Learned Optimism

In addition to the author's narration of this volume, there's a female voice that delivers various scenarios, activity explanations, and chapters introductions. This groundbreaking book by Seligman tackles the differences between optimists and pessimists--and the importance of optimism in achieving happiness and success. Seligman covers most of the work, maintaining a steady, explanatory delivery that strives for a neutral tone. He takes his time delineating the various aspects of both personality types, telling story after story to illustrate his points. His measured pace and personal tone give the listener the feeling of sitting in an armchair in his office. Be sure to have the personality test--either the PDF or online version--on hand while listening. M.R. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

January 1, 1991
Not just another paean to positive thinking, psychologist Seligman's pep talk is grounded in clinical evidence that pessimists give up more easily, get depressed more often and are more susceptible to disease than are optimists. Our ``explanatory style,'' the way we rationalize our setbacks, is a key to our personal outlook, and this style crystallizes in childhood by age eight, according to the author, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania. To cure ``learned helplessness,'' he outlines a set of cognitive techniques designed to foster healthy optimism. Included are tests enabling readers to measure levels of pessimism or optimism and degrees of depression. Seligman also offers advice to parents on helping their children escape defeatism. Written in a popular, conversational style, yet incorporating much new research, this upbeat guide may help even closet negativists change their attitudes and behavior. BOMC alternate.