The Positive Psychology of Personal Transformation (PDF)

James Garbarino is the founding Director of the Center for the Human Rights of Children at Loyola University Chicago; the current Maude C. Clarke Chair in Humanistic Psychology. Before arriving at Loyola, he was Cornell University's Elizabeth Lee Vincent Professor of Human Development and co-director of the Family Life Development Center. He received his bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence University and a doctorate in human development and family studies from Cornell University. From 1985 - 1994 he was President of the Erikson Institute for Advanced Study in Child Development. Dr. Garbarino has served as a consultant to a wide range of organizations, including the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, the National Institute for Mental Health, the American Medical Association, the U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He also serves as an expert witness in criminal and civil cases involving issues of violence and children. Books he has authored or edited include: Children and the Dark Side of Human Experience: Confronting Global Realities and Rethinking Child Development, See Jane Hit: Why Girls Are Growing More Violent and What We Can Do About It, and Words Can Hurt Forever: How to Protect Adolescents from Bullying, Harassment, and Emotional Violence. His work has also been featured in television, magazines, and newspapers, including appearances on "The Today Show," "Dateline," and "Larry King Live." Dr. Garbarino has received numerous awards, including the first C. Henry Kempe Award from the National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, Fellow of the American Psychological Association, Spencer Fellow by the National Academy of Education, National Fellow by the Kellogg Foundation, and the President's Celebrating Success Award from the National Association of School Psychologists. He is a former president of the American Psychological Association's Division on Child, Youth and Family Services.

“This book focuses on the importance of positive psychology in light of the trials and tribulations of life. … The book is aimed at researchers, practitioners, and scientists in clinical child, school, and developmental psychology; social work; educational and community psychology; sociology; and public health. … It is easy to read and contains powerful, inspirational stories.”
- Gary B. Kaniuk, Doody’s Review Service, June, 2011

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"It is in his elucidation of trauma that Garbarino is at his best; he discusses the issue of trauma as a means to later describe the resilience of some individuals. As an expert on the issue of children and violence, the author does a thorough job of explaining the mechanisms and consequences of trauma, especially that which occurs in childhood. He also clearly explains the concept of hardiness, an area of much interest to the field of positive psychology. Although the section on trauma begins with a number of detailed descriptions of “almost” traumas in Garbarino’s life (such as a near-miss of what could have been a serious auto accident), the ensuing discussion clearly demonstrates his expertise in this area.

The Positive Psychology of Personal Transformation offers a relatively detailed portrait of the experiences and thoughts of a successful academic psychologist who is spiritual, reflective, and clearly interested in self-awareness and ongoing self-improvement."
- Erica J. Gannon, PsycCRITIQUES, October 26, 2011, Vol. 56, Release 43, Article 4