Positive Neuropsychology: Evidence-Based Perspectives on Promoting Brain and Cognitive Health

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.

About the Author

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 .