The Encyclopedia of Positive Psychology

Positive psychology, the pursuit of understanding optimal human functioning, is reshaping the scholarly and public views of how we see the science of psychology and is shining a spotlight on the potency of human strengths and positive emotions. The Encyclopedia of Positive Psychology provides a comprehensive and accessible summary of this area of scholarship and practice. With 288 specially commissioned entries written by 150 leading international researchers, educators, and practitioners in positive psychology, this ground–breaking encyclopedia presents the most current, extensive, and accessible treatment of the subject available to students, teachers, practitioners, businesspeople, and policy makers. Experts will consider this a quick reference to the topics that are part and parcel of their daily work and non–experts will appreciate the topical primer designed to clarify basic constructs and processes associated with positive psychology. In general, readers will find the volume well–organized, engaging, and instructive.

List of Entries vi List of Contributors x Foreword xviii Preface xx Acknowledgments xxi Entries A–Z 1–1045 Name Index 1046 Subject Index 1058

Shane J. Lopez is the Research Director of the Clifton Strengths Institute, as well as a Gallup senior scientist. He is co–editor with C. Rick Snyder on the Handbook of Positive Psychology (2002) and Positive Psychological Assessment: A Handbook of Models and Measures (2003 and also co–author with C.Rick Snyder on the textbook Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths. (2002).