Psychology for a Better World

Psychology for a Better World is for people who believe it is worth trying to make a world in which both ourselves and the ecological systems we are part of can flourish. It is based on the latest research in psychology and is jam packed with action strategies. It offers new ways to think about how people interact in social settings, and how the same characteristics that keep us hooked into unsustainable practices can be used to move us forward. It includes a guide to help you analyse what you can do to contribute to a better world while simultaneously increasing your personal wellbeing. For more information go to: www.psych.auckland.ac.nz/psychologyforabetterworld Reviews Summarising fascinating research and insights from social and positive psychology, Niki persuades us in a personable and convincing way to look more deeply at our motivations and strategies when advocating for improved social and environmental conditions. Our intuitive approaches of arguing more aggressively with our perceived opponents, and telling others how wrong they are, are often not effective ways to get lasting behavioural change. Instead Niki provides a wide range of evidence to show that boosting positive emotions, role modelling, understanding the power and dynamics of identity and moral context all need to be authentically applied if we are to be effective change agents. This involves looking at our own motivations very carefully, which can be uncomfortable, but which Niki admirably does herself throughout the book. This book provides an urgently needed example of using sound evidence from the social sciences, particularly psychology, to engage people more positively in environmental sustainability. It also has a broader applicability, providing insights on effective advocacy for other areas of social change, for instance health promotion. Hugh Norriss, Mental Health Foundation, New Zealand Psychology is the study of mind & behaviour and should therefore harbour essential information for anyone interested in how humans may be able to change in order to create a more sustainable society. Alas, little has been done to take full advantage of this and so Niki Harre's new book is particularly welcome. A key argument of her crisp and lucid discussion is the need to drag environmental issues from the conventional into the moral domain for the next generation. Harre manages to navigate the complexities of moral psychology with admirable ease and insightful purpose - balancing the objective of scientifically informed political advocacy with her own struggles to be the change she wants to see in the world. This book should inspire. Thomas Suddendorf, Professor, University of Queensland, Australia A sensational book by a visionary psychologist and thinker. Pam Corkery, Former member of the NZ parliament Congratulations on your fabulous new book which I read, thanks to you, as a free PDF. It is so wonderful to see members of the psychology community applying their knowledge and insights as you do in order to make a positive difference at this dangerous point human history. John F. Schumaker, Author of In Search of Happiness: Understanding an Endangered State of Mind Niki Harre is a highly regarded academic social psychologist and a sustainability advocate. Her book applies the latest psychological research to understand the dilemmas sustainability advocates and activists face and gives sound advice on how to grasp opportunities for change. Margaret Wetherell, Emeritus Professor, Open University, UK