What is positive neuropsychology?

Abstract

While the field of positive psychology has gained considerable momentum and empirical support over the past decade, related principles have not been adopted broadly by clinical or academic neuropsychologists. For example, despite significant growth in the neuropsychological literature during the same period, few studies seem to address the study, promotion, and enhancement of cognitive health. In the present chapter, I discuss reviews of three prominent neuropsychological journals over a 10-year period to clarify broad research themes and the relative frequency of studies that address cognitive health. These reviews indicated that the majority of published studies documented cognitive deficits in neuropsychiatric populations, and few studies examined methods to promote cognitive functioning. Further, research on cognitive health has generally not increased over time. Based in part on these findings, the present chapter offers and defines an overarching orientation to neuropsychological research and practice-positive neuropsychology-that incorporates positive psychology principles and aims to promote cognitive health through various means. Areas within positive neuropsychology are briefly summarized here and are explored in more detail throughout this volume.