Positive psychology: The science of happiness and human strengths

Abstract

Remediating deficits and managing disabilities has been a central preoccupation for clinical psychologists for much of the past 50 years. Positive Psychology, in contrast, is concerned with the enhancement of happiness and well-being, involving the scientific study of the role of personal strengths and positive social systems in the promotion of optimal well-being. The central themes of Positive Psychology, including happiness, hope, creativity and wisdom, are all investigated in this book in the context of their possible applications in clinical practice. Positive Psychology is unique in offering an accessible introduction to this emerging field of clinical psychology. It will prove a valuable resource for undergraduate psychology students and lecturers who will benefit from the learning objectives and research stimuli included in each chapter. It will also be of interest to those involved in postgraduate training in related areas such as social work, counselling and psychotherapy. Professor Alan Carr is the director of the doctoral training programme in clinical psychology at University College Dublin and Consultant Marital and Family Therapist at the Clanwilliam Institute for Marital and Family Therapy in Dublin. His previous publications include The Handbook of Child and Adolescent Psychology: A Contextual Approach (Routledge 1999), What Works with Children and Adolescents? A Critical Review of Psychological Interventions with Children, Adolescents and their Families (Routledge 2000) and Prevention: What Works With Children and Adolescents? A Critical Review of Psychological Prevention Programmes for Children, Adolescents and their Families (Brunner-Routledge 2002