Optimal Functioning: A Positive Psychology Handbook

by Jessica Colman, Brighid Desmond (Editor), Margaret Ulrich (Editor)

The Optimal Functioning handbook consists of a series of concise chapters on topics relating to well-being, happiness, and personal success. It is written for the use of individuals, coaches, educators, and other professionals interested in applying positive psychology to enhance well-being. The handbook provides straightforward summaries of key positive psychology research findings, interventions, themes, and areas of study. It also includes actionable suggestions for applying the empirical findings in one’s life. The handbook was written with the intention of increasing the availability of positive psychology’s knowledge and tools for the general population, so that they can be applied to help individuals, organizations, and societies flourish. The Second Edition contains new chapters on Well-being Theory, Coaching, and Appreciative Inquiry.Optimal Functioning includes a foreword written by Daniel S. Bowling, III, JD, MAPP. Dan is a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Applied Positive Psychology program, and a Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke University School of Law, where he teaches labor and employment law. In addition to his academic positions, he serves as Managing Principal at Positive Workplace Solutions, LLC.Chapter by Daniel S. Bowling, IIIIntroduction to Positive PsychologyWell-being TheoryCharacter Strengths and Values in Action (VIA)Positive Emotions, Negative Emotions, and “Negativity Bias”FlowGoal-SettingMotivationSelf-RegulationAltruism and GivingGratitudeSavoringHopeActive Constructive RespondingExcess ChoiceCoachingAppreciative InquiryResilienceConclusionAcknowledgmentsReferences

Genres: Psychology

70 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2011

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually a 70-page Master's thesis written by a psychology student studying at U.Penn under renowned American psychologist Martin Seligman. The great skill in Jessica Colman's writing comes from sheer reportage, brief and concise, with no editorializing. A summary of major ideas in the Positive Psychology field/movement, it analyzes the components of resilience and happiness, and how to cultivate these traits in yourself.

[Ron Rohr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise summary of the primary topics within positive psychology. Tips for applying each topic. Good basic overview and reference to other resources.