H. A. Marujo and L. M. Neto (Eds): Positive Nations and Communities: Collective, Qualitative, and Cultural-Sensitive Processes in Positive Psychology

Abstract

Positive nations and communities should foster well-being and justice at the individual and collective levels. This ideal state of affairs implies that well-being must be present in the people that inhabit the nation, as well as in the very structures that constitute the community or state. Thus we can talk about the well-being of people and the well-being of institutions. When it comes to justice, we expect positive nations to promote fairness for all members of society through ethical, principled, and just institutions. In this framework, individuals and collectives are beneficiaries as well as agents of wellness and fairness. Using this lens, we can organize the contributions to the book edited by Marujo and Neto. Feelings of interpersonal well-being and sense of community are insightfully explored, for example, through the constructs of altruism, friendship, forgiveness, and the practice of Satsang, which are women’s singing groups in India. Occupational wellbeing is explored in the professional development of psychologists and students through the use of co-curricular activities. The chapters dealing with these issues touch also on psychological well-being, and how it might be enhanced by participating in chanting groups or extra-curricular activities. People acquire self-efficacy by practicing a skill or studying a trade in groups. Psychological well-being is also enhanced through the practice of forgiveness, altruism, and friendship. The economic well-being of nations is also discussed in the first chapter dealing with various paradigms of ontology and epistemology and in the chapter dealing with the nation of Bhutan, which is focused on promoting happiness, and not just economic growth. Not much is said in the book about the promotion of physical health and wellness, which in my view complements interpersonal, communal, occupational, psychological, and economic well-being. Applied Research Quality Life (2014) 9:449–451 DOI 10.1007/s11482-014-9313-7