The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Positive Psychological Interventions

Positive interventions – practical techniques for applying the principles of positive psychology – come in many forms and reflect the way interest in this discipline has grown in the last decade. Now, positive psychology researchers and practitioners alike have an authoritative reference to turn to, with an array of contributions from leading figures including Bob Emmons, Sonja Lyubomirsky and Shane Lopez. As well as showcasing methodology, the volume features additional chapters that set out the varied contexts (such as coaching and family therapy) in which positive interventions can be effective, and alert readers to special considerations to be borne in mind when applying the techniques. Finally, the handbook offers an assessment of the potential future directions that positive interventions could usefully explore, including novel populations such as smoking cessation and schizophrenia, and cutting-edge methodologies for both assessment and dissemination. At once an inspiring collection of exemplars and a practitioners’ toolkit, this handbook is a long-overdue addition to the literature.

Collating for the first time a range of techniques in positive psychology, this handbook introduces topics such as courage, empathy and humor, and spans areas as diverse as gratitude, forgiveness and strengths. It also explores special considerations such as ethics and motivation, and offers informed conjecture on future directions in research and practice.

 

• Comprehensive content summarizes theory and research on many areas of positive psychology intervention for the first time and provides essential updates on established interventions
• Features contributions from an array of leading researchers, including Bob Emmons, Sonja Lyubomirsky and Shane Lopez
• Covers established interventions – for instance, coaching and family therapy – as well as newly developed interventions – such as schizophrenia or stopping smoking

 

Acacia Parks is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Hiram College, USA. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on the efficacy of positive interventions, and the psychological and behavioral characteristics of individuals who use them. She is an associate editor of the Journal of Positive Psychology, as well as co-editor of “Activities for Teaching Positive Psychology” (APA Press). Dr. Parks is an active teacher of both positive psychology and critical writing.

 

Stephen Schueller is a Research Assistant Professor of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine and a faculty member of the Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies (CBITs). He received his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and completed his clinical internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. His research focuses on developing, implementing, and evaluating Internet and mobile interventions for the treatment and prevention of depression and promotion of well-being. He is an associate editor of the Journal of Positive Psychology. Dr. Schueller is a licensed clinical psychologist and integrates positive psychology into his conceptual and applied work.