By using the scientific method in its efforts to assess, understand, and then build human strengths, positive psychology balances the investigation of weakness and damage with a study of strength and virtue. Pursuing Human Strengths: A Positive Psychology Guide gives instructors and students alike the means to learn more about this relevant approach to psychology. Martin Bolt helps students learn more about themselves as they learn the facts of, and theories about, the fascinating field of psychology. This book is a terrific accompaniment to virtually any psychology course (most notably, human adjustment and growth, introductory psychology, and abnormal psychology). For those teaching a course in positive psychology, Pursuing Human Strengths provides a primary text.

Reveals small but significant actions people can take to lead happier lives, offering reflections on such topics as family, relationships, work, school, sports, emotions, and experiences.

"The book's overarching message is an important one: The experience of most people with disabilities is not what nondisabled persons anticipate--contrary to the latter's beliefs and expectations, the former can lead full and normal lives. Thus, The Social Psychology of Disability is designed to counter stereotypical or biased perspectives aimed at an often overlooked minority group."--Publisher information.

For educators, practitioners, researchers, and everyone striving for personal growth and a fulfilling life! This completely revised edition of a classic in the field provides a unique way to learn about positive psychology and what is right and best about human beings. Positive Psychology at the Movies now reviews nearly 1,500 movies, includes dozens of evocative film images, and is replete with practical aids to learning. Positive psychology is one of the most important modern developments in psychology. Films brilliantly illustrate character strengths and other positive psychology concepts and inspire new ways of thinking about human potential. Positive Psychology at the Movies uses movies to introduce the latest research, practices, and concepts in this field of psychology. This book systematically discusses each of the 24 character strengths, balancing film discussion, related psychological research, and practical applications. Practical resources include a syllabus for a positive psychology course using movies, films suitable for children, adolescents, and families, and questions likely to inspire classroom and therapy discussions. Positive Psychology at the Movies was written for educators, students, practitioners, and researchers, but anyone who loves movies and wants to change his or her life will find it inspiring and relevant. Watching the movies recommended in this book will help the reader practice the skill of strengths-spotting in themselves and others and support personal growth and self-improvement. Read this book to learn more about positive psychology – and watch these films to become a better person!

The updated 2nd edition of this brief introduction to Psychology, is more accessible and ideal for short courses. This is a brief, accessible introductory psychology textbook. The updated 2nd edition of this clear and brief introduction to Psychology is written by the award-winning lecturer and author Richard Griggs. The text is written in an engaging style and presents a selection of carefully chosen core concepts in psychology, providing solid topical coverage without drowning the student in a sea of details.

Characteristics of Compassion: Portraits of Exemplary Physicians profiles recipients of the prestigious "Excellence in Medicine" award given by the American Medical Association. Today's physicians are faced with many challenges and can no longer devote the greater part of their working hours directly to patient care. They are presented with reams of insurance and legal-related paperwork, the constant threat of malpractice, and a burgeoning patient population. Despite these obstacles, some physicians enter the profession with deeply held convictions, hopes, and idealism, and go on to excel not just as medical doctors, but as human beings. Characteristics of Compassion: Portraits of Exemplary Physicians uncovers what sets these outstanding doctors apart from their peers to inspire other medical professionals and their patients. This thought provoking book provides first hand accounts from the front lines of medicine and identifies a rich description of traits shared by today's leading physicians.

Positive psychology – the scientific study of happiness – is a rapidly burgeoning field, and in no area more so than education. More departments than ever are offering courses in positive psychology, and demand for these courses is consistently high. Graduate programs offering concentrations in positive psychology have appeared at both masters and doctoral level. Educational institutions have expressed interest in using principles of positive psychology to inform institutional structure, faculty development and pedagogy. Positive psychology has been taught and applied in higher education for almost as long as it has existed as a field, but there is little in the way of published literature that brings all of these developments together. The chapters in this volume represent the use of positive psychology at all levels of higher education – from institutional practices and curricular development to pedagogy and the teaching of positive psychology content itself. This book provides an in-depth look at this exciting area of applied positive psychology which will be relevant to educators and administrators alike. This book is based on a special issue of The Journal of Positive Psychology.