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A Primer in Positive Psychology (Oxford Positive Psychology Series) Paperback – 27 July 2006
by
Christopher Peterson
(Author)
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Positive psychology is the scientific study of what goes right in life, from birth to death and at all stops in between. It is a newly-christened approach within psychology that takes seriously the examination of that which makes life most worth living. Everyone's life has peaks and valleys, and positive psychology does not deny the valleys. Its signature premise is more nuanced, but nonetheless important: what is good about life is as genuine as what is bad and, therefore, deserves equal attention from psychologists. Positive psychology as an explicit perspective has existed only since 1998, but enough relevant theory and research now exist to fill a textbook suitable for a semester-long college course.A Primer in Positive Psychology is thoroughly grounded in scientific research and covers major topics of concern to the field: positive experiences such as pleasure and flow; positive traits such as character strengths, values, and talents; and the social institutions that enable these subjects as well as what recent research might contribute to this knowledge. Every chapter contains exercises that illustrate positive psychology, a glossary, suggestions of articles and books for further reading, and lists of films, websites, and popular songs that embody chapter themes.A comprehensive overview of positive psychology by one of the acknowledged leaders in the field, this textbook provides students with a thorough introduction to an important area of psychology.
- ISBN-100195188330
- ISBN-13978-0195188332
- EditionFirst Edition
- PublisherOxford University Press, U.S.A.
- Publication date27 July 2006
- LanguageEnglish
- Dimensions25.25 x 17.88 x 1.96 cm
- Print length400 pages
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Review
The book is entertaining and accessible. It constitutes a valuable resource for introducing positive psychology to advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as anyone interested in the subject. ― Toni Brennan, Psychology Learning and Teaching, August 2007
Review
""Chris Peterson, one of the founding fathers of Positive Psychology, has written a wonderfully engaging and deeply stimulating introduction to this swiftly growing field. Intellectual history is interwoven with data, research findings with backstage gossip, to produce a delightful classic." -- Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Director, Quality of Life Research Center and C.S. and D.J. Davidson Professor, Peter F. Drucker School of Management, Claremont Graduate University" ""This excellent text gives readers a clear and interesting introduction to the field of positive psychology. Students will find the book easy to read, yet informative, and others can read the book because it covers fascinating material that is relevant to living a successful life." --Ed Diener, Alumni Distinguished Professor of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Editor, Perspectives on Psychological Science, and Journal of Happiness Studies" ""This is the definitive textbook in Positive Psychology. But more than that, it may be the single best textbook on any subject that I have ever read. It's fun to read and it's authoritative-written as it is by one of the main investigators in the field. I can't remember reading a textbook before that both made me laugh out loud and brought tears to my eyes." --Martin E.P. Seligman, Fox Leadership Professor of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, and Director, Positive Psychology Center" ""Peterson offers his readers a marvelous blend of lucidity, originality, humor, kindness and scholarship. This is a book that should entice many thousands of readers into a lifetime of interest in psychology." --George Vaillant, Senior Physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School" ""Peterson offers his readers a marvelous blend of lucidity, originality, humor, kindness and scholarship. This is a book that should entice many thousands of readers into a lifetime of interest in psychology." --George Vaillant, Senior Physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School" "The book is entertaining and accessible. It constitutes a valuable resource for introducing positive psychology to advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as anyone interested in the subject." - Toni Brennan, Psychology Learning and Teaching, August 2007
Book Description
A comprehensive overview by an acclaimed leader in the field of positive psychology.
From the Publisher
Christopher Peterson has been at the University of Michigan since 1986. He is Professor of Psychology, the former director of clinical training, and an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, awarded in recognition of his accomplishments as an undergraduate instructor. Peterson is a member of the Positive Psychology Steering Committee, a consulting editor of the Journal of Positive Psychology, and a Templeton Senior Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania's Positive Psychology Center. He took the lead in creating the Values in Action (VIA) Classification of Strengths, the most ambitious research project to date explicitly undertaken from a positive psychology perspective. Co-author of Character Strengths and Virtues (OUP 2004), Peterson is among the world's 100 most-frequently cited psychologists during the past 20 years and has long-standing research interests in optimism, health, character, and well-being.
About the Author
Christopher Peterson has been at the University of Michigan since 1986. He is Professor of Psychology, the former director of clinical training, and an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, awarded in recognition of his accomplishments as an undergraduate instructor. Peterson is a member of the Positive Psychology Steering Committee, a consulting editor of the Journal of Positive Psychology, and a Templeton Senior Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania's Positive Psychology Center. He took the lead in creating the Values in Action (VIA) Classification of Strengths, the most ambitious research project to date explicitly undertaken from a positive psychology perspective. Co-author of Character Strengths and Virtues (OUP 2004), Peterson is among the world's 100 most-frequently cited psychologists during the past 20 years and has long-standing research interests in optimism, health, character, and well-being.
Product details
- Publisher : Oxford University Press, U.S.A.; First Edition (27 July 2006)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 400 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0195188330
- ISBN-13 : 978-0195188332
- Dimensions : 25.25 x 17.88 x 1.96 cm
- Best Sellers Rank: 227,109 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 528 in Psychotherapy Textbooks
- 1,012 in Psychology Movements (Books)
- 1,108 in Child Psychology (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
210 global ratings
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Top reviews from other countries
Brock H.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Comprehensive and Inspiring Guide to Positive Psychology
Reviewed in the United States on 8 November 2023Verified Purchase
I read A Primer in Positive Psychology by Chris Peterson, and I must say, it is an outstanding book. Peterson, an award-winning professor of psychology, provides a comprehensive overview of positive psychology, offering valuable insights on how to live a happier and more fulfilling life. The book is filled with theory, case studies, and practical exercises that can be applied to one's own life. What I loved most about this book is that it is not just for academic purposes, but it is also highly relatable and applicable to everyday life. Peterson's writing style is engaging and down-to-earth, making it feel like you're having a conversation with him. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of positive psychology and learn how to maximize their potential for happiness. It truly is a game-changer.
Auz
5.0 out of 5 stars
Still the gold standard
Reviewed in Canada on 20 July 2017Verified Purchase
This is becoming an older textbook now but it is still the gold standard for an intro to positive psychology (PP). Chris Peterson does an amazing job at introducing the reader to the history, current state, and future direction of PP. He weaves interesting stories into the text so the reader is interested throughout. As a 3rd year psychology student, I found that it was a pleasant textbook to read, cover to cover. I would highly recommend this for an intro textbook.
Christopher Peterson will be sorely missed in the PP world. RIP.
Christopher Peterson will be sorely missed in the PP world. RIP.
Helen Gordon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Positive Psychology
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 November 2009Verified Purchase
This book is a great reference for learning and researching Positive Psychology. Some chapters are easier to digest than others if you can get past the references to foreign researchers throughout the text.
4 people found this helpful
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Ella
5.0 out of 5 stars
How we can be our own agents of change towards maximizing our potential and happiness
Reviewed in the United States on 5 April 2014Verified Purchase
Chris Peterson, award-winning Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan, was among the world’s 100 most widely cited psychologists over the past twenty years and is one of the founding fathers of positive psychology. Peterson’s book gives a comprehensive and compelling overview on positive psychology, essentially the scientific study of what goes right in life and how we can use these insights to help all of us live the good life. This ‘bible’ of positive psychology offers an excellent mix of theory, case studies, exercises and resources for further exploration.
I met Chris Peterson in 2008 as part of a course I attended on the science of positive psychology and this was one of our class reads. It was an eye opener of how ~40% of our well being (our happiness) is up to us. And to discover what my signature strengths were and how I could use them more, in novel ways and feel energized and in the flow. I recommend you read his footnotes – they are pearls of insight and full of personal anecdotes – many have caused me to break out in loud laughter, regardless of where I was, be it in my own private home, on the train or in a Pain Quotidien in Midtown.
He often would close his lectures with saying "Other people matter". So true.
I met Chris Peterson in 2008 as part of a course I attended on the science of positive psychology and this was one of our class reads. It was an eye opener of how ~40% of our well being (our happiness) is up to us. And to discover what my signature strengths were and how I could use them more, in novel ways and feel energized and in the flow. I recommend you read his footnotes – they are pearls of insight and full of personal anecdotes – many have caused me to break out in loud laughter, regardless of where I was, be it in my own private home, on the train or in a Pain Quotidien in Midtown.
He often would close his lectures with saying "Other people matter". So true.
6 people found this helpful
Report