Positive Psychology Self-Help Books
Since my graduate school days I have wrestled with the way in which the field of Psychology has focused on the negative aspects of the person: illness, pathology, deficit, delay. Read more »
Recommended Self Help Books on Positive Psychology
Seligman states that trying to fix weaknesses doesn?t help; rather, incorporating strengths such as humor, originality and generosity into everyday interactions with people is a better way to achieve happiness. This self help book provides practical tools including self-tests and exercises for the conscious pursuit of happiness. 2004, Free Press
Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom
Neuropsychologist and meditation teacher Hanson suggests that an understanding of the brain in conjunction with 2,500-year-old Buddhist teachings can help readers achieve more happiness. He explains how the brain evolved to keep humans safe from external threats; the resulting built-in negativity bias creates suffering in modern individuals. Hanson argues that the brain's functioning can be affected by simple practices and meditation to foster well-being. Classic Buddhist concepts such as the three trainings?mindfulness, virtuous action and wisdom?frame Hanson's approach. This self help book includes descriptions and diagrams of brain functioning. Clear instructions guide the reader toward more positive thoughts and feelings. 2009, New Harbinger
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
Dr. Csikszentmihalyi has researched the connection between satisfaction and daily activities for many years. A state of ?flow? occurs when one is engaged in self-controlled, goal-related and meaningful actions. This self help book is an intriguing look at the age-old problem of the pursuit of happiness and how, through conscious effort, we may more easily attain it. 2008, Harper Perennial Modern Classics
Grow Up!: How Taking Responsibility Can Make You a Happy Adult
In this witty yet profound self help book, Dr. Pittman discusses the complexities of marriage, divorce, child-rearing and forgiving your parents. He emphasizes that the true essence of happiness stems from personal honor and integrity and argues that changing gender roles and society's emphasis on narcissism and blaming others for our predicament keep us from fully inhabiting our adulthood. 1999, St. Martin's Press
Infinite Possibilities: The Art of Living Your Dreams (CD)
This audio series is filled with encouragement ? to think and dream larger, to grow into the belief that dreams can be actualized. Not a ?motivational? series, but a playful and philosophical approach to life which affirms that abundance, health and harmony are your birthright. Dooley addresses beliefs which nurture success and happiness, your emotions and how to understand them, and includes many tools and techniques for the art of living your dreams. 2009, Simon & Schuster Audio
Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life
Seligman says that pessimists believe that bad events are their fault, will last a long time and undermine everything. Optimists, on the other hand, believe that defeat is a temporary setback or a challenge. In this self help book, he teaches the skills of changing from pessimism to optimism which will enable you to take charge, resist depression, feel better and accomplish more. 2006, Vintage
Living Deeply: The Art and Science of Transformation in Everyday Life
Living Deeply focuses on common elements of transformation across a variety of religious, spiritual, scientific, academic, and cultural traditions, while affirming and supporting the diversity of each approach. Opportunities to actively engage in your own transformation and that of our world are woven into the fabric of your everyday life. Learning more about the terrain of consciousness transformation can not only give you a map, but can help you become the cartographer of your own transformative journey. Weaving together cutting-edge science with wisdom from teachers of the world's transformative traditions this self help book explores how people experience deep shifts in their consciousness, and how those shifts can lead to healing and wholeness. 2008, Noetic Book / New Harbinger Publications
Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation
Drawing on cutting-edge neurobiological research and Eastern meditation practices Dr. Siegel presents a convincing case that mindsight?s dual focus on mindfulness and empathy can literally rewire the brain and catalyze greater personal fulfillment. In 12 lucid yet scientifically grounded chapters, he provides the evidence for mindsight?s powerful effect on human behavior and then presents a self help guidebook for developing and applying mindsight in one?s life. 2010, Bantam
According to noted psychologist Seligman, thirty percent of American children suffer from depression. His studies demonstrate that pessimistic children are at much higher risk for becoming depressed than optimistic children. His purpose in this self help book is to teach parents how to instill in their children a sense of optimism and personal mastery. He proposes that self esteem comes from mastering challenges, overcoming frustration, and experiencing individual achievement. This self help book offers a concrete plan of action based on techniques of self-evaluation and social interaction. 1996, Perennial
Read David's extensive Book Review on the Optimistic Child
Positive Energy: 10 Extraordinary Prescriptions for Transforming Fatigue, Stress, and Fear into Vibrance, Strength, and Love
Judith Orloff
Dr. Orloff provides 10 detailed prescriptions for harnessing one's "positive energy" to replace fatigue with physical and emotional vigor. Her commonsense program includes pursuing an individual spiritual path, developing "true-to-self eroticism," designing an energy-building diet and exercise plan, learning to celebrate laughter and protecting oneself from "energy vampires." Along with practice exercises for following these prescriptions, each section ends with a public figure describing the ways that he or she uses Orloff's methods. her revivification techniques in thoughtful, accessible prose that some may find an energy builder in itself. 2005, Three Rivers Press
A The authors present twenty-three research-based essays focused on the understanding and cultivation of human strengths. This self help book addresses positive functioning across the lifespan, paying attention to both internal and environmental resources contributing to human strengths. 2002, American Psychological Association
The Resilience Factor: 7 Essential Skills for Overcoming Life?s Inevitable Obstacles
Shatte and Reivich see resilience as a habit of mind and promise you can boost your resilience by changing the way you think about adversity. They offer seven practical strategies for bouncing back. ?The secret is accurate thinking, not positive thinking,? they explain. 2003, Three Rivers Press
The Science of Optimism and Hope: Research Essays in Honor of Martin Seligman
Contributed essays on different aspects of positive psychology focus on optimism and hope. Although a research publication, the language is clear and easily understood by the layperson. 2000, Templeton Foundation Press
What Happy People Know: How the New Science of Happiness Can Change Your Life for the Better
Baker believes that people can teach themselves to be happy instead of remaining trapped in a vicious cycle of stress from work and family: ?If you adopt management of your life as a primary goal, you?ll be able to participate in your own destiny. But if you squander your energy struggling for complete control, you?ll lose the reins of management and become just another leaf in the wind.? Case studies and practical tools are included. 2004, St. Martin's Griffin
