Matthew McDonald

Alongside the surging popularity of positive psychology has come a quiet but significant chorus of dissenting voices, raising questions about the movement: that it is philosophically naive, that it uncritically employs natural science research methods, that it takes a separatist stance, is unable to comprehensively acknowledge its theoretical antecedents, and that it is too closely aligned with mainstream US values, beliefs and politics. Positive Psychology and its Discontents offers the first book- length critique of the field, and proposes an alternative, more inclusive vision. At present positive psychology views other strands of knowledge as adversarial counter-ideologies it must compete with and ultimately discredit. Instead of this intellectual dead end, the authors propose a more productive dialogue with other branches of psychology and the social sciences, making positive psychology more philosophically informed and better able to understand the varying sociocultural contexts that influence and shape people’s ability to lead happy meaningful lives. It will be important reading for students and researchers in psychology and its allied subject areas, and to interested practitioners within the fields of psychology, mental health, healthcare, education and social work.

With the war for heaven concluded, the angels who remained neutral were forced to make a choice-feed on human blood or sacrifice their eternal lives. Those that survived have embraced modern technology to change their situation.

Charles Ives (1874–1954) moved traditional compositional practice in new directions by incorporating modern and innovative techniques with nostalgic borrowings of 19th century American popular music and Protestant hymns. Matthew McDonald argues that the influence of Emerson and Thoreau on Ives's compositional style freed the composer from ordinary ideas of time and chronology, allowing him to recuperate the past as he reached for the musical unknown. McDonald links this concept of the multi-temporal in Ives's works to Transcendentalist understandings of eternity. His approach to Ives opens new avenues for inquiry into the composer's eclectic and complex style.

Social Psychology and Theories of Consumer Culture: A Political Economy Perspective presents a critical analysis of the leading positions in social psychology from the perspective of classical and contemporary theories of consumer culture. The analysis seeks to expand social psychological theory by focusing on the interface between modern western culture (consumer culture) and social behaviour. McDonald and Wearing argue that if social psychology is to play a meaningful role in solving some of society’s most pressing problems (e.g. global warming, obesity, addiction, alienation, and exclusion) then it needs to incorporate a more comprehensive understanding and analysis of consumer culture. Wide-ranging and challenging, the book offers a fresh insight into critical social psychology appropriate for upper undergraduate and postgraduate courses in personality, social psychology, critical and applied psychology. It will also appeal to those working in clinical, counselling, abnormal, and environmental psychology and anyone with an interest in the integration of social psychology and theories of consumer culture.

Social Psychology and Theories of Consumer Culture: A Political Economy Perspective presents a critical analysis of the leading positions in social psychology from the perspective of classical and contemporary theories of consumer culture. The analysis seeks to expand social psychological theory by focusing on the interface between modern western culture (consumer culture) and social behaviour. McDonald and Wearing argue that if social psychology is to play a meaningful role in solving some of society’s most pressing problems (e.g. global warming, obesity, addiction, alienation, and exclusion) then it needs to incorporate a more comprehensive understanding and analysis of consumer culture. Wide-ranging and challenging, the book offers a fresh insight into critical social psychology appropriate for upper undergraduate and postgraduate courses in personality, social psychology, critical and applied psychology. It will also appeal to those working in clinical, counselling, abnormal, and environmental psychology and anyone with an interest in the integration of social psychology and theories of consumer culture.

What can critical social psychology teach us about our sense of identity? How have psychosocial and feminist approaches challenged our understanding of subjectivity? Where is this complex and fast-moving field heading? This new edition of Critical Social Psychology addresses these questions and more, providing important insight into social psychology. Thoroughly updated and revised, it clearly outlines approaches such as social constructionism and psychoanalysis, and explains how these ideas can illuminate topics like social influence and prejudice. The second edition of Critical Social Psychology:- Includes two new chapters on applied health psychology and applied work psychology- Uses 'critical thinking boxes' to demonstrate the practical application of theory and debates, helping you engage with the different ideas- Contains revised content including an expanded section on research methods, as well as enhanced coverage of action research and critical narrative approachesGuiding you through the key topics in social psychology and mapping the critical approaches onto each concept, Critical Social Psychology is essential reading for students of both psychology and other social sciences.

What, exactly, do you know about your body? Do you know how your immune system works? Or what your pancreas does? Or the myriad - and often simple - ways you can improve the way your body functions? This full-color, visually rich guide answers these questions and more. Matthew MacDonald, noted author of "Your Brain: The Missing Manual", takes you on a fascinating tour of your body from the outside in, beginning with your skin and progressing to your vital organs. You'll look at the quirks, curiosities, and shortcomings we've all learned to live with, and pick up just enough biology to understand how your body works. You'll learn: that you shed skin more frequently than snakes do; why the number of fat cells you have rarely changes, no matter how much you diet or exercise - they simply get bigger or smaller; how you can measure and control fat; that your hair is made from the same stuff as horses' hooves; that you use only a small amount of the oxygen you inhale; why blood pressure is a more important health measure than heart rate - with four ways to lower dangerously high blood pressure; why our bodies crave foods that make us fat; how to use heart rate to shape an optimal workout session - one that's neither too easy nor too strenuous; why a tongue with just half a dozen taste buds can identify thousands of flavors; why bacteria in your gut outnumbers cells in your body - and what function they serve; why we age, and why we can't turn back the clock; and, what happens to your body in the minutes after you die. Rather than dumbed-down self-help or dense medical text, "Your Body: The Missing Manual" is entertaining and packed with information you can use. It's a book that may well change your life.

Whether you are planning to pursue a career within the psychology profession or wondering how best to apply the skills you have gained during your psychology studies to another vocation, this practical book will help you to explore the many avenues open to you. Based on a survey of over 400 UK psychology graduates, What to do with your Psychology Degree provides real life information on some of the many occupations and careers open to psychology graduates, ranging from jobs in health, therapy and education to private sector roles in marketing, public relations or the media. By encouraging readers to think laterally about their transferable skills, the authors outline 60 career profiles that are directly and indirectly related to the discipline of psychology. For each occupation the book outlines:The main tasks and challenges involvedPersonality attributes that are suited to the jobSkills neededFurther training and qualifications that may be required Voluntary work placement, part-time, and casual job opportunitiesLinks to websites with further information including current vacanciesFor any psychology graduate, this book is the most practical resource available on career choices; whether you are embarking on your first job or looking for a change of career, this book is essential reading.