A Primer in Positive Psychology (Oxford Positive Psychology Series)

I read A Primer in Positive Psychology by Chris Peterson, and I must say, it is an outstanding book. Peterson, an award-winning professor of psychology, provides a comprehensive overview of positive psychology, offering valuable insights on how to live a happier and more fulfilling life. The book is filled with theory, case studies, and practical exercises that can be applied to one's own life. What I loved most about this book is that it is not just for academic purposes, but it is also highly relatable and applicable to everyday life. Peterson's writing style is engaging and down-to-earth, making it feel like you're having a conversation with him. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of positive psychology and learn how to maximize their potential for happiness. It truly is a game-changer.

This book is beyond amazing. I had never heard of positive psychology until I had enrolled in a positive psychology course in college. Peterson really helps open up this whole new world within psychology that looks at the world with a positive spin. What I love best about this book is that everything Peterson talks about applies directly to your own life. You can take the theories he mentions and the life-altering tips he presents and use them in your life. I know I actively try to do that and I really think it has helped me personally. The book is genuinely interesting to read, regardless of whether or not it is for an assignment. Everyone should read this book, especially if you're not in a positive psychology class. It really helps you realize what's important in your life so you can make the most of it and be happy. I love it. Peterson is phenomenal and so interesting to read, yet so down to earth at the same time. Reading this book often makes me feel like I'm having a conversation with Peterson himself, and when that happens, you know it's a great book.

Chris Peterson, award-winning Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan, was among the world’s 100 most widely cited psychologists over the past twenty years and is one of the founding fathers of positive psychology. Peterson’s book gives a comprehensive and compelling overview on positive psychology, essentially the scientific study of what goes right in life and how we can use these insights to help all of us live the good life. This ‘bible’ of positive psychology offers an excellent mix of theory, case studies, exercises and resources for further exploration. I met Chris Peterson in 2008 as part of a course I attended on the science of positive psychology and this was one of our class reads. It was an eye opener of how ~40% of our well being (our happiness) is up to us. And to discover what my signature strengths were and how I could use them more, in novel ways and feel energized and in the flow. I recommend you read his footnotes – they are pearls of insight and full of personal anecdotes – many have caused me to break out in loud laughter, regardless of where I was, be it in my own private home, on the train or in a Pain Quotidien in Midtown. He often would close his lectures with saying "Other people matter". So true.

When I first heard of "positive psychology" I thought..."so what is negative psychology supposed to be?" The terminology shouldn't hang you up. Positive psychology is a look a what psychology can be sans the illness orientation. What this means is that you are really studying how people can use their minds without concentrating on how that thing they do with their hair is an obvious sign of their insecurity, their masturbatory tendencies, or their love affair with their anal stage of development. The book has great information but is not written in a stuffy or pretentious way. Without a doubt it is one of the most readable psychology books I've ever had the pleasure of recommending. Even though the author supplies the reader with tons of references to help him in his continued study, for the casual reader this book can easily stand by itself. If you are lucky enough to get this as a text book in college enjoy the course and the professor wise enough to chose this book.

I haven't read the whole thing yet but so far it's pretty good and much easier to absorb than Marty Seligman's stuff. I recommend it for people just getting their feet wet in positive psychology.

Every Positive Psychologist I know has bought Chris' book, "A Primer in Positive Psychology." It is an icon just as Chris was, the kindest, most brilliant and witty teddy bear of a man. Just as this book rocked and still rocks out world, knowing Chris wrote it makes it all the more relevant and precious. A pioneer in Positive Psychology, this book is like an upbeat history book that I know will be relevant and referenced forever. Just looking at the cover of it will rev up your best self life. To know Chris was to love him. I was blessed to take several classes from him at Mentor Coach,and he was voted the best, most loved professor. He was one of a kind, the BEST kind. Like this book filled with so much optimism, Chris' writing reflected the man that he was, easy yet immensely brilliant, creative, and a socially fun gem. "Other People Matter. Period." That was Chris. I treasure the pictures I have of him at a conference. I also remembering him sweetly putting Nansook Park, his research partner, into several shots with him. This book is like Chris. Pure platinum.

Great seller but this is such a boring book. I love positive psychology but I have a hard time staying focused with this book.

I am currently in a wellbeing psychology class that uses this textbook. To say that it, and the course, has changed my life is an understatement. As an older, nontraditional student, it has been fascinating to learn things about myself that I had no idea were there. As one who has always thought of psychology as a catalog of disorders and dysfunctions, reading instead about what makes life good and meaningful has been refreshing. I highly recommend this book not only to psychology students, but for anyone who wants their wellbeing to grow and blossom. I was very sad to learn of Dr. Peterson's passing. The field of positive psychology has definitely lost an incredible man. I am a senior psychology major preparing for graduate work in counseling. I plan on using some of Dr. Peterson's thoughts on positive psychology within my career, not to mention carry his many words of wisdom with me for the rest of my life. Although the field of psychology has lost Dr. Peterson, he has left a legacy that will endure through every life that he has touched, including my own.