Primer in Positive Psychology

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 is becoming an older textbook now but it is still the gold standard for an intro to positive psychology (PP). Chris Peterson does an amazing job at introducing the reader to the history, current state, and future direction of PP. He weaves interesting stories into the text so the reader is interested throughout. As a 3rd year psychology student, I found that it was a pleasant textbook to read, cover to cover. I would highly recommend this for an intro textbook.Christopher Peterson will be sorely missed in the PP world. RIP.

This book is a great reference for learning and researching Positive Psychology. Some chapters are easier to digest than others if you can get past the references to foreign researchers throughout the text.

Good book about the foundations of positive psychology. Well written.

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.