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This handbook brings together the two rapidly growing subfields of psychology, Positive Psychology and Health Psychology. It provides evidence-based and theory-driven perspectives on the potential benefits of focusing on and cultivating character strengths, positive states and traits for optimizing physical health and related outcomes in both general and medical populations. The handbook is divided into four sections, with the first three covering classic Western positive psychological domains and their relations to physical health: Hedonic well-being (Positive Emotions), Eudaimonc well-being (Meaning, Purpose and Values), and Character Strengths. The fourth section takes a novel Eastern perspective to positive states and traits by examining the role of mindfulness and self-compassion in health-related pathways and outcomes. This handbook provides an overview of how positive psychological concepts and interventions can be integrated into research and practice aimed at improving people s health. It offers a valuable resource for students and scholars of psychology, and mental and behavioural health; as well as for physicians and allied health professionals.
List of contents
Chapter 1 - Introduction: Why is taking a positive psychology approach to health important?.- Part 1: Hedonic Well-being and Health (Positive Emotional States).- Chapter 2 - Positive Emotions and Health.- Chapter 3 - Physiological Pathways Connecting Positive Affect and Health.- Chapter 4 - Gratitude and Physical Health.- Chapter 5 - Gratitude and health behaviour change: A self-regulation resource perspective.- Chapter 6 - The Role of Passion in Optimal Functioning in Society: Theory and Research.- Part 2: Eudaimonic Well-being and Health (Meaning, Purpose and Values).- Chapter 7 - Purposeful Living as an Essential Ingredient to a Healthy Life.- Chapter 8 - When Your Life is Turned Upside-Down: Searching for and Finding Meaning in Illness and Injury.- Chapter 9 - Self-Affirmation and Health.- Chapter 10 - Posttraumatic Growth and Physical Health.- Part 3: Character Strengths and Health (Forgiveness, Hope, and Optimism).- Chapter 11 - Forgiveness and Physical Health: A Review of Theory and Evidence.- Chapter 12 - Hopefulness in the Context of Chronic Illness: Theory, Research, and Practice.- Chapter 13 - Hope and Health: Challenges and Opportunities.- Chapter 14 - The Importance of Optimism for Adaptive Self-Regulation: Associations with Subjective Well-Being and Physical Health.- Part 4: Eastern Approaches to Positive States, Traits and Health (Self-compassion and Mindfulness).- Chapter 15 - Mindful Eating: A critical assessment of the literature.- Chapter 16 - Mindfulness and Cancer.- Chapter 17 - Mindfulness and adjustment to skin conditions.- Chapter 18 - The Beneficial Effects of Yoga on Stress: A Positive Psychology Perspective.- Chapter 19 - Self-Compassion and Health Behaviours.- Chapter 20 - Self-compassion, body compassion and body image.- Chapter 21 - The role of self-compassion for adjustment to Inflammatory Bowel Disease.- Chapter 22 - Facing cancer-related adversity with kindness and understanding: The promising benefits of self-compassion for people with cancer.- Chapter 23 - Applying self-compassion: Does self-compassion influence other-focused care in healthcare?.
About the author
Fuschia Sirois is a Professor in Social and Health Psychology at Durham University, UK, and a former Canada Research Chair in Health and Well-being. She is also the co-Editor in Chief of the British Journal of Health Psychology. Prof Sirois’ research focuses on understanding the psychological factors and qualities that help or hinder people in their efforts to regulate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours when dealing with life’s challenges. Her research has a particular focus on how positive psychological factors, including self-compassion, meaning, and gratitude, can foster taking a strengths-based approach to self-regulation issues to improve overall health and well-being.
Summary
This handbook brings together the two rapidly growing subfields of psychology, Positive Psychology and Health Psychology. It provides evidence-based and theory-driven perspectives on the potential benefits of focusing on and cultivating character strengths, positive states and traits for optimizing physical health and related outcomes in both general and medical populations. The handbook is divided into four sections, with the first three covering classic Western positive psychological domains and their relations to physical health: Hedonic well-being (Positive Emotions), Eudaimonc well-being (Meaning, Purpose and Values), and Character Strengths. The fourth section takes a novel Eastern perspective to positive states and traits by examining the role of mindfulness and self-compassion in health-related pathways and outcomes. This handbook provides an overview of how positive psychological concepts and interventions can be integrated into research and practice aimed at improving people’s health. It offers a valuable resource for students and scholars of psychology, and mental and behavioural health; as well as for physicians and allied health professionals.
