Positive psychology is the scientific study of what goes right in life, from birth to death and at all stops in between. It is a newly-christened approach within psychology that takes seriously the examination of that which makes life most worth living. Everyone's life has peaks and valleys, and positive psychology does not deny the valleys. Its signature premise is more nuanced, but nonetheless important: what is good about life is as genuine as what is bad and, therefore, deserves equal attention from psychologists. Positive psychology as an explicit perspective has existed only since 1998, but enough relevant theory and research now exist to fill a textbook suitable for a semester-long college course. A Primer in Positive Psychology is thoroughly grounded in scientific research and covers major topics of concern to the field: positive experiences such as pleasure and flow; positive traits such as character strengths, values, and talents; and the social institutions that enable these subjects as well as what recent research might contribute to this knowledge.Every chapter contains exercises that illustrate positive psychology, a glossary, suggestions of articles and books for further reading, and lists of films, websites, and popular songs that embody chapter themes. A comprehensive overview of positive psychology by one of the acknowledged leaders in the field, this textbook provides students with a thorough introduction to an important area of psychology.

克里斯托弗•彼得森，美国密歇根大学Arthur F.Thumau心理学教授，著名心理学家，临床心理学委员会前主席，全球100位最受欢迎的心理学家之一，美国VIA性格研究中心学术部主任。他是积极心理学的创始人之一，并以其在乐观、健康、幸福等领域的研究而享誉世界。2010年，彼得森博士荣获密歇根大学最高教学荣誉奖——“青苹果奖”。

彼得森出生、成长于美国中西部，先后就读于伊利诺宜州立大学、科罗拉多州立大学和宾夕法尼亚大学。1986年开始在密西根大学执教心理学，他在这所学校教授多门课程，包括心理学概论、心理病理学、心理学研究方法，当然还有积极心理学。其学生大约有20000名之多。他将其职业生涯的大部分时间用于抑郁、绝望和道德败坏等问题的研究上，帮助无数人改变生活。《积极心理学》是彼得森教授最新的代表著作，此外，他还与人合著了《性格优势与美德》一书。