Positive psychology is a psychological approach that, since the 90s, focuses on providing scientifically based knowledge about happiness, psychological well-being and the creative and transformative potential of human beings.
In other words, addresses topics that until recently were ignored by the majority of psychology more concerned with the study of mental disorders and abnormal and harmful behavior patterns.
Authors like Martin EP Seligman either Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi They have been promoting a study of happiness and the positive characteristics of the human psyche for years, and the knowledge generated by this branch of research has been poured into a large amount of informative content from which it is often difficult to choose. These are books inspired by the humanistic philosophy that characterized psychologists such as Carl Rogers or Abraham Maslow, although with a much greater scientific foundation.
The best-selling and recommended Positive Psychology books
The potential of positive positive psychology is evident: It is supported by research that can help us get closer to what we know as happiness However, it is often difficult to choose between all the psychology titles available. This is why we have created this selection of books.
Below you can see a selection of the most outstanding and revealing positive psychology books those that are most useful when it comes to understanding this aspect of the science of behavior and mental processes, and that also serve to apply some specific measures to our daily lives.
The vast majority, furthermore, They are books on positive psychology in Spanish, in addition to being very accessible and easy to read
1. «Psychologically Speaking» (Adrián Triglia, Bertrand Regader and Jonathan García-Allen)
To understand the logic behind positive thinking and the power of mental changes, there is nothing like knowing the fundamentals of psychology. In this short book, written by the founders of Psychology and Mind you will be able to find all the fundamental knowledge on which the fascinating science of the human mind is built.
2. “Flow: a psychology of happiness”, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi He is known for his research on the “state of flow”, that is, a state in which we feel that we are experiencing things in an optimal way, maintaining all our concentration on them and noticing a feeling of well-being and creative potential that is difficult to express. in words; all this without consuming any type of substances.
In this book, The author explains some keys about the nature of this state, and how to provoke it
3. “True happiness”, by Martin EP Seligman
Seligman He has been one of the leaders of positive psychology, so he had to have a lot to say about happiness. In this book Several of the investigations that have helped give substance to what is understood by happiness are reviewed from positive psychology.
4. “The science of well-being: foundations of positive psychology”, by Carmelo Vázquez and Gonzalo Hervás
This is the ideal book for those people looking for a more academic approach to the topic of positive psychology It is a somewhat less light read than the rest of the positive psychology books presented here, but at the same time it is more complete.
5. «Intelligent optimism: psychology of positive emotions» (Various authors)
One of the most recommended books to learn to what extent emotional states are associated with different ways of seeing life (and how to make this work in our favor). The authors are Mª Dolores Avia Aranda and Carmelo Vazquez Valverde
6. “Overcoming adversity: the power of resilience”, by Luis Rojas Marcos
This is one of the positive psychology books that addresses the topic of resilience, widely discussed from this psychological approach. In its pages explains what this ability to overcome the toughest adversities consists of without letting pain and sadness take control of our actions.
Another of the most outstanding books on positive psychology Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi In this case, the author applies his conclusions about the state of flow to apply it to the business world, where this experience in which motivation and creativity are mixed can be an important productive engine when working.
You can buy this book here.
8. «Is your bucket full? Strategies to Boost Your Positive Emotions”, by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton
A quick read to learn some of the basics about how those emotional states that we usually enjoy are produced and how to take advantage of this knowledge in different areas of life: both at work and in personal relationships.
You want to buy it? You can get it here.
9. «Positive Psychology: the scientific and practical explorations of human strengths» (Various authors)
An excellent way to come into contact with positive psychology for the first time through complete and exhaustive explanations. This book, which at the moment is not translated into Spanish, is written by Charles Richard Snyder, Shane J. Lopez and Jennifer T. Pedrotti
10. “The Science of Happiness” by Sonja Lyubomirsky
One of the positive psychology books with a more practical approach, with measures that can be included among day-to-day habits. It is a wellness program based on scientific evidence.
If you are interested, you can buy the book here.
11. “The uselessness of suffering”, by María Jesús Álava Reyes
The Spanish psychologist María Jesús Álava Reyes This book details some of the keys to understanding the humanistic philosophy behind positive psychology. It includes practical content that can be applied on a daily basis.
You can get the book at this link.
12. “The Blooming Life” by Martin EP Seligman
In this book, the father of positive psychology updates his conception of what well-being is and provides new ways of understanding human emotions. One of the most popular positive psychology books.
If you want it, you can click here.
13. “The Happiness Trap”, by Russ Harris
A book that seems to go against the grain of most positive psychology books; maybe that’s why it’s so unique. One of the main ideas that the author develops in this work is that, many times, what keeps us away from happiness is our own efforts to get closer to it. Through the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Russ Harris presents us with simple strategies and exercises with which we can learn to let ourselves be carried away by the flow of life and accept it with all its imperfections.
Are you curious? To read more about this book, click this link.
14. “The Habits of a Happy Brain”, by Loretta Graziano
What is behind all those psychological processes that constitute happiness? In this excellent book you can learn the logic that guides the appearance of those moments of euphoria and psychological well-being that invade us from time to time, the brain chemistry that produces them, and why we experience these kinds of experiences as we do. we make.
If you want to know more about this title, click this link.
15. “Positive Psychology: the science of happiness”, by Alan Carr
One of the positive psychology books that emphasize the need to offer a global vision of this branch of the science of behavior and mental processes. An introductory and dissemination work designed for people with an interest not only in learning practical strategies and tricks, but in understanding how advances are being made in this field and what the history of this discipline is.
If you want to know more about the book, access more information through this link.
16. “The Power of Positive Thinking”, by Norman Vincent Peale
This book is especially indicated for all those people who want to change their lives for the better by using the emotional management mechanisms and tools of Positive Psychology, a discipline with endless possibilities.
In it, its author teaches us various very useful techniques with which we can find the mental balance and serenity that we need in our daily lives learning at the same time to live healthily and with energy to achieve our goals.
On this page there is more information about the book.
We continue with a collection of positive thoughts
If you liked this article you may also be interested in this other one: “125 short positive phrases to live day to day with optimism”
I’m Emily Williams Jones, a psychologist specializing in mental health with a focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. With a Ph.D. in psychology, my career has spanned research, clinical practice and private counseling. I’m dedicated to helping individuals overcome anxiety, depression and trauma by offering a personalized, evidence-based approach that combines the latest research with compassionate care.
