Inherently the material in positive psychology is so compelling that it is easy to imagine that a reader of Biswas-Diener’s book would want to move through it faster than the allotted six weeks. However, I do believe that the authors recommendation of allowing yourself six weeks, and an opportunity to reflect for a full week on each chapter, the weekly reading assignments in the primer and the exercises included workbook are important to really comprehending and internalizing the important material being offered. Sometimes the ideas in positive psychology are more complex than they might first appear. Additionally, a student might find that they want to dig deeper on any of the four main concepts offered in the book, and may seek out the research links provided in the book. I would seriously encourage any student using the book to do that exploration, either independently or in a group. As Biswas-Deiner mentions, one important tenant of Positive Psychology is savoring. I endorse studying this book with a savoring mindset. Don’t rush through…. slowly taste the fruits of all that Positive Psychology has to offer.

Aren

What would you say about the book as a 6-week course? Does that seem to be the right amount of time to read it in? Or do the exercises make you interested in the next chapter and make you want to move through it faster?

Senia