Given the current climate of economic and environmental uncertainty, it is all too easy for individuals to feel hopeless about their lives and indifferent to the problems of others. But according to leading psychologist, James Garbarino, this is the peak time for people to enhance their optimism, empathy, and emotional responsiveness. In his important new book, The Positive Psychology of Personal Transformation, Dr. Garbarino reveals the social basis for moral development in adversity, and the mental and physical benefits of psychological and spiritual growth.
Drawing widely on his years as a healing professional and own experience of personal crisis as well as on decades of resilience and happiness literature, the author traces the evolution of the moral sense that affects all human relationships, including the one with the Earth itself. In these compelling pages, Dr. Garbarino:
Examines how humans' deep bonds with dogs can model positive human relationships.Compares the risks and benefits of the "oblivious" versus the self-aware life.Analyzes the role of trauma in heightening our sense of the meaning of life and defines the experience of transformational grace in adversity.Explains current manifestations of narcissism and the need for "the positive death of the self."Asserts that every person is capable of "living an 'extraordinary' life."
A book with vast significance across the healing disciplines, The Positive Psychology of Personal Transformation should be read, savored, and practiced by researchers, practitioners, and scientists in clinical child, school, and developmental psychology; social work; educational and community psychology; sociology; and public health.
Drawing widely on his years as a healing professional and own experience of personal crisis as well as on decades of resilience and happiness literature, the author traces the evolution of the moral sense that affects all human relationships, including the one with the Earth itself. In these compelling pages, Dr. Garbarino:
Examines how humans' deep bonds with dogs can model positive human relationships.Compares the risks and benefits of the "oblivious" versus the self-aware life.Analyzes the role of trauma in heightening our sense of the meaning of life and defines the experience of transformational grace in adversity.Explains current manifestations of narcissism and the need for "the positive death of the self."Asserts that every person is capable of "living an 'extraordinary' life."
A book with vast significance across the healing disciplines, The Positive Psychology of Personal Transformation should be read, savored, and practiced by researchers, practitioners, and scientists in clinical child, school, and developmental psychology; social work; educational and community psychology; sociology; and public health.
"This book focuses on the importance of positive psychology in light of the trials and tribulations of life. ... The book is aimed at researchers, practitioners, and scientists in clinical child, school, and developmental psychology; social work; educational and community psychology; sociology; and public health. ... It is easy to read and contains powerful, inspirational stories."
- Gary B. Kaniuk, Doody's Review Service, June, 2011
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"It is in his elucidation of trauma that Garbarino is at his best; he discusses the issue of trauma as a means to later describe the resilience of some individuals. As an expert on the issue of children and violence, the author does a thorough job of explaining the mechanisms and consequences of trauma, especially that which occurs in childhood. He also clearly explains the concept of hardiness, an area of much interest to the field of positive psychology. Although the section on trauma begins with a number of detailed descriptions of "almost" traumas in Garbarino's life (such as a near-miss of what could have been a serious auto accident), the ensuing discussion clearly demonstrates his expertise in this area.
The Positive Psychology of Personal Transformation offers a relatively detailed portrait of the experiences and thoughts of a successful academic psychologist who is spiritual, reflective, and clearly interested in self-awareness and ongoing self-improvement."
- Erica J. Gannon, PsycCRITIQUES, October 26, 2011, Vol. 56, Release 43, Article 4
- Gary B. Kaniuk, Doody's Review Service, June, 2011
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"It is in his elucidation of trauma that Garbarino is at his best; he discusses the issue of trauma as a means to later describe the resilience of some individuals. As an expert on the issue of children and violence, the author does a thorough job of explaining the mechanisms and consequences of trauma, especially that which occurs in childhood. He also clearly explains the concept of hardiness, an area of much interest to the field of positive psychology. Although the section on trauma begins with a number of detailed descriptions of "almost" traumas in Garbarino's life (such as a near-miss of what could have been a serious auto accident), the ensuing discussion clearly demonstrates his expertise in this area.
The Positive Psychology of Personal Transformation offers a relatively detailed portrait of the experiences and thoughts of a successful academic psychologist who is spiritual, reflective, and clearly interested in self-awareness and ongoing self-improvement."
- Erica J. Gannon, PsycCRITIQUES, October 26, 2011, Vol. 56, Release 43, Article 4