Abstract Soper’s pain-brain theory, based on evolutionary biology, represents a provocative breakthrough for both suicidology and positive psychology. The main thesis of the book is that the evolved way of choosing to live rather than to die in the face of unbearable...
Abstract Overall, I am impressed with Baumeister and von Hippel’s analysis in this essay (this issue), but I am less satisfied in “the special issue of applying meaning to life, culminating in the modern existential debates about the meaning and purpose of life...
Abstract In a democratic society, people are free to choose, but are not free from the consequences of their choices. A sense of responsibility towards the self, others, and a higher authority serves the important function of guiding people to make the right choices....
Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness and Flourishing (3rd ed.) By William C. Compton and Edward Hoffman Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2019. 528 pp. ISBN 978-1544322926 $95.00 Reviewed by Paul T. P. WongAbstract Compton and Hoffman’s third edition of Positive...
Abstract This article first critically examines the Jordan B. Peterson phenomenon and the popular appeal of his book, 12 Rules for Life. It then evaluates this book’s contribution to the psychology of wellbeing in four areas: (a) the psychology of religious values,...
Have the Necessary Expertise Do not review manuscripts beyond your scope of competency. Journals are more likely to publish papers with serious errors or deficiencies if their manuscripts have not gone through rigorous review by reviewers with the necessary expertise....
The Value of Shame: Exploring a Health Resource in Cultural Contexts By Elisabeth Vanderheiden and Claude-Hélène Mayer Cham, Switzerland: Springer, 2017. 302 pp. ISBN 978-3-319-53099-4. $119.00 Reviewed by Paul T. P. Wong The Value of Shame: Exploring a Health...
Note This is a manuscript review of the paper published as George, L. S., & Park, C. L. (2016). The Multidimensional Existential Meaning Scale: A tripartite approach to measuring meaning in life. The Journal of Positive Psychology. Advance online publication....
Abstract Reviews the book Addressing Cultural Complexities in Practice: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Therapy (3rd ed.) by Pamela A. Hays. While acknowledging the timeliness and comprehensiveness of Addressing Cultural Complexities in Practice, this critique highlights...
Lighter as We Go: Virtues, Character Strengths, and Aging By Mindy Greenstein and Jimmie Holland New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2015. 285 pp. ISBN 978-0-19-936095-6 $27.95 Reviewed by Paul T. P. Wong I approach this book from a unique vantage point – both as a...
I Am Not Invisible: Reflections on Meaning and Perspective By Michael Honey CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015. 106 pp. ISBN 978-1514363713 $12.46 Reviewed by Paul T. P. WongWhen I came home after a long and exhausting speaking tour in Moscow, I was...
Unbroken (2014) By Angelina Jolie (Director) Reviewed by Paul T. P. Wong The film Unbroken is a faithful adaptation of Laura Hillenbrand’s (2010) bestselling book Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. It is a biopic of Louis (Lourie)...
