Positive psychology emphasises personal growth and the positive qualities of life. This is the first book to apply the principles and practice of PP to sport and physical activity. It shows how PP can improve sporting performance while also enhancing physical and mental well-being.

Foreword [Brian Hemmings] Introduction Part 1: Why a text on positive psychology in sport and physical activity? 1. Introducing positive psychology and its value for sport and physical activity Abbe Brady and Bridget Grenville-Cleave] 2. Understanding the components of well-being [Bridget Grenville-Cleave and Abbe Brady] 3. Contemporary findings about the value of well-being and positive psychology in sport and physical activity settings [Abbe Brady and Bridget Grenville-Cleave] Part 2: Key topics in positive psychology and their value in sport and physical activity 4. Positive psychology meets education in the context of passion for sports: Implications for sports-study programs [Tanya Chichekian and Robert Vallerand] 5. Character strengths in sport and physical activity [Scott Bradley and Piers Worth] 6. Hope and optimism in sport [Carolina Lundquist and Henrik Gustafsson] 7. Mindfulness in sport and physical exercise [Hanna Kampman and Tim Lomas] 8. Resilience and growth mindset in sport and physical activity [Abbe Brady and Rudy Alleyne] 9. As positive as it gets: Flow and enjoyment in sport and physical activity [Jay Kimiecik, Robin S. Vealey, Emily Wright and Deanna Morrison] 10. Gratitude and athletes’ well-being [Lung Hung Chen] 11. Positive psychology of relationships in sport and physical activity [Bridget Grenville-Cleave, Abbe Brady and Emma Kavanagh] Part 3: Applying positive psychology in and through sport and physical activity 12. My future today [Dan Jolley, Chris McCready, Bridget Grenville-Cleave and Abbe Brady] 13. LifeMatters: Using physical activities and games to enhance the self-concept and well-being of disadvantaged youth [Stephanie J. Hanrahan] 14. Positive psychology and physical education in schools [Graham Mallen and Bridget Grenville-Cleave] 15. Positive Pedagogy for sport coaching: The influence of positive psychology [Richard L. Light] 16. Performance Lifestyle in Olympic and Paralympic sport; where positive psychology informs practice [Arabella Ashfield, Joanna Harrison and Samuel Giles] 17. Embracing positive psychology ideas and interventions within sport and exercise psychology consultancy [Paul McCarthy] 18. Appreciative reflection and Appreciative Inquiry in the development of sport coaches [Liam McCarthy and Abbe Brady] 19. Positive psychology coaching for sport leaders [John M. Yeager and Kathryn H. Britton] Part 4: Concluding thoughts and future directions for positive psychology in sport and physical activity 20. Embracing positive psychology in sport and physical exercise: Implications for practitioners [Bridget Grenville-Cleave and Abbe Brady]

"Martin Seligman, the founder of positive psychology, regrets that the discipline had often omitted the study of what he calls "the neck down". This is no longer the case! The first of its kind, this volume brings together the field of positive psychology with that of sport and physical activity showing how they are far more than just physical experiences. Going well beyond constructing an excellent research argument, the book offers a great selection of real life case studies, practical interventions and research ideas. A must for anyone who thinks that we cannot separate the study of the mind from the study of the body and believes that flourishing is a multidimensional phenomenon." - Dr Ilona Boniwell, Head of the International MSc in Applied Positive Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University, UK