Martin Seligman

1942, USA

American psychologist, founder of positive psychology. Known for research on learned helplessness and optimism.

Books

  • Learned Optimism (1990)

    Seligman shows that pessimism is a learned habit that can be changed, and presents cognitive techniques for cultivating an optimistic explanatory style.

  • Authentic Happiness (2002)

    Seligman presents the framework of positive psychology: positive emotions, engagement, and meaning as pillars of well-being.

Experiments