Authentic Happiness

By Shane Lopez and Charles Snyder

Contributors examine the scientific underpinnings and practical application of measures of hope, optimism, self-efficacy, problem-solving, locus of control, creativity, wisdom, courage, positive emotion, self-esteem, love, emotional intelligence, empathy, attachment, forgiveness, humor, gratitude, faith, morality, coping, well-being and quality of life. Vocational and multicultural applications of positive psychological assessment are also discussed, as is the measurement of contextual variables that may facilitate the development or enhancement of human strength.

By Ed Diener and Eunkook M. Suh

This book is based on the idea that we can empirically study quality of life and make cross-society comparisons of subjective well-being (SWB). A potential problem in studying SWB across societies is that of cultural relativism: if societies have different values, the members of those societies will use different criteria in evaluating the success of their society. By examining, however, such aspects of SWB as whether people believe they are living correctly, whether they enjoy their lives, and whether others important to them believe they are living well, SWB can represent the degree to which people in a society are achieving the values they hold dear. The contributors analyze SWB in relation to money, age, gender, democracy, and other factors. Among the interesting findings is that although wealthy nations are on average happier than poor ones, people do not get happier as a wealthy nation grows wealthier.

By George Vaillant

By summarizing the latest empirical studies, proposing a universal language of defense mechanisms, and demonstrating how various assessment methods can be used in diagnosis, case formulation, and treatment, Dr. Vaillant and an interdisciplinary group of contributors provide the groundwork for clinical practice as well as future research in the field.

By Laurence Steinberg

A leading authority draws on new research to explain why the adolescent years are so developmentally crucial, and what we must do to raise happier, more successful kids.

By Tom Rath

Tom Rath, author of five influential bestsellers, reveals the three keys that matter most for our daily health and well-being, as well as our engagement in our work. Drawing on the latest and most practical research from health, psychology, and economics, this book focuses on changes we can make to create better days for ourselves and others. Are You Fully Charged? will challenge you to stop pursuing happiness and start creating meaning instead, lead you to rethink your daily interactions with the people who matter most, and show you how to put your own health first in order to be your best every day.

By Michael McCullough, Steven Sandage and Everett Worthington Jr.

Grounding their analysis and advice in the latest psychological research, the authors of To Forgive Is Human reveal how you can forgive and begin to repair broken relationships

By Sonja Lyubomirsky and Jaime Kurtz

In this book, experts Jaime Kurtz and best-selling author Sonja Lyubomirsky provide a crash course in increasing personal happiness. They offer a variety of happiness self-tests, specific tools for boosting happiness, and a research based argument that pursuing happiness is beneficial. These workbooks introduce readers to a variety of solid science and useful tools for improving life, relationships, and overall mental health.

By Cynthia Pury and Shane Lopez

From the mundane to the most heroic feats, this book synthesizes recent advances in our understanding of the psychology of courageous actions and related prosocial behaviors.

By Dacher Keltner, Keith Oatley and Jennifer M. Jenkins

The 3rd edition of Understanding Emotions emphasizes the value of emotions and explores the latest research with practical concerns for clinical problems, education and everyday understanding. The text extends across abroad range of disciplines and covers the entire lifespan from infancy to adulthood. It includes sections on the study of emotion, the different elements of emotion, evidence of how emotions govern and organize social life, and emotion and individual functioning, including psychological disorders and well-being.

By Robert A. Emmons

This book explores evidence-based practices in a compelling and accessible way and provides a step-by-step guide to cultivating gratitude in people’s lives. Gratitude Works! is filled with practical tips for fostering gratitude as a way of life and includes scientific research as well as religious and philosophical insights to show how gratitude can work in our lives.