Movies are a powerful and enjoyable medium for learning. This book shows exactly how to use film to learn about the concepts and the real-life benefits of positive psychology, both for self-improvement and in classes or seminars. Positive psychology is a science concerned with strengths and virtues, particularly those that lead to fulfillment, connectedness, and meaning in life. 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. Positive psychology and its “founding fathers” Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, Christopher Peterson, and Martin Seligman have identified 6 “virtues” and 24 “strengths” that are nearly universal across cultures. This book leads systematically through them, in each case outlining 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, work, or other settings. From the reviews “This book is both accessible and rigorous. Reading it will not only help you better understand the field of positive psychology, it could actually make you happier.” -- Prof. Tal Ben Shahar, PhD (author, consultant, and teacher – including the most popular class at Harvard University, Psychology 1504, “Positive Psychology”) “A wonderful example of how positive psychology affords ways to make sense of movies that show what is best about people….This is a good and smart book.” -- Prof. Christopher Peterson, PhD (Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan) Contents: About the Authors
Foreword by Christopher Peterson
Acknowledgments
Preface SECTION I: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
1. Introduction SECTION II: VIRTUES AND STRENGTHS IN MOVIES
The Virtue of Wisdom and Knowledge
2. Wisdom and Knowledge I: Creativity and Curiosity
3. Wisdom and Knowledge II: Open-mindedness, Love of Learning, and Perspective
The Virtue of Courage
4. Courage I: Bravery and Integrity
5. Courage II: Vitality and Persistence
The Virtue of Humanity
6. Humanity I: Love
7. Humanity II: Kindness and Social Intelligence
The Virtue of Justice
8. Justice: Citizenship, Fairness, and Leadership
The Virtue of Temperance
9. Temperance: Forgiveness, Humility, Prudence, and Self-regulation
The Virtue of Transcendence
10. Transcendence I: Appreciation of Beauty/Excellence and Gratitude
11. Transcendence II: Hope and Humor
12. Transcendence III: Spirituality SECTION III: CONCLUSION AND APPENDICES
13. Conclusion: Summary and Future Directions Appendix A: Exemplars in Positive Psychology at the Movies
Appendix B: Questions for Classroom, Therapy, and Movie Group Discussions
Appendix C: Positive Psychology Movie Clips
Appendix D: Sample Syllabus of a Positive Psychology Course that Uses Movies
Appendix E: Website Resources: Movies, Positive Psychology, and Strength Building
Appendix F: 100 Cheers: The American Film Institute’s Top 100 Inspiring Movies
Appendix G: Positive Psychology Movies
References
Index | 
