Includes bibliographical references and index.

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.

""Why Does Positive Psychology Matter?" Positive psychology has immediate implications for being happier, living a fuller life, accomplishing one's goals, and building better relationships. Indeed, these real-world implications are what initially attracted many researchers to the field. Throughout the text, we take great care to relate research findings to the realities of students' lives. While never compromising scientific rigor, each chapter is designed to answer the question that, in our experience, many students are silently asking: So what? "Practice Positive Psychology." A valuable goal for any positive psychology course is for students to gain insights into their own personal strengths, virtues, and assets, and then use these insights to improve themselves. To systematically encourage this practice, at the conclusion of each chapter, we provide exercises that have been empirically demonstrated to nurture the strengths covered in that section of the book"-- Provided by publisher.