Handbook of Positive Psychology in Schools

The field of positive psychology investigates factors that facilitate a student’s sense of agency and active school engagement. This groundbreaking handbook describes the application of positive psychology to educational policy, and explores how its constructs relate to the school experiences of children and youth. The second edition features thirteen new chapters and a section devoted to international applications of positive psychology. Other topics explored include conceptual foundations, assessment, intervention issues, and service delivery models.

Understanding the factors that encourage young people to become active agents in their own learning is critical. Positive psychology is one lens that can be used to investigate the factors that facilitate a student’s sense of agency and active school engagement. In the second edition of this groundbreaking handbook, the editors draw together the latest work on the field, identifying major issues and providing a wealth of descriptive knowledge from renowned contributors. Major topics include: the ways that positive emotions, traits, and institutions promote school achievement and healthy social and emotional development; how specific positive-psychological constructs relate to students and schools and support the delivery of school-based services; and the application of positive psychology to educational policy making. With thirteen new chapters, this edition provides a long-needed centerpiece around which the field can continue to grow, incorporating a new focus on international applications of the field.