Hope in the Age of Anxiety - Hardcover

Scioli, Anthony; Biller, Henry

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195380355 ISBN 13: 9780195380354

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2009

Synopsis

Economic collapse, poverty, disease, natural disasters, the constant threat of community unrest and international terrorism--a quick look at any newspaper is enough to cause almost anyone to feel trapped and desperate. Yet the recent election also revealed a growing search for hope spreading through society. In the timely Hope in the Age of Anxiety, Anthony Scioli and Henry Biller illuminate the nature of hope and offer a multitude of techniques designed to improve the lives of individuals, and bring more light into the world.
In this fascinating and humane book, Scioli and Biller reveal the ways in which human beings acquire and make use of hope. Hope in the Age of Anxiety is meant to be a definitive guide. The evolutionary, biological, and cultural roots of hope are covered along with the seven kinds of hope found in the world's religions. Just as vital, the book provides many personal tools for addressing the major challenges of the human condition: fear, loss, illness, and death. Some of the key areas illuminated in Hope in the Age of Anxiety:

How do you build and sustain hope in trying times?

How can hope help you to achieve your life goals?

How can hope improve your relationships with others?

How can hope aid your recovery from trauma or illness?

How does hope relate to spirituality?

Hope in the Age of Anxiety identifies the skills needed to cultivate hope, and offers suggestions for using these capacities to realize your life goals, support health and healing, strengthen relationships, enhance spirituality, and inoculate yourself against the despair that engulfs many individuals.

About this title

About the Author

Anthony Scioli is Professor of Clinical Psychology at Keene State College. Dr. Scioli completed Harvard fellowships in human motivation and behavioral medicine. He co-authored the chapter on emotion for the Encyclopedia of Mental Health and currently serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Positive Psychology and the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality.

Henry Biller is Professor of Clinical Psychology at The University of Rhode Island. A fellow of the American Psychological Association, he has served on the advisory board of the Men's Health Network and the editorial board of the Archives of Sexual Behavior. He has authored nine books, including The Father Factor: What You Need to Know to Make a Difference.

Review

"This book is a must read for any individual who is dealing with adversity. When we understand the role that hope plays in our lives, our physiology and our ability to survive, we will all be better able to cope with life's difficulties and to help those we love. This is also a book that every healthcare professional should read. Hope is a vital force and not about statistics. True hope is never false. We need to care for people by understanding the role that hope plays and not only treat their diagnosis."--Bernie Siegel, MD author of Love, Medicine & Miracles and Help Me To Heal

"Hope in the Age of Anxiety is a book in the grand style, one that goes well beyond typical 'formula-driven' self-help books. The authors have culled "the best of hope" from psychology, philosophy, and theology as well as the struggles and achievements of both ordinary and extraordinary individuals and groups. This is a book that captures the full depth and breadth of hope as a force for positively transforming the reader's life. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down."--James Prochaska, Professor of Clinical and Health Psychology, Director of the Cancer Prevention Research Center, University of Rhode Island, and author of Changing for Good

"At last, a book on hope rooted in modern science that takes seriously its underpinnings in the world's great religious traditions. Scioli and Biller offer us all 'hope' that our best solution for rising to life's challenges lies in the blending of a scientific and humanitarian perspective."--Robert A. Emmons, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Positive Psychology and author of Thanks!: How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0195380355
• ISBN 13: 9780195380354
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 427