Positive Psychology at the Movies: Using Films to Build Character Strengths and Well-Being

Now with dozens of evocative movie images to help discuss key points Three completely new chapters on PERMA (positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment), the 5 core areas of well-being discussed by positive psychologists: o Positive Relationships o Mindfulness and Resilience o Achievement, Meaning, Engagement, and Positive Emotions Now discusses nearly 1,500 positive psychology movies - 400 of them new to this edition More in-depth discussion of film exemplars for each character strength, exploring its dynamics, use for coping, benefits - and now with movie exemplars of overuse and underuse of each strength New exemplars include Edward in the Twilight series (self-regulation); Robert Downey, Jr.'s Sherlock Holmes (exceptional judgment/critical thinking); Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (prudence); The Artist (zest); and dozens more New appendices listing Positive Psychology Movies for Children, Adolescents, and Families; Movies of the Year for recent years; and Positive Psychology Short Films More extensive commentary on research and practice for each of the 24 character strengths, now with over 800 scholarly references Updated charts, references, practitioner resources, and more!Drawing on the authors' vast experience of teaching, movie discussion groups, and with patients, Positive Psychology at the Movies combines research-based advice on how to improve life and flourish with clear explanations of the scientific background - using movies to exemplify, illuminate, and inspire. The book leads systematically through the 6 virtues and 24 strengths that the founding fathers of positive psychology, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Christopher Peterson, and Martin Seligman, found to be nearly universal across cultures. In each case the authors look at: Key Concepts, Relevant Research, an Exemplar from a key movie, other movie portrayals (including international cinema), Antitheses, Key Enablers and Inhibitors, Practical Applications, and Summary. Readers or classes are invited to consider key issues - and the book also provides a syllabus for positive psychology courses based on movies. Positive Psychology at the Movies is uniquely suited for: (1) individuals or groups wanting to understand the concepts of positive psychology and thus improve their own lives; and (2) for teaching the concepts and practical benefits of positive psychology, in university/college, at work, during counselling or coaching, and in other settings. See more