Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Positive Psychology: The Seven Foundations of Well-Being

353 Pages·2013·3.523 MB·English

by  Todd B. Kashdan, Joseph Ciarrochi

“The hallmark of our evolutionary flourishing is collaboration, and this brilliant
book is a stunning example of its power. Editors Kashdan and Ciarrochi have
taken two of the most influential therapies of our time—acceptance and com-
mitment therapy and positive psychology—and have initiated a dialogue that
both clarifies and deepens the discoveries that have emerged independently in
each. By establishing seven foundations of well-being that are both scientifically
based and practically oriented, they enable a coherent and fascinating look at the
role of mindfulness and an array of potent, cutting-edge therapeutic strategies.
This fresh synthesis is destined to be a landmark in the literature of emotional
healing and spiritual transformation.”
—Tara Brach, PhD, author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge
“This is a ‘greatest hits’ collection of essays in practical, positive psychology.
Organized by the editors’ groundbreaking framework of the seven foundations of
well-being, this book is a superb combination of solid theory, research, and evi-
dence-based practice. Immediately useful to any psychotherapist, mindfulness
teacher, or business coach.”
—Rick Hanson, PhD, author of Buddha’s Brain
“Unifying two important fields—positive psychology and acceptance and com-
mitment therapy—Kashdan and Ciarrochi’s volume contains multiple gems of
contributions from the preeminent figures in psychology. Whether you are an
expert or a novice, a student or a mental health professional, you will learn a
great deal from this book.”
—Sonja Lyubomirsky, professor of psychology at the University of
California, Riverside, and author of The How of Happiness and
The Myths of Happiness.
“To every innovator working to create new tools and technologies for increased
well-being: Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Positive Psychology should immediately
go to the top of your must-read list. The new research and provocative ideas in
this collection will undoubtedly spark countless fresh ideas and help shape, for
the better, the next wave of life-changing, positive interventions. This book will
give an invaluable edge to designers and developers who want to ground their
creative work in leading-edge scientific research.”
—Jane McGonigal, PhD, author of the New York Times bestseller
Reality Is Broken

The
Mindfulness & Acceptance
Practica Series
As mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies gain
momentum in the field of mental health, it is increas-
ingly important for professionals to understand the full
range of their applications. To keep up with the growing
demand for authoritative resources on these treatments,
The Mindfulness and Acceptance Practica Series was
created. These edited books cover a range of evidence-
based treatments, such as acceptance and commitment
therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),
compassion-focused therapy (CFT), dialectical behav-
ioral therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based stress re-
duction (MBSR) therapy. Incorporating new research in
the field of psychology, these books are powerful tools for
mental health clinicians, researchers, advanced students,
and anyone interested in the growth of mindfulness and
acceptance strategies.
Visit www.newharbinger.com for
more books in this series.

mindfulness,
acceptance,
positive
A N D
psychology
the seven foundations
of well-being
E D I T E D B Y
TODD B.
KASHDAN, PhD
A N D

JOSEPH
CIARROCHI, PhD
C P
ontext ress
An Imprint of New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
Publisher’s Note
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the
subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in
rendering psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. If expert assistance or
counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.
Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books
Copyright © 2013 by Todd B. Kashdan & Joseph V. Ciarrochi
Context Press
An Imprint of New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
5674 Shattuck Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609
www.newharbinger.com
Cover design by Amy Shoup; Text design by Tracy Marie Carlson;
Acquired by Catharine Meyers
All Rights Reserved
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Mindfulness, acceptance, and positive psychology : the seven foundations of well-being
/ edited by Todd B. Kashdan, Joseph Ciarrochi.
p. cm. -- (The context press mindfulness and acceptance practica series)
Summary: “Edited by two leading mental health professionals, Mindfulness,
Acceptance, and Positive Psychology is the first book to successfully integrate key ele-
ments of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and positive psychology to
promote healthy functioning in clients. By gaining an understanding of “the seven foun-
dations of well-being,” professionals will walk away with concrete, modernized strategies
to use in clinical or private practice. A must-have read for any mental health profes-
sional interested in synthesizing ACT and positive psychology to help clients realize
their full human potential”-- Provided by publisher.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-60882-337-6 (pbk.) -- ISBN 978-1-60882-338-3 (pdf e-book) -- ISBN 978-
1-60882-339-0 (epub) 1. Positive psychology. 2. Acceptance and commitment therapy.
3. Well-being. I. Kashdan, Todd. II. Ciarrochi, Joseph.
BF204.6.M56 2013
150.19’88--dc23
2012040516
For the six ladies that created, guided, or nourished my lust for
life: Roxanne, Selma, Sarah, Raven, Chloe, and Violet
—T.B.K.
To Ann Bailey, for her unwavering love and support
—J.C.

Contents
Alphabetical List of Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
The Foundations of Flourishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1
Joseph Ciarrochi, University of Wollongong, Australia; Todd B.
Kashdan, George Mason University, USA; Russ Harris, Private
Practice, Melbourne, Australia
Mindfulness Broadens Awareness and Builds
2
Meaning at the Attention- Emotion Interface . . . . . . 30
Eric L. Garland, Florida State University; Barbara L. Fredrickson,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Love and the Human Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
3
Robyn D. Walser, National Center for PTSD and TL Consultation
Services; California
Self- Compassion and ACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
4
Kristin Neff, University of Texas at Austin; Dennis Tirch, Weill-
Cornell Medical College, American Institute for Cognitive Therapy
Perspective Taking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
5
Ian Stewart, National University of Ireland, Galway; Louise
McHugh, University College Dublin
Committed Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
6
Lance M. McCracken, PhD, Health Psychology Section, Psychology
Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London