Abstract

Positive psychology focuses on building strengths and developing creative and positive thinking in order to boost happiness, well-being and achievement. It helps people to be motivated, maintain positive mental health, and to flourish in all areas of their lives.

This resource is a fully-formed positive psychology programme designed to promote happiness, resilience and motivation in young people aged 11–18. It introduces the theory and research behind positive psychology, and includes a guidance section for facilitators on how to deliver the programme. The programme itself is made up of 24 chapters which reflect each of the 24 'character strengths' identified by Martin Seligman, the founder of positive psychology. These strengths include creative thinking, kindness, fairness, leadership, forgiveness, and teamwork. Activities teach students how to develop these strengths and skills in order to initiate positive change in their lives.

This resource provides teachers, counsellors, psychologists, social workers and others working with young people with a complete programme to promote well-being in young people and help them flourish in their lives.

I would recommend this book for anyone working with groups of young people where it its desired to encourage personal and social responsibility, self-knowledge and self-confidence, as I feel this programme can deliver this and a lot more.
BACP Children & Young People
The book is a tremendously useful, user friendly book which can provide even the novice with the basic information and practical steps needed to introduce and then implement the programme in schools. While this text is aimed directly at adolescents, and so for use in secondary schools, the model would apply equally well in primary schools and the teaching resources easily adapted for younger children.
Debate
Ruth MacConville and Tina Rae have compiled a rich resource to enable schools to adopt a positive "strengths approach" to helping young people become more motivated, more resilient through difficulties and ultimately happier.
Nasen Special Magazine
Building Happiness, Resilience and Motivation in Adolescents is a practical resource for use in schools. MacConville and Rae acknowledge that adolescence can be a turbulent time where difficulties can develop into mental health problems. They recognise that schools play a vital role in promoting emotional well-being, which will in turn enhance learning... a practical resource for practitioners who want an overview of positive psychology. (...) contains relevant activities and worksheets that are ideal for this client group.
The Psychologist
This is a must-read book for all who want to help bring up young people in a psychologically healthy manner. Readable, well-informed, and very persuasive.
Dr Anthony Seldon, Master, Wellington College, UK
Ruth MacConville is Head of the Special Educational Needs Services, London Borough of Ealing. She is the author of several books on promoting happiness, resilience and well-being in young people. Tina Rae is Academic and Professional Tutor for the Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology, University of East London, UK. She has written several resources that promote well-being and motivation in young people.