How can positive psychology approaches help us to understand the process of adjustment to, and living well with dementia?
As accounts of positive experiences in dementia are increasingly emerging, this book reviews current evidence and explores how psychological constructs such as hope, humour, creativity, spirituality, wisdom, resilience and personal growth may be linked with wellbeing and quality of life in dementia.
Expert contributors from a range of academic and clinical backgrounds examine the application of positive psychological concepts to dementia and dementia care practice. The lived experiences of people with dementia are central to the book, and their voices bring life to the ideas explored, highlighting how positive experiences in dementia and dementia care are possible.
1. Positive Psychology, Health and Aging. Elspeth Stirling, Clinical Psychologist, UK. 2. A Positive Psychology Approach to Dementia. Dr Chris Clarke, Research Tutor, Department of Psychological Health and Wellbeing, University of Hull, UK, Dr Emma Wolverson, Academic and Research Tutor, Department of Psychological Health and Wellbeing, University of Hull and Professor Esme Moniz-Cook, Professor of Clinical Psychology, Center of Dementia Research and Practice, University of Hull. 3. Quality of Life and Subjective Well Being. Dr Alison Phinney, Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Canada. 4. Hope. Chris Clarke and Emma Wolverson. 5. Humour. Chris Clarke and Helen Irwin, University of Hull. 6. Resilience. Phyllis Brady Harris, Ph.D., Professor and Chairperson, Department of Sociology, Director of Aging Studies, John Carroll University, USA. 7. Growth and Transcendence. Emma Wolverson and Kirsty M. Patterson, University of Hull. 8. Spirituality & Wisdom. Professor Bob Woods, Director, Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC), Bangor University, UK and Andrew Norris. 9. Creativity. John Killick. 10. Positive Relationships. Mike Nolan and Tony Ryan. 11. Positive Experiences in Caregivers. Dr Catherine Quinn, REACH: The Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, School of Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, UK. 12. Overview and Ways Forward for a Positive Psychology Approach to Dementia. Chris Clarke and Emma Wolverson with Aimee Spector and Charlotte Stoner.
Whilst not underestimating the challenges dementia throws at the individual, this book highlights the crucial benefits of positive approaches in helping us to face those very challenges, as opposed to the medical view which is often very negative.
