Foundation of Positive Psychology

Jolanta Burke, PhD, is a chartered psychologist (British Psychological Society) and a senior lecturer at RCSI Centre for Positive Psychology and Health. Dr Burke is an Editor-in-chief for the Journal of Positive School Psychology and has served on the editorial board of the Frontiers in Positive Psychology, Journal of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing, European Journal of Psychology of Education, and Middle East Journal of Positive Psychology. In Ireland, the Irish Times acknowledged her as one of 30 people who make Ireland a better place.

'A keystone resource and delightfully written guide for those new to the field of positive psychology, but also for those experienced as it uncovers hidden gems.'Dr Aaron Jarden, University of Melbourne, Australia'Simultaneously a delightful treasure box packed with care by Jolanta Burke, and an elevating guided tour of important ideas, research findings, applications, and approaches that make positive psychology what it is. Set aside more time than you planned, and prepare to keep reading "just one more".'Professor Michael Steger, Colorado State University, USA'Masterfully chronicles Jolanta Burke's journey through the evolution of positive psychology. With an intriguing blend of personal narratives, practical applications, and essential academic perspectives, this book presents foundational studies in a refreshing, captivating style infused with humour and authenticity. It is highly recommended as a pivotal resource for scholars of positive psychology.'Dr Christelle Liversage, North-West University, South Africa'Dr Burke is a capable guide for those interested in touring positive psychology. She shines a light on the most important concepts, reveals landmark publications, and offers personal anecdotes that add passion to the topic.'Dr Robert Biswas-Diener, author of Radical Listening, USA 'Thoughtfully structured and highly accessible, the book covers everything from the fundamentals of positive psychology to its applications in education, health, and the workplace.'Dr Hans Henrik Knoop, Aarhus University, Denmark'By distilling essential research studies into an engaging and practical format, the author provides readers with a rich understanding of the field’s development while fostering its application in diverse contexts. This book is a must-have guide for positive psychology enthusiasts.'Dr Andrea Giraldez-Hayes, University of Cambridge, UK'Dr Jolanta Burke masterfully bridges academic rigor and practical application in her essential book, The Foundation of Positive Psychology: A Compilation of Key Studies, Theory, and Practice. As a seasoned chartered psychologist, Dr Burke delivers a comprehensive yet engaging resource that serves as both a guide to the evolving landscape of positive psychology and an inspiration for its real-world application.'Dr Tayyab Rashid, Harvard University, USA 'She was able to explain very complex things simply, while respecting their complexity! It gives us an excellent overview of what positive psychology covers. It is undoubtedly the best synthesis in the field. It's a book for everyone!'Professor Charles Martin-Krumm, President of the European Network for Positive Psychology, France'Dr Jolanta Burke masterfully curates essential research in positive psychology, bridging the gap between theory and practice. A must-read for those looking to deepen their understanding of positive psychology.'Dr Ana Paula Nacif, University of East London, UK'Jolanta has done the hard yards, gathering a wealth of knowledge and distilling it into one inspiring and practical resource. Read it cover to cover, or dip in and out as the moment calls—you'll uncover golden nuggets, fresh ideas, and hidden gems to spark your curiosity and energise your work.'Dr Annalise Roache, The Coaching Toolbox, President, New Zealand Association of Positive Psychology'What makes it leading-edge is that it delivers even beyond this promise by delving explicitly into territory that positions Positive Psychology within the complexities and challenges of the current climate along with a future focus that acknowledges a multidisciplinary view, embraces the importance of widening cultural approaches, emphasises issues of diversity and inequality and adopts a systemic perspective.'Dr Ceri Sims, Buckinghamshire New University, UK'The book manages to integrate two worlds that are often far apart, which makes it even more fascinating and special: scientific rigour and a personal touch. The special touch comes through personal stories that are as charming as they are deep in reflection and knowledge. All is sweetened with sparkling humour, so the journey into the positive psychology science is particularly charming. A must-read, for sure.'Dr Helena Águeda Marujo, University of Lisbon, Portugal'This much-needed resource fills a critical gap in the positive psychology literature, making it indispensable for scholars and practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding and contribute meaningfully to this dynamic field.'Lucy Airs, Anglia Ruskin University, UK'This book is what I imagine sitting at Dr Jolanta Burke's kitchen table to be like, hearing short bursts of digestible information on literally any aspect of Positive Psychology, made real with relatable stories from her life!'Kate Brassington, Zest Coaching and Consulting, Luxembourg 'With her latest book, Jolanta serves a rich menu of Positive Psychology resources and practices. The Foundation of Positive Psychology: A Compilation of Key Studies, Theory, and Practice will no doubt become a one-stop-shop for students and enthusiasts alike.'Laura Kinsella, Senior Wellbeing Manager, Irish Life, Ireland Dr Jolanta Burke’s The Foundation of Positive Psychology is a remarkable blend of science and practicality, offering transformative insights into the field of wellbeing."Marta Cwiertnia, HR Consultant, Life and Executive Coach, Ireland'This is a wonderful exploration of the science of wellbeing and positive psychology. Beautifully written, it "broadens and builds". Broadens in terms of expanding the breadth of wellbeing understanding while building capacity for more sustainable wellbeing strategies.'Dr. Mark Rowe, Founder and Lifestyle Medicine Doctor, Thought Leader on Healthy Leadership, Burnout Prevention and Sustainable Wellbeing, TEDx and Keynote Speaker, Ireland'Burke offers a very fresh and transformative perspective that resonates across professions dedicated to human flourishing. Both broad and deep, yet highly accessible, this book is destined to become a cornerstone for students and scholars alike, inspiring a new generation of practitioners to approach their work with positivity and purpose. This new book represents what we have come to know Jolanta Burke’s writings for: “Seminal, Engaging, and Accessible".'Dr Conor Mc Guckin, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

• Preface. Chapter 1: The fundamentals of positive psychology. Chapter 2: The primer to wellbeing. Chapter 3: The overview of positive psychology applications. Chapter 4: The approaches to maximising the impact of positive psychology application. Chapter 5: The introduction to multidisciplinary positive psychology