in activities that can be relevant and meaningful for social welfare is a premise to foster the harmonious development of human communities and the peaceful cohabitation of cultures. Interest in eudaimonia has grown rapidly, especially in the past five years. Given this book’s emphasis on the role of individuals as active agents in shaping their cultural environment and in promoting both their own development and cultural complexity, it fills a unique place in the increasing demand for studies in the field. Aimed at researchers and students in Psychology, Education, Health and the Social Sciences, it is useful for anyone interested in the promotion of individual happiness and well-being. About the Author Antonella Delle Fave, MD specialized in Clinical Psychology, is professor of Psychology at the University of Milano, Italy. Her studies concern optimal experience and individual psychological selection, that is the lifelong process of differential replication and cultivation of activities and competencies. Her cross-cultural studies have produced the largest international data bank on these topics. On the basis of research findings, she has developed and supervised intervention projects in the domains of health and education, disability and social maladjustment. She is author of 120 articles and chapters in peer-reviewed books, author/editor of 10 books and 2 special journal issues, member of several Editorial Boards and Boards of Reviewers. She is presently President of the European Network of Positive Psychology (ENPP) and member of the Board of Directors of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA).