Exploring Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness and Well-Being

Looking for an introduction to positive psychology that offers real-life examples? This overview of the science of happiness supplies case studies from some of the world’s most successful organizations and describes ways to experience the personal impact of this exciting scientific field.

Rather than focusing on treating what is wrong with a person, positive psychology seeks to understand and foster the things that drive happiness, creativity, and emotional fulfillment. This is a relatively new area of psychological study, and this reference book presents the research and practice of positive psychology in an informative and accessible format. Readers are given a history of the field, its current applications, and the future implications of this psychological discipline.

Case studies from companies such as The Body Shop, Volvo, Zappos, and Google highlight the impact of positive psychology when it’s applied in a modern business setting. These case studies, along with biographies of leaders in the field, highlight each chapter and connect the dots between the empirical theory of positive psychology and its practice. Readers also receive tools to apply the practices to their own lives.

Grounded in academics but accessible to a wide range of readers

Challenges the reader to engage in the material and examine the application of positive psychology across multiple domains

Provides an extensive bibliography with references to books, journal articles, popular press articles, and websites

Includes examples of how media and technology can promote happiness and well-being

Provides practical and applied knowledge in the field that can be used in one’s daily life