Positive Psychology at the Movies

For educators, researchers, and anyone striving for personal growth and a fulfilling life! This completely revised edition of the popular Positive Psychology at the Movies provides a unique way to learn and appreciate what is right and best about human beings. Now with discussions of nearly 1,500 movies, dozens of 100 evocative movie images, and much more!Positive psychology is regarded as one of the most important developments in the field of psychology over the past century. This inspiring book uses movies as a medium for learning about the latest research and concepts, such as mindfulness, resilience, meaning, positive relationships, achievement, well-being, as well as the 24 character strengths laid out by the VIA Institute of Character. Films offer myriad examples of character strengths and other positive psychology concepts and are uniquely suited to learning about them and inspiring new ways of thinking. This book systematically discusses each of the 24 character strengths, balancing film discussion, related psychological research, and practical applications. Each chapter outlines Key Concepts, Relevant Research, an Exemplar from a key movie, Overuse/Underuse, Key Enablers and Inhibitors, Practical Applications, International Cinema, and a Summary. Watching the films recommended in this book will help the reader to practice the skill of strengths-spotting in themselves and others, inspiring self-improvement. Practical resources include a suggested syllabus for a complete positive psychology course based on movies, a list of suitable movies for children, adolescents, and families as well as a list of questions for classroom and therapy discussions.Positive Psychology at the Movies is conceived for educators, students, practitioners, and researchers, but anyone who loves movies and wants to change their lives for the better will find it inspiring and relevant. Read this book to learn more about positive psychology - and watch these films to become a stronger person!

Ryan M. Niemiec, PhD, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist in Cincinnati. He is Education Director of VIA Institute on Character, a certified coach with Hummingbird Coaching Services, and a frequent lecturer and workshop leader. He is author of a number of articles and film editor of PsycCRITIQUES. He received a specialization in film studies from Michigan State University. Danny Wedding, PhD, MPH, trained as a clinical psychologist at the University of Hawaii. He is currently Associate Dean for Management and International Programs at the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant University. For many years he was Professor of Psychiatry, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine and Director of the Missouri Institute of Mental Health (MIMH). Dr. Wedding is the author or editor of 12 books and is editor for PsycCRITIQUES: Contemporary Psychology and APA Review of Books.

Table of Contents About the Authors ... ii Dedication ... v In Memoriam ... vii Foreword to this Second Edition ... viii Foreword to the First Edition ... ix Preface ... x Acknowledgments ... xiii Section I: Introduction and Background ... 1 1. Introduction ... 3 Section II: Character Strengths at the Movies ... 27 The Virtue of Wisdom and Knowledge ... 29 2. Wisdom and Knowledge I: Creativity and Curiosity ... 31 3. Wisdom and Knowledge II: Judgment , Love of Learning , and Perspective ... 54 The Virtue of Courage ... 83 4. Courage I: Bravery and Perseverance ... 85 5. Courage II: Honesty and Zest ... 108 The Virtue of Humanity ... 131 6. Humanity I: Love ... 133 7. Humanity II: Kindness and Social Intelligence ... 151 The Virtue of Justice ... 177 8. Justice: Teamwork , Fairness , and Leadership ... 179 The Virtue of Temperance ... 215 9. Temperance: Forgiveness , Humility , Prudence , and Self-Regulation ... 217 The Virtue of Transcendence ... 259 10. Transcendence I: Appreciation of Beauty/Excellence and Gratitude ... 261 11. Transcendence II: Hope and Humor ... 285 12. Transcendence III: Spirituality ... 310 Section III: PERMA at the Movies ... 333 13. Positive Relationships ... 337 14. Achievement, Positive Emotions, Engagement, and Meaning ... 348 15. Mindfulness and Resilience ... 361 Section IV: Conclusion ... 371 16. Conclusion and Future Directions ... 373 xvi Positive Psychology at the Movies Appendices ... 377 Appendix A: Exemplars in Positive Psychology at the Movies ... 379 Appendix B: The Positive Psychology Film Awards ... 380 Appendix C: Positive Psychology Movies for Children, Adolescents, and Families ... 381 Appendix D: Positive Psychology Shorts ... 383 Appendix E: Questions for Classroom, Therapy, and Movie Group Discussions ... 385 Appendix F: Positive Psychology Movie Clips ... 386 Appendix G: Syllabus of a Positive Psychology Course That Uses Movies ... 387 Appendix H: Website Resources: Movies, Positive Psychology, and Character Strengths ... 390 Appendix I: 100 Years ... 100 Cheers: America's Most Inspiring Movies ... 391 Appendix J: Positive Psychology Movies: Films That Portray and Inspire Character Strengths ... 393 References ... 409 Film Index ... 443 People Index ... 459