Positive Psychology and the Body: The Somatopsychic Side to Flourishing

The first thing I noticed about this book is that Kate Hefferon has filled a notable gap in the extensive positive psychology literature by focussing on the role of the body. The second thing I noticed was the extremely usable organisation of the text: each chapter has clear aims and objectives, summaries, and learning resources. The learning resources include clever use of text boxes, to make us think, take time out, follow additional resources and have access to measurement tools. Kate Hefferon has produced a really helpful teaching textbook. Finally, it really is a pleasure to read and a positive psychology experience in itself. I thoroughly recommend this book for anyone teaching the topic of positive psychology.

Interesting and easy to read

This book is a must read for anybody interested in the connection between body and mind from a scientific/academic point of view. I bought the book primarily for a review of the current state of physical activity within (positive) psychology. However, the book covers much more than that, such as neuroscience, genetics, health, trauma, sexuality, nutrition and other body therapies. Despite its primarily academic character it is easy and actually really enjoyable to read. Therefore, in my view it is not just for academics but also for practitioners looking to back up practise with theory.

It's amazing how much the body has been ignored in traditional psychology. How else e.g. could you explain the medication used. This book is all the more refreshing and long overdue. For anyone interested in health and fitness there are probably few revelations here, but it's the only book I know that brings everything together. More please.

I am very impressed with the range of aspects of human physical functioning that Kate Heffernon has included. She has contributed very comprehensively to the already impressive work done in human psychology in the area of flourishing. The information is presented in an accessible manner and the structure of each chapter (with sample essay ideas, key questions etc.) promotes reflection on the content covered. Her references are very current and hence one feels that the content is 'cutting edge'. Well done Kate Heffernon.