Positive Neuropsychology

Positive psychology—the study and promotion of character strengths, positive emotion, optimism, and resilience—has gained considerable momentum and support over the last 20 years. More recently, neuropsychology has begun to embrace related perspectives. In the first edition of Positive Neuropsychology, an extensive collection of perspectives from national leaders in neuropsychology clarified the importance of promoting cognitive health through various means. The present edition expands on the first edition, with four new chapters and updates of all previous chapters. Topics include the importance of physical, social, and intellectual engagement across the lifespan; nutrition and brain health; novel technologies used to maintain brain health and functional independence; compensating for and preventing cognitive limitations; and strategies to promote brain health in clinical and other settings. Chapters reveal not only the benefits of understanding cognitive health and optimal outcomes across the lifespan, but also emerging avenues for practitioners to expand their work into non-traditional settings. Bringing new dimensions to the neuroscience, wellness, and positive psychology literatures, Positive Neuropsychology will interest a wide range of academics and clinicians, including neuropsychologists, clinical and health psychologists, geriatricians, primary care physicians, cognitive neuroscientists, and other healthcare professionals.

“The first edition of Positive Neuropsychology was a significant catalyst that moved our field towards an orientation of cognitive resilience and brain health. The second edition reviews the resulting flourishing of positive neuropsychology research while continuing to challenge colleagues to pivot more consistently towards a positive neuropsychology orientation in research and clinical practice. As with the original, Dr. Randolph provides the field with the tools to continue to make this shift by compiling well researched chapters written by a dream team of thought leaders. Once again, exactly what Neuropsychology needs.” (Karen Postal, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, Past President, American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, Clinical Instructor, Harvard Medical School)

“The second edition of Positive Neuropsychology provides state-of-the-art empirical evidence on the promotion of brain and cognitive health. It is both a scholarly and client-accessible source to addressthe emerging epidemic of brain dysfunction. A must-read reference for practicing clinicians, research scientists, and students in both neuropsychology and neuroscience.” (Antonio E. Puente, Ph.D., 125th President of the American Psychological Association)

“Positive Neuropsychology is the go-to source for evidence-based practice on promoting cognitive and brain health. Dr. Randolph and contributors provide a comprehensive overview of the latest research, including effects of the global pandemic, on cognition and brain health across the lifespan. I was very impressed with the thoroughness of the information and the clarity of the writing. I will recommend this book to healthcare professionals of all backgrounds, as well as clients who are eager to learn more about what they can do to promote cognitive health for themselves or a loved one.” (Robin C. Hilsabeck, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, Past President, National Academy of Neuropsychology, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, and Head of Neuropsychology, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School Director, Comprehensive Memory Center, UT Health Austin, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences)

“The second edition of Positive Neuropsychology underscores the importance of the role of neuropsychologists in promoting cognitive wellness and resilience and going beyond deficit measurement and diagnosis. The chapters provide a timely summary of relevant evidence-based literature on brain health across a variety of conditions and situations written by experts in the field on a range of topics that will be useful to trainees, practitioners, and researchers alike. It is easily digestible and full of useful references and ideas that can and should be incorporated into practice as the field of neuropsychology continues to advance.” (C. Munro Cullum, PhD, ABPP-CN, Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology, & Neurological Surgery, Pamela Blumenthal Distinguished Professor of Clinical Psychology, Univ. of Texas Southwestern Medical Center)

“In this second edition of Positive Neuropsychology, Dr. Randolph and an outstanding array of experts in the field provide compelling approaches to the assessment, promotion, and enhancement of brain and cognitive health. An invaluable resource for neuropsychologists, the book offers insights and practical advice that would also greatly benefit practitioners, researchers, and educators in other fields who seek to improve quality of life through positive, empowering approaches.” (Robert M. Roth, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director, Adult Neuropsychology and Clinical Neuropsychology Training Program, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth / Dartmouth Health)

“With this second edition of Positive Neuropsychology, Dr. John Randolph and colleagues provide an important contribution to defining this novel content area for clinical neuropsychology, and a roadmap for clinicians toincorporate positive neuropsychology into their practices.  Each chapter of this edition offers rich theoretical background about mechanisms through which positive outcomes may be realized, and the practical means to achieve these goals. The work incorporates a lifespan approach to assure coverage of topics valuable for promoting cognitive health and resilience at any age.  Each chapter is exceptionally well-referenced, clearly justifying the “evidence-based” subtitle.  This work should be on the reading list of all clinical neuropsychologists who wish to provide the highest quality services to their patients and is accessible enough for all readers who aim to live their cognitive lives to the fullest!” (Robert M. Bilder, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, Michael E. Tennenbaum Family Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences and Psychology; Chief, Division of Psychology; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience atUCLA, Stewart & Lynda Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA)

Dr. John J. Randolph is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist in independent practice and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.  Dr. Randolph earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology (neuropsychology specialization) from Washington State University and completed clinical and research fellowships in neuropsychology and neuroimaging at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.  He is a Past President of the New Hampshire Psychological Association and a National Academy of Neuropsychology Fellow.  His research has focused on contributors to cognitive health and resilience, metacognition, executive functioning, and cognitive and neuroimaging aspects of multiple sclerosis.  He received the Margaret M. Riggs Award for Distinguished Contribution to Psychology in the State of New Hampshire and was awarded the Karl F. Heiser American Psychological Association Presidential Award for Advocacy on Behalf of Professional Psychology.  In addition to editing the first edition of Positive Neuropsychology, he is author of the recently released general audience book, The Brain Health Book: Using the Power of Neuroscience to Improve Your Life.