Positive Psychology

Positive Psychology and Adult Motivation examines the cognitions, traits, and contexts of behavior that are associated with optimal development and resilience through the entire life course. The book investigates the personal psychological development through the stages of emerging adulthood, full adulthood, middle age, and old age as individuals and how they respond positively to them. It explores which traits are needed and which aspects of the environment help a person to truly flourish, thrive and grow. The volume describes the development of resilience as well as other characteristics that will assist individuals in overcoming challenges through adult development.

• Csikszentmihalyi
• developmental positive psychology
• flow theory and happiness
• history of positive psychology
• influence of Erik Erikson on positive psychology
• life coaching
• optimal development
• personal strengths
• positive personality traits
• positive psychology
• positive psychology across the life-span
• resilience over the life-course
• self-efficacy
• subjective experiences
• thriving in adulthood
• well-being across the life span

From the reviews:

“This substantial and informative volume, edited by Jan Sinnott, is best suited to academics, practitioners, and others familiar with research in the field and related areas. It consists of 19 chapters divided into four parts: Positive Subjective Experiences, Positive Personality Traits, Positive Environments, and Learning to Thrive During Adulthood. The contributing authors examine many of positive psychology’s current foci, including optimal development, flourishing, and resilience throughout the stages of life.” (Debbie Joffe Ellis, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol. 59 (14), April, 2014)

“It’s a useful first and second look at Positive Psychology. Not light reading, but clearly useful for those interested in positive psychology. … I found it an exciting addition to my bookshelf and definitely one I will share with my psychology students.” (CouragePsyc, couragepsyc.blogspot.com.au, March, 2014)

• Towson University, Baltimore, USA

  Jan D. Sinnott

Jan D. Sinnott, PHD, is a Professor of Psychology at Towson University in Baltimore, MD. She specializes in Lifespan Positive Development and the applications of existential, transpersonal, mind-body and positive psychology.  After completing a Postdoc at the National Institute on Aging, she developed her theory of Complex Problem Solving in the second half of life, and has authored or co-authored over 100 scholarly and applied books and other publications. Her research team is currently studying Complex Problem Solving, Intelligence, and Satisfaction in Intimate Relationships.

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