Perspectives on the Intersection of Multiculturalism and Positive Psychology

The volume will be a collection of chapters about current theory, research, and practice related to multiculturalism and positive psychology. This book will serve as a reference to any who are interested in the intersection of positive psychology and multicultural context. While many in the field of positive psychology have begun to move more strongly towards a culturally-embedded approach that recognizes the importance of context in discussing, viewing and cultivating strengths in individuals from different backgrounds, there is still a dearth of research in this area compared with studies that take a cross-cultural approach (comparing people from different countries) or one that is purported to be “culture-free” or universal in its application. While it is becoming more common to see various articles or chapters published on these topics, there is still no comprehensive text aimed at discussion of the collection of these topics presented in a cohesive and structured way. This book aims to fill this gap in the literature. In this book, a broad definition of culture is utilized that includes such facets as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic or social class status, disability, religion, sexual orientation and gender. This book is intended to present research, theory and suggestions for practice that are grounded in diverse cultural contexts and current scholarship. It will assist researchers, students and practitioners who are studying and working within diverse populations. Currently there exists no comprehensive text that addresses the intersection of positive psychology and multiculturalism. Several edited volumes address positive psychology constructs (e.g., well-being, optimal experience, autonomy) across cultures, but they do not focus on multicultural populations within the United States. Other books focus more specifically on mental health applications and stress and coping among multicultural populations, however these books do not provide a broad perspective on psychology beyond this application piece. The proposed book will review current theory and research about constructs in addition to applications across contexts. Finally, other published books have focused on youth within multicultural society; this volume is more broad in its address of issues of positive psychology across the lifespan and across various aspects of identity including disability, gender, social class and sexual orientation.

Jennifer Teramoto Pedrotti, Ph.D. received her doctorate and masters degrees in counseling psychology at the University of Kansas. She is currently Professor in the Department of Psychology and Child Development at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo where she teaches courses in positive psychology, multicultural psychology, clinical and counseling psychology, and research methods. Dr. Teramoto Pedrotti’s current research includes projects measuring the effectiveness of multicultural psychology courses in increasing ethnocultural empathy in both undergraduate and graduate students. She is also working on research investigating factors affecting well-being in multiracial individuals. Dr. Teramoto Pedrotti has contributed to several works discussing the intersections of positive psychology and multicultural issues including the Journal of Counseling Psychology, the Journal of Positive Psychology, Professional Psychology: Research & Practice, Professional School Counseling, and Women & Therapy, and has been teaching positive psychology with multicultural focus for 8 years. In addition, she is an author of the textbook Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths (along with C. R. Snyder and Shane J. Lopez), the third edition of which will be in print in the summer of 2014. Dr. Teramoto Pedrotti is also an active member in American Psychological Association divisions including the Society for Counseling Psychology and Ethnic Minority Issues in Psychology.

Dr. Lisa M. Edwards is an Associate Professor in the department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology at Marquette University. She received her masters and doctoral degrees in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kansas, and was a postdoctoral research associate in the Psychology department at the University of Notre Dame. In her current position, Dr. Edwards is the Director of Counselor Education and teaches courses in multicultural counseling, group counseling, assessment, and supervision. She directs the Culture and Well-Being Research Lab and is a licensed psychologist in the state of Wisconsin. Dr. Edwards’ research focuses on strengths and positive functioning among ethnic minority youth and adults. Specifically, she investigates how cultural variables such as familism, religiosity, and ethnic identity influence well-being among Latino/as and multiracial populations. Dr. Edwards’ work has appeared in several journals, including the Journal of Counseling Psychology, the Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, and the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology. She is also a co-author of Preventing Adolescent Depression and Suicide among Latinas (2013, SpringerBriefs in Psychology).