Positivity

"Fredrickson, one of the pioneers of [positive psychology] knows her stuff. She is a sure-footed and compassionate guide to [this field's] many findings. Indeed, the best nuggets stem from [her] own work into what she calls the 'broaden-and-build theory'." * Washington Post *
Positive psychology was introduced as a concept about ten years ago by Martin Seligman; the field studies topics like happiness, satisfaction, and hope. Fredrickson (psychology, Univ. of North Carolina), who has spent her career studying positive emotions, has written a self-help book instructing readers how to put positivity into their lives. She describes how this will unlock their creativity, improve their ability to savor the world's pleasures, and increase satisfaction with their lives and relationships. Fredrickson pinpoints a three-to-one ratio of positive to negative emotions as the key to maximum achievement. She lists ten forms of positivity and helps readers calculate and track their positivity ratios. A few strong sections feature useful advice in this rather frothy but entertaining self-help work. Readers looking for a more scholarly but readable book on positive psychology will enjoy Daniel Nettle's Happiness: The Science Behind Your Smile. Suitable for public libraries with large self-help collections. * Library Journal *
"Positive psychology pioneer Fredrickson introduces readers to the power of harnessing happiness to transform their lives, backed up by impressive lab research ... Her arguments and additional online resources (www.positivityratio.com) offer readers a chance to experiment with positivity and very possibly lead richer lives." * Publishers Weekly *

"Nothing looks happier than a bunch of young primates or children at play. The need for connection and exploration never leaves us, even as adults. As is clear from this inspiring book by Barbara Fredrickson, a positive, outgoing attitude greatly enriches our lives as well as that of those around us."

* Frans de Waal, author of Our Inner Ape *
"Positive psychology pioneer Fredrickson introduces readers to the power of harnessing happiness to transform their lives, backed up by impressive lab research ... Her arguments and additional online resources (www.positivityratio.com) offer readers a chance to experiment with positivity and very possibly lead richer lives." * Publishers Weekly *

"Written by one of the most influential contributors to this new perspective in science, Positivity provides a wonderful synthesis of what positive psychology has accomplished in the first decade of its existence. It is full of deep insights about human behavior as well as useful suggestions for how to apply them in everyday life."

* Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of Flow *

"Positivity is literally the feel-good book of the year, providing a scientifically sound prescription for joy, health, and creativity. Read one to two chapters daily as needed or until grumpiness subsides."

* Daniel Gilbert, professor of psychology, Harvard University, and author of Stumbling on Happiness *

"Positivity is positively wonderful! Barbara Fredrickson offers sure-fire methods for transforming our lives from so-so to joyous. Highly recommended."

* Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence *

"Behind most every significant scientific breakthrough is a rigorous, tough minded investigator who passionately pursues the truth. Barb is that person and her life's work represents a priceless contribution to the world of psychology. Positivity is a treasure trove of new data-based insights and breakthrough thinking. Barb is one of a kind and so is her new book. Her work and this book are simply brilliant."

* Jim Loehr, Bestselling author and CEO of The Human Performance Institute *