The volume will be a collection of chapters about current theory,
research, and practice related to multiculturalism and positive
psychology. This book will serve as a reference to any who are
interested in the intersection of positive psychology and multicultural
context. While many in the field of positive psychology have begun to
move more strongly towards a culturally-embedded approach that
recognizes the importance of context in discussing, viewing, and
cultivating strengths in individuals from different backgrounds, there
is still a dearth of research in this area compared with studies that
take a cross-cultural approach (comparing people from different
countries) or one that is purported to be "culture-free" or universal in
its application. While it is becoming more common to see various
articles or chapters published on these topics, there is still no
comprehensive text aimed at discussion of the collection of these topics
presented in a cohesive and structured way. This book aims to fill this
gap in the literature. In this book, a broad definition of culture is
utilized that includes such facets as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic or
social class status, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and
gender. This book is intended to present research, theory, and
suggestions for practice that are grounded in diverse cultural contexts
and current scholarship. It will assist researchers, students, and
practitioners who are studying and working within diverse populations.
Currently there exists no comprehensive text that addresses the
intersection of positive psychology and multiculturalism. Several edited
volumes address positive psychology constructs (e.g., well-being,
optimal experience, autonomy) across cultures, but they do not focus on
multicultural populations within the United States. Other books focus
more specifically on mental health applications and stress and coping
among multicultural populations, however these books do not provide a
broad perspective on psychology beyond this application piece. The
proposed book will review current theory and research about constructs
in addition to applications across contexts. Finally, other published
books have focused on youth within multicultural society; this volume is
more broad in its address of issues of positive psychology across the
lifespan and across various aspects of identity including disability,
gender, social class, and sexual orientation.
