Finally, a handbook and classification of positive
attributes (strengths, virtues) from years of work and research in
"positive" psychology that capture the human being in a living,
dynamic tension between inherent brokenness and a capacity to flourish. Practitioners
have had to work too long with just the DSM-IV (now V) as a primary set of
"labels" to describe our clients while having to advocate for their
strengths among the naysayers surrounding client cases. Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification is
founded on ancient roots of virtue ethics, an array of universal virtues that
cross religious traditions, and growing
research and evidence-based practices which have evolved from positive
psychology; e.g., developmental schemas, resilience factors, strengths-based
perspective.
This text will now be a primary source at my disposal to
support engagement with clients, exploration among clients and to help clients
identify their signature strengths by which to grow, work at change, and to
flourish when many around them are stuck in the mud, wagging their heads in
apathy.
Christopher Peterson & Martin E. P. Seligman, Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification, Oxford University Press, 2004.
Christopher Peterson & Martin E. P. Seligman, Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification, Oxford University Press, 2004.
