The Science and Application of Positive Psychology

Jennifer S. Cheavens, Professor of Psychology at The Ohio State University, is a teacher and scholar with expertise in positive psychology, particularly hope and gratitude. Dr. Cheavens was awarded the inaugural George Valliant Award for Contributions in Positive Clinical Psychology by the International Positive Psychology Association's Positive Clinical Psychology Division for her work in the development of hope therapy and capitalization models of treatment. She developed the Positive Psychology course at The Ohio State University, and has taught the course to approximately 240 undergraduate students annually for more than 10 years. She has been recognized with several teaching and mentorship awards. David B. Feldman is Professor of Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University, where he has taught undergraduate and graduate students topics related to positive psychology for more than 15 years. In 2017, he was awarded the J. Thomas and Kathleen L. McCarthy endowed professorship in recognition of his commitment to teaching and research. His work focuses on hope, meaning, and growth in the face of serious illness and other life difficulties, and he has been instrumental in developing hope therapy and applying it to various populations. In addition to his research publications, he has coauthored three previous books and hosts both a radio show and a podcast.

'Cheavens and Feldman are experts and provide an accessible yet thorough overview of the rapidly expanding field of positive psychology. This textbook will be a valuable resource for educators interested in teaching positive psychology, as well as researchers and clinicians who want to learn more about the current state of the field. The textbook highlights many of the myths and misunderstandings of positive psychology, and it also provides valuable exercises to help readers to understand how to apply the science of positive psychology in their own lives.' Matthew W. Gallagher, University of Houston

• Preface; Part I. Introduction to the Field; 1. What Is Positive Psychology and Why Do We Need It?; 2. Myths and Misunderstandings about the Science of Positive Psychology; Part II. Positive Feelings and States; 3. Positive Emotional Experiences; 4. Transcendence: Meaning, Purpose, Spirituality, and Religion; 5. Present-Moment Focus: Mindfulness, Savoring, and Flow; Part III. Achievement and Personal Goals; 6. Talent and Giftedness; 7. Looking to the Future: Goals, Optimism, and Hope; Part IV. Personal Strengths and Psychological Assets; 8. Virtues, Values, and Character Strengths; 9. Successful Aging; Part V. Successful and Satisfying Relationships; 10. Love and Relationships; 11. Perspective-Taking: Gratitude and Forgiveness; 12. Prosocial Behavior; 13. Happiness and Success at Work: Positive Psychology in the Office and Beyond; 14. Positive Mental Health: Interventions and Initiatives; Glossary; References; Index.