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30 Books Every Psychology Student Should Read

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Updated: November 15, 2023 , Reading time: 26 minutes

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The typical college experience for psychology students often involves wading through several textbooks that, although informative and provide a limited perspective, are a reasonable way to expand psychology education beyond the classroom.

To help choose the best reading, we have listed here 30 essential books for students that offer a comprehensive insight into the fascinating world of psychology. From timeless classics to the latest research, these publications offer a comprehensive view of the field, revealing discoveries and new trends that continuously enrich this dynamic discipline.

Additional Resources:

  • Best Online Master of Psychology Graduate Schools
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  • Best Online Doctor of Educational Psychology Degree Programs

The Importance of Reading for Psychology Students

Reading holds importance for students studying psychology as it acts as a key to unlocking the depth and subtleties of this field. Beyond the boundaries of textbooks and classroom lectures, books offer a gateway to an array of perspectives, theories, and case studies that broaden students’ horizons.

Through written literature, students gain access to the wisdom of psychologists, delve into the complexities of behavior, and explore the latest research discoveries.

Reading nurtures thinking and analytical skills, empowering students to assimilate information and cultivate a nuanced comprehension of phenomena. It also cultivates empathy since literature often delves into the experience, encouraging students to perceive the world from different perspectives.

Ultimately, reading serves as a guiding compass for psychology students on their path toward growth while fostering an appreciation for the intricacies inherent in human cognition and actions.

Books Every Psychology Student Should Read - fact

Proven Effective Reading Strategies for Psychology Students

To enhance your reading skills in psychology, it is beneficial to utilize active techniques such as previewing, highlighting, and reflecting. Additionally, taking organized notes, critically questioning the content, periodically summarizing the material, and engaging in discussions with peers can contribute to a deeper understanding.

Select the right Psychology books.

Choosing the ideal psychology books requires a personalized strategy. Begin by identifying your specific interests and academic aspirations in the field of psychology. Conduct thorough research and seek advice from professors, peers, and credible online sources to discover highly regarded titles related to your chosen area of focus.

Take into account the expertise and qualifications of the authors and take a quick look through the book to assess its readability and compatibility with your preferred learning style. Give priority to texts that resonate with your passions and academic goals in order to make your reading experience both informative and enjoyable.

Incorporate Psychology books into your study routine.

Psychology textbooks offer insights beyond lectures and assignments. Devote time weekly to explore these depths. Select chapters connecting to upcoming units, noting novel perspectives and illuminating case studies. Discuss with peers how real-world examples complement classroom discussions.

Alternatively, select a book independent from the syllabus on a topic, sparking curiosity. Wider reading nourishes a well-rounded understanding, inspiring connections between ideas and across subjects. Challenge uniform habits by varying sentence structure from dense definitions to relaxed storytelling. 

Academia benefits from diverse sources that stretch thinking in new ways.

Balance textbooks and supplementary reading.

While textbooks structure psychology’s principles, supplementary readings offer varied views challenging routine concepts. Some works delve profoundly into emerging analysis, conflicting older theories. The textbook initially charts transitions between eras yet extra analysis of color histories.

Denser essays dissect refined definitions, sparking fresh questions. Despite the concision sought, additional complexity balanced readability. Diverse references inspire deeper investigation beyond expected boundaries.

30 Books Psychology Students Need to Read

The psychology book.

The Psychology Book

The Psychology Book by DK is an essential read for psychology students due to its numerous advantages. It offers a comprehensive overview of the field, offering a solid foundation for students embarking on their psychology journey.

What sets it apart is its visual presentation, as DK is known for creating visually engaging books. This book uses a combination of illustrations, diagrams, and clear explanations to make complex psychological concepts more accessible to learners.

Moreover, “The Psychology Book” places psychological ideas within their historical context, enabling students to understand the evolution of the field and the contributions of key figures. It highlights influential psychologists and their groundbreaking theories, offering insights into the diverse range of thought within psychology.

It utilizes lucid and uncomplicated language, making it a valuable resource for psychology students, regardless of whether they are newcomers to the subject or possess some prior knowledge.

It is a valuable tool for studying, helping students revisit essential ideas and theories, especially when getting ready for tests or assignments.

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Thinking Fast and Slow represents an indispensable read for psychology students. It establishes a bedrock for comprehending human cognition , delineating two cognitive systems: the rapid, intuitive system 1, and the deliberative, analytical system 2. This conceptual framework serves as a foundational roadmap for elucidating the complexities of human behavior.

Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel laureate in psychology, lends significant academic weight to his book. His extensive research on decision-making, cognitive biases, and heuristics has left an indelible mark on the field. This book provides students with a unique opportunity to access Kahneman’s scholarly contributions.

Additionally, the book fosters critical thinking and self-reflection, enhancing metacognitive awareness. This skill is valuable both academically and professionally. As a reliable resource, it illuminates essential concepts, enhanced by practical applications and chances for personal introspection.

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

Influence - The Psychology of Persuasion

This literary gem offers a profound understanding of the intricate workings of influence, a fundamental pillar of psychology. One of the great things about this book is how it helps connect psychological theories to real-life situations, like marketing and sales. This interconnection between theoretical tenets and their pragmatic utility is invaluable in cultivating students’ ability to discern the tangible relevance of their academic pursuits within broader societal contexts.

Influence delves into ethical aspects of persuasion, exploring both ethical and unethical techniques. It encourages students to reflect on the principled and ethical use of their psychological knowledge.

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat , authored by Oliver Sacks , occupies a pivotal role in the academic landscape, rendering it a requisite literature for psychology students. This collection of clinical case studies assumes significance for several scholarly reasons. It serves as an exemplar of the intricacies surrounding the human psyche, specifically within the domain of neurological disorders and cognitive aberrations .

Sacks, in sharing these real-life patient stories, shows how psychology theory works in the real world. This makes the study of psychology more relatable and down-to-earth, giving it a practical and tangible dimension.

Moreover, the book underscores the ethical and humanistic dimensions of psychology, accentuating the importance of patient-centric empathy and comprehensive comprehension. It underscores the human facet of psychology by scrutinizing the personal sagas of individuals grappling with extraordinary neurological conditions.

The book emphasizes the importance of psychologists being empathetic and understanding their patients’ stories. This helps train future psychologists to be more compassionate and caring in their practice.

It also stimulates psychological student’s intellect, inspiring their critical thinking and analysis skills. The book involves the sharing of difficult or uncommon cases in order to challenge conventional mental perceptions and prompt further exploration of intricate mind attributes. This enables them to get better at dealing with complex problems and delving into various aspects of the human mindset.

This book commands an ultimate position within psychological education because it concretizes theory into cases, endorses humanistic psychology, and stimulates critical thinking, which serves as an academic jewel for young psychologists.

The Interpretation of Dreams

The Interpretation of Dreams

The Interpretation of Dreams, authored by Sigmund Freud , stands as an indispensable and seminal text within the purview of psychology education. Its significance derives from several academic considerations. It is crucial for psychology students. It introduced the concept of the unconscious mind and established the groundwork for psychoanalysis. The book encourages introspection, a valuable skill, and provides historical context for comprehending the development of psychology.

Freud’s book highlights the importance of looking within ourselves and thinking about how we think. It encourages students to become more aware of their hidden tendencies and biases. His method of dream analysis fosters a culture of critical inquiry and self-examination, nurturing an enhanced self-awareness, an attribute of paramount importance in both academic and personal spheres for psychology students.

The book assumes historical significance, allowing students to traverse the annals of psychological thought. An exploration of Freud’s pioneering psychoanalytic framework within “The Interpretation of Dreams” furnishes students with a contextual lens through which to view the trajectory of contemporary psychological theories and practices.

Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me)

Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me) stands as an indispensable academic resource for psychology students, characterized by its profound exploration of cognitive dissonance , self-justification, and their implications in the realm of human behavior.

This book, authored by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson, holds significance for students as it provides a comprehensive elucidation of the mechanisms behind people’s tendency to rationalize their actions and beliefs, aiding in their comprehension of this phenomenon.

Additionally, it functions as a cognitive gym, stimulating critical thinking and fostering self-reflection among students. It helps them become more aware of their thinking patterns and decision-making habits by highlighting common mental biases and defenses. This book explains how these psychological ideas are relevant in many different areas, encompassing politics, relationships, and personal development.

For psychology students, it not only imparts an academic grasp of cognitive dissonance and self-justification but also furnishes the wherewithal to identify and address these phenomena in their professional purview. It augments their efficacy as practitioners, researchers, and therapists.

The Social Animal

The Social Animal

The Social Animal , authored by Elliot Aronson , holds a paramount position in the academic field of psychology students by virtue of its all-encompassing scrutiny of the domain of social psychology. Aronson conducts a profound exploration into the intricate interplay of social forces that mold human behavior, thereby equipping students with a profound understanding of the multifaceted dynamics inherent to the realm. 

This book explains how these ideas are relevant in many different everyday situations, like relationships, group dynamics, and broader societal issues. It furnishes psychology students with analytical tools, enabling them to dissect and comprehend the intricate tapestry of human social behavior, thereby enhancing their potential for practical implementation in fields such as counseling, social work, and organizational psychology .

Furthermore, Aronson’s book encourages students to think critically and conduct research that helps uncover the hidden details of social interactions. Through the presentation of a rigorous academic discourse, “The Social Animal” inspires students to embark on scholarly quests that contribute to the ever-expanding corpus of knowledge in psychology.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

Grit: The Power of Passion & Perseverance , written by Angela Duckworth, assumes a pivotal role in the academic domain for psychology students due to its profound elucidation of factors underpinning human achievement. Duckworth’s scholarship on the concept of grit, characterized by the combination of passion and perseverance, holds significant implications for comprehending human behavior, motivation, and the psychology of success.

This book not only offers an in-depth exploration of the psychological foundations of grit but also imparts pragmatic insights into how to nurture and cultivate this essential trait.

Moreover, “Grit” stimulates psychology students to embark on a scholarly inquiry into the domains of motivation, self-control, and goal attainment, constituting foundational themes within the discipline. It highlights the value of hard work and determination in achieving long-term goals, helping students see the full picture of how the human mind seeks excellence.

Duckworth’s work bridges theory and real-life application, emphasizing the importance of these concepts in education and professional fields. It equips psychology students with valuable tools for personal and career development.

“Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” is a cornerstone for students, offering a comprehensive understanding of motivational psychology and practical guidance for growth. It’s an invaluable resource for those seeking to grasp and apply the principles behind human achievement.

The Psychopath Tests

The Psychopath Tests

The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson is an essential read for psychology students. Ronson’s exploration of psychopathy offers profound insights into human behavior and the enigmatic realm of personality disorders . It delves into ethical and diagnostic challenges within clinical psychology, providing a comprehensive perspective on the field.

Furthermore, “The Psychopath Test” prompts critical reflection among psychology students, challenging perceptions of normalcy, the reliability of psychiatric assessments , and the ethical implications of labeling personality disorders. It ignites an ethical discourse, encouraging students to contemplate the moral dimensions of psychological diagnoses and therapeutic interventions, fostering a deeper understanding of clinical practice intricacies.

It challenges the boundaries of normalcy, questions the reliability of psychiatric assessments, and explores the ethical dimensions of personality disorder labels. Ronson’s work bridges academic knowledge with practical applications, shedding light on the real-world implications of psychopathy.

Phantoms in the Brain

The book Phantoms in the Brain takes readers on a journey within the mind’s mysteries. Using intriguing patient tales and inventive tests, authors Blakeslee and Ramachandran peel back the brain’s veils. Their stories unveil how it forms our perceptions in surprising, puzzling ways. We glimpse neurons sparking thoughts and feelings in an intricate dance we’re only starting to follow.

In this masterful work, the authors beckon psychology students and aficionados alike to engage in a profound reevaluation of consciousness and self-awareness. The book challenges established paradigms and urges contemplation of the far-reaching consequences of brain injuries and anomalies on the intricate tapestry of human experience.

The Tell-Tale Brain

The Tell-Tale Brain

Ramachandran’s adept narrative craftsmanship and the trenchant case studies within beckon psychology students to embark on an exploratory voyage into the uncharted territories of neuroscience and cognitive psychology , thus amplifying their comprehension of the human psyche.

Moreover, The Tell-Tale Brain serves as an intellectual crucible, fomenting critical thought and inquisitiveness among students, provoking them to interrogate established psychological paradigms. It extends an invitation to the contemplative spheres of ethical and philosophical dimensions within the purview of psychology, endowing students with a holistic perspective.

The book also gives practical perspectives on how these ideas can be applied in various settings, including clinical practice and education, among other areas. This gives cognitive psychology important information on the significance of brain functioning in everyday living and the issues encountered by professional psychologists. It provides strong groundwork on which to build professional ambitions of becoming clinicians, researchers, or educators.

The Power of Habit

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg stands as an indispensable resource within the arsenal of psychology scholars. This literary work explains habit formation, elucidating its intricacies, malleability, and profound influence on our daily existence.

Duhigg’s meticulous exploration of the neurological and psychological underpinnings of habits serves to enrich students’ comprehension of human behavior, providing practical insights into habit modification, a skill pertinent across diverse domains of psychology, from therapeutic interventions to behavior change initiatives .

Additionally, This book is like a treasure chest for students who want to use psychology in the real world. It skillfully delineates how habits extend their sway beyond individual lives to shape collective and organizational behaviors. Duhigg uses real-life examples to show how understanding and changing habits can make a big difference. This makes the book really helpful for students who want to make positive changes.

It also serves as an intellectual crucible, fostering critical inquiry, introspection, and an enhanced appreciation of the intricate behavioral patterns underpinning human conduct. This book empowers psychology students with a profound understanding of the omnipotence of habits, nurturing a broader worldview and furnishing them with invaluable practical acumen to traverse their academic and professional odysseys.

Stumbling on Happiness

Stumbling on Happiness

Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert emerges as an indispensable resource in the arsenal of psychology scholars. This book dives into the mysteries of happiness and how our minds perceive and chase it. Gilbert examines happiness from various perspectives, such as how our thoughts function, how we make decisions, and how we interact with others. It’s a guide to unraveling what truly brings us happiness.

“Stumbling on Happiness” goes beyond academic work, leading to critical analysis and examination of happiness. Decision-making and its influence on our welfare is a guide to uncovering ourselves. Psychology students will find this book helpful as it connects with the pursuit of happiness. It extends to practical psychology applications , guiding personal well-being and interventions for happiness seekers.

The Psychopathology of Everyday Life

The Psychopathology of Everyday Life, authored by Sigmund Freud , stands as an indispensable psychology classic. This book delves into the subtleties of everyday human behavior, revealing the hidden psychological factors guiding our actions and thoughts. Freud’s exploration of the Freudian slip, or parapraxis, offers deep insights into the unconscious aspects of our psyche, showing how concealed desires and emotions manifest in seemingly ordinary lapses.

Additionally, it is one way to the basis of thinking for psychodynamic analysis , allowing students to learn in their heads about basic psychology concepts. It provides an essential platform for grasping the unconscious mind, defense mechanisms, and interpersonal relations among humans.

Apart from the theory, Freud’s work has some practical value for students of psychology that helps them understand our daily life activities and experiences. Furthermore, it teaches students to become analytical and reflective with respect to their conduct and thinking processes. It helps us understand about ourselves and the hidden motivations that affect our behavior. 

Emotions Revealed

Emotions Revealed

Emotions Revealed by Paul Ekman stands as an indispensable scholarly resource for psychology students. This book takes a close look at emotions, delving into their universal nature, how they show on our faces, and how they affect our behavior. Ekman’s research on facial expressions, microexpressions , and how emotions are the same across different cultures helps readers understand emotional intelligence, which is crucial in psychology.

The book assumes pragmatic significance for students harboring aspirations of engaging in clinical psychology, counseling, or any field necessitating adept interpersonal engagement. Ekman’s expertise in the realm of emotions equips students with practical tools to assess and comprehend emotions, both within themselves and in others, amplifying their therapeutic and counseling acumen.

“Emotions Revealed” gives critical thinking and self-awareness among students, urging them to introspect on their own emotional landscapes and those of their fellow beings. This fosters empathy, augmenting their capacity to forge profound emotional connections with individuals.

The Blank Slate

Steven Pinker’s The Blank Slate engages readers in a compelling journey through the intricacies of human nature and the ongoing discourse surrounding the nature versus nurture debate. Pinker counters the ‘blank slate’ theory that posits humans as born as blank slates, their behavior solely molded by their environment.

Instead, Pinker skillfully constructs a compelling argument for the pivotal role of evolution and genetics in shaping our cognitive and emotional systems, thereby challenging established assumptions about human abilities and behavior.

For psychology students, “The Blank Slate” emerges as a valuable resource, offering a thorough exploration of fundamental concepts within the field. It actively stimulates critical thinking by prompting students to reconsider the profound impact of biology and genetics on human behavior, ultimately overturning traditional perspectives on the nature of humanity.

Pinker’s clear and engaging writing style not only simplifies complex psychological theories but also aids students in grasping foundational concepts. Moreover, the book fosters discussions about the intricate interplay between nature and nurture, providing fresh perspectives that can enrich classroom debates and inspire research pursuits in the realm of psychology.

Awakenings

Oliver Sacks’ Awakening is a poignant and profound human exploration of the incredible resilience of the human spirit. In this groundbreaking work, Sacks relates his experiences with a group of patients who spent decades in a catatonic state , seemingly lost in consciousness in the world. Sacks’ story skillfully blends medical insight with compassionate storytelling, evoking the complexity of the human psyche and the enduring power of hope.

“Awakening” is an unusually entertaining read, offering a unique blend of medical science and poignant storytelling. Sacks’ ability to convey the profound emotional and psychological impact of his interviews with patients makes this book a truly moving experience. It exemplifies the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit against seemingly insurmountable odds, making it a must-read for those interested in the fields of medicine and the human condition.

David Brooks’ The Social Animal is a fascinating study of human nature and behavior. Through the fictional life stories of two characters, Harold and Erica, Brooks explores the complex social, psychological and emotional factors that shape our lives and decisions.

Brooks’ insightful storytelling weaves together research and real-life experiences to give readers a new perspective on the complexities of human behavior and the subtle forces that shape our individual and collective lives.

The Paradox of Choice

The Paradox of Choice

Barry Schwartz’s The Paradox of Choice is a thought-provoking examination of the contemporary challenge of too much choice and its impact on our lives. Schwartz argues that while we tend to believe that there are many options to free and more satisfaction occurs, it can lead to increased personal anxiety and decision paralysis .

It delves into the overwhelming psychological effects of choices in a controlled society, showing how it can lead to stress, dissatisfaction, and even sadness. Schwartz provides practical insights on how to navigate the paradox of choice and achieve greater fulfillment by simplifying decision-making strategies and perspectives that value quality over quantity. 

This book is inspiring for those who want to understand the dynamics of decision-making in our modern world. Schwartz’s accessible writing style and real-world examples captivate readers, making them think about their choices and their consequences. By offering practical strategies for overcoming the paradox of choice, “The Paradox of Choice” gives readers the tools to live a more fulfilling and balanced life in an era of overwhelming options and decisions.

This book is especially valuable to students of psychology because it sheds light on the psychological complexities behind decision-making. Examining the psychological and emotional components of our choices it provides a useful method which can help students understand human behavior.

The Brain That Changes Itself

The Brain That Changes Itself is a masterpiece by Norman Doidge with an engaging approach to the topic of neuroplasticity . Doidge illustrates through a number of carefully recorded case studies and scientific disclosures the amazing ability of the human brain to rearrange itself, adapt to different brain disorders, and recuperate in this book.

Readers are introduced to major figures, including Paul Bach-y-Rita and Michael Merzenich, who pioneered works that redefined our understanding of how resilient and adaptable the brain is. Doidge’s clear prose, punctuated with medical observations and personal stories, goes beyond traditional talk about neuroplasticity and uncovers deep truths that can change our thinking about learning, rehabilitation, and human cognitive potential. 

This book provides useful information for academics who are studying how the neural structure influences developmental changes such as learning and healing. This book explores in depth the complex relationship between the plasticity of the brain’s structure and how it relates to human cognition, which opens up a novel point of view regarding the malleability of the brain .

The Happiness Hypothesis

The Happiness Hypothesis

A fascinating examination of human happiness is titled The Happiness Hypothesis, authored by Jonathan Haidt . Haidt discusses ten classic concepts of cross-cultural philosophical and psychological foundations in relation to current research on the human mind and emotions. He uses engaging storytelling with a humorous approach to provide us with a path toward understanding and improving our health.

The book discusses ideas such as “The Elephant and the Rider,” symbolizing each one’s emotional and rational self, as well as the “Divided Self.” In addition, it delves into issues surrounding relationships, adversities, the search for a meaningful life, and other factors towards contentment in people’s lives.

Haidt’s interdisciplinary approach, whereby he blends psychology, philosophical and scientific knowledge into one book, “The Happiness Hypothesis,” will make reading it both interesting and educational since it will deepen the comprehension process of humanity.

This helps students explore and critique these notions as they relate to psychological health and personal development, a valuable supplement to their courses of study. Haidt’s work enables readers to have a brighter future by following the paths of ancient wisdom and contemporary research in pursuit of happiness.

Quiet… Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

Quiet… Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

Authored by Susan Cain , Quiet (Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking) discusses how the introverted person survives in an extrovert world. Through a mix of anecdotes about the personality type coupled with facts from various scholars, Cain shows that introverts are equally important as their extrovert counterparts through his book entitled “Quiet.”

The book applauds the strength of introverts and provides useful information about how one can recognize them, value them as individuals, and appreciate their contributions. It is, therefore, vital reading material for introverts and extroverts who want to stay relevant in today’s fast-paced environment.

The Age of Insight

The Age of Insight by Eric Kandel is one of the most engaging studies that connects with science and literature about the brain. By applying both the elements of scientific knowledge and art history, Kandel explores the ways in which creativity, perception, and emotions work together and how they impact our connection with the world around us or things like Art.

This book is a good interdisciplinary for psychologist-students who would like to understand how we appreciate arts and the ways the brain functions for aesthetic purposes. Students are motivated to investigate the intriguing linkages between psychology, neuroscience, and Art in the process of widening their scope of learning.

The Lucifer Effect

The Lucifer Effect

In his book The Lucifer Effect , Philip Zimbardo takes us through the evil in man and how normal people can end up doing terrible things. Using his infamous Stanford prison experiment and actual events, Zimbardo delves into how certain psychological factors induce people to carry out wicked and destructive actions, revealing a fascinating revelation about human malice and the significance of analyzing circumstantial and systematic effects.

It is a deeper analysis of moral disengagement possibilities that involve other societal circumstances where we can do whatever is acceptable or not under certain conditions.

The Power of Now

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is one of a series of spiritual guides that encourage us to leave behind the past and future in favor of the here and now, which holds the answer to our inner peace and truth. Profound insights emanate from different spiritual beliefs that offer practical solutions for avoiding unnecessary worries caused by endless thoughts and ego identification, as described by Tolle.

The book’s teachings give people an opportunity to improve and live more consciously, enabling them to discover their self-consciousness and a higher dimension of satisfaction in life.

The Wisdom of Crowds

The Wisdom of Crowds

James Surowiecki’s The Wisdom of Crowds provides an intriguing discussion on collective intelligence and how different kinds of groups can come up with accurate decision outcomes. According to Surowiecki, when a crowd has the requisite conducive elements, its accumulated information would, in most cases, be superior to that of an intelligent individual.

He uses various real-life examples ranging from stock markets to game shows to demonstrate how decentralized decision-making processes result in very precise outcomes explaining the group decision-making phenomena, which makes it an interesting book to read about the knowledge inherent in group action.

Neuropsychological Assessment

Authored by Muriel Deutsch Lezak, Diane B. Howieson, Erin D. Bigler & Daniel Tranel, Neuropsychological Assessment continues to serve as one of these important references for the practitioners in the neuropsychology practice field. This seminal piece delves into the technicalities of neuropsychological assessment processes involving tools, techniques, and principles.

Indeed, it serves as an important referral for practitioners as well as one of the main readings for psychology students looking to gain thorough information on neuropsychological assessment, facilitating precise diagnosis and successful treatment of people with neurologic and other psychiatric disorders in particular.

It is a must-have book that psychology students should read because it shows the connection between various brain functions and behavior. It provides an important guide for graduate students seeking employment in clinical psychology, neuropsychology and other related fields on how to test and interpret scores of neuropsychological evaluations.

“Neuropsychological Assessment” brings together different fields in order to explore the complex link between brain functioning and behaviors. This book would be good reading material for prospective psychologists in terms of informing them about how to diagnose and treat persons living with neurological problems.

Descartes’ Error

Descartes' Error

Descartes’ Error is the groundbreaking investigation against the traditional separation of the mind from the body by Antonio Damasio, a neuroscientist. His investigation centers on examining the intricate connection between emotion, reason, and decision-making, claiming that our emotions construct a veritable part of shaping reasonable thinking.

The author proves effectively, with the aid of persuasive case studies involving brain damage patients and committing supporting neurological evidence, that the mind and body are connected in everything, thus challenging Descartes’ “I think, therefore I am.” For readers of all kinds, the book presents a fresh perspective on the concept of consciousness and encourages reflection on the considerable impact of connectedness not just on psychology but on daily existence as well.

Damasio’s research gives students the opportunity to comprehend the complex interplay between the mind and body. It fosters a mindset that challenges conventional standpoints and makes way for further study in areas such as the psychology behind decision-making and affective neuroscience.

Not only does this publication add to the ongoing development of psychological concepts, but it also inspires scholars to reflect on established beliefs, resulting in a deeper and more well-rounded understanding of the human experience.

Pioneers of Psychology

Pioneers of Psychology, penned by Raymond E. Fancher and Alexandra Rutherford proves to be an enthralling expedition delving into the existences and influences of pivotal figures in the realm of psychology. Merging historical backdrop and intimate narratives, this literary work grants a bountiful expedition of the assorted individuals who molded the discipline.

Fancher and Rutherford adroitly entwine the chronicles of these trailblazers, presenting readers with a mesmerizing peek into the metamorphosis of psychological ideas and the captivating personas propelling its advancement.

How to Think Straight About Psychology

How to Think Straight About Psychology

In How to Think Straight About Psychology , Keith E. Stanovich offers readers a refreshing guide as they navigate through the world of psychological science. With clarity and wit, Stanovich examines critical thinking skills, debunking common myths and misconceptions surrounding the present field.

This informative book is an invaluable guide allowing the reader to approach psychological information wisely and sensibly, so it would be advised not only for the students but also for anyone willing to learn more about how the human brain functions.

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The 8 Best Psychology Books for Students

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

books to study psychology

Cara Lustik is a fact-checker and copywriter.

books to study psychology

  • What to Look For

If you are interested in learning more about the science of the mind and behavior, there are plenty of great psychology books to help you get started. What are some of the best books for psychology students to read?

While your psychology classes already have required reading lists, there are a number of great psychology books that can supplement your studies. From guides to help you succeed in school to reviews of the ​ history of psychology , the following books are some of the best choices for psychology students interested in boosting their grades and deepening their knowledge of psychology. Even if you are just a casual student of the subject, these psychology books can offer insights into the field and its history.

Here are the best psychology books for students.

Pioneers of Psychology by Raymond E. Fancher & Alexandra Rutherford

Anyone who thinks history is boring should definitely read Fancher and Rutherford's engaging look at the history of psychology, from its philosophical beginnings to the modern day.

As this text proves, psychology books devoted to the history of the field need not be dry or dull. The book offers a very human view of some of the great thinkers that have influenced psychology, including Descartes, Locke, Darwin, Freud, and Skinner.

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association

When it comes to psychology books, there are a few texts that you should absolutely purchase. The APA style manual is a must-have for any psychology student. Get this book early on in your academic career and keep it on hand to consult as you write research papers, literature reviews, lab report , and other writing assignments.

How to Think Straight About Psychology by Keith E. Stanovich

Keith E. Stanovich's How to Think Straight About Psychology serves as a nice complement to any research methods course.

Learn more about critical thinking skills and how to identify pseudoscience. Explore other topics in psychology as well such as experimental control, correlational studies, and experimental studies.

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks

This book from neurologist Oliver Sacks is a great read for both psychology students and a general interest audience. The author explores clinical stories of patients who suffer from neurological disorders, offering an engaging and thoughtful look at neurological problems.

While some psychology books are targeted at an audience with an extensive background in the topic, this book can be easily enjoyed by anyone new to psychology.

The Psychology Major's Handbook by Tara L. Kuther

Tara L. Kuther offers some excellent tips for students in this handy psychology book.

Learn about some of the many reasons to major in psychology, find great tips for academic success and learn more about some of the careers available to psychology majors.

Career Paths in Psychology by Robert Sternberg

Have you ever wondered exactly what you can do with a psychology degree? Psychology is a broad and diverse subject, so there is considerable variation in the type of careers that psychology students can pursue.

This comprehensive overview from psychologist Robert Sternberg offers an excellent look at some of the career options available to students as well as professionals who are considering a career change. Explore some of your choices and think about how you can achieve your academic goals.

Getting In by the American Psychological Association

If you are thinking of studying psychology at the graduate level, then this guide from the American Psychological Association is a must-have for your growing collection of psychology books.

Each step of the admission process is broken down into easy-to-follow segments, and hand timetables make it simple to track your progress.

Cracking the GRE Psychology Subject Test by The Princeton Review

In order to get into a psychology graduate program, you will most likely need to take the GRE subject test in psychology.

Prepare yourself for the test with this test prep book , which offers a quick review aimed at refreshing your knowledge of various topics within psychology.

What to Look for in a Psychology Book for Students

Up-to-date research.

Used books can be helpful in some contexts. However, psychology is an evolving science with new findings and updated research. If you’re looking for a psychology book to supplement your studies, make sure it’s not outdated.

Trusted Sources

It’s becoming easier to self-publish books either in print or digital formats. As a result, there are more people than ever who are releasing books for public consumption. Some of these people aren’t qualified experts for the disciplines they’re writing about. Research the authors and publishers of psychology books you aren’t familiar with to make sure they’re coming from a trusted source.

Easy to Understand

Many books about health and science are dense and difficult to understand. Luckily, there are many books that break these subjects down for audiences who aren’t as familiar with technical jargon. When you’re choosing psychology books, keep this in mind so that you can easily understand the psychology concepts you wish to learn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your professor chooses specific psychology books to inform their course design. While other psychology books help explain common concepts, there’s no guarantee that the information is exactly the same. There are advances and new discoveries in psychology that may not be reflected in older editions. Additionally, your professor may utilize the review questions or other unique passages in their selected resources, so it’s best to keep those on hand.

There are many jobs you can pursue with a degree in psychology because it gives you insight into the way people think and behave. Most obviously, there are entry-level opportunities in mental health that are a great fit, like mental health technicians and case managers.

There are also many psychology majors who go on to have successful careers in marketing, education, advertising, sales, and many other industries. Figure out what interests you and it’s likely that your degree in psychology is a reliable step in the right direction.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

25 Best Psychology Books to Read in 2023

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Blog – Posted on Friday, Jan 07

25 best psychology books to read in 2023.

25 Best Psychology Books to Read in 2023

Have you ever found yourself trying to work out what mental processes lead humans to do what we do? Thanks to the internet, even in isolation we have a continual stream of information about what people are doing — and with this uniquely modern view of the world around us, we have more fodder than ever to think: “Hmm, I wonder why we do this or that?”

As a human, it’s natural to want to understand these things — not only about others, but also about yourself. In this post, we’ve put together a list of the 25 best psychology books you’ll definitely want to read to pursue that understanding! Whether you’re a beginner with a newfound interest in psychology or a seasoned psychology expert looking to branch out, we’ve got you covered.

1. The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom by Jonathan Haidt

A professor of social psychology, Jonathan Haidt wrote The Happiness Hypothesis as an accessible vessel for his research into moral foundations theory. In this book, Haidt takes the ancient wisdom, or “Great Ideas”, of historical thinkers — like Buddha, Plato, and even Jesus — and reveals their applications in light of contemporary psychological findings.

Haidt first describes the basic meanings of ancient lessons on happiness, virtue, and personal fulfillment. This leads into what Haidt extracted from these findings to develop his own “10 Great Ideas” about happiness and connect them to modern living. After all, while ancient wisdom is tried-and-tested, it’s essential to update old methods to match modern-day life — Plato, Jesus, and Buddha never spent hours doomscrolling or procrastinating on Instagram, for example.

2. Influence : The Psychology of Persuasion (New and Expanded) by PhD Robert B. Cialdini

Influence, New and Expanded is Dr. Robert B. Cialdini’s 2021 republication of his one of his acclaimed bestselling psychology books Influence (first published in 1984) — complete with new research, examples, and insights, especially regarding the age of the internet. Backed up by his 35 years of scientific research, Cialdini describes seven practicable principles of influence you can use in your everyday life (with the newest edition being “Unity”). 

Each of the seven principles has a dedicated chapter to describe how it functions, where it’s most applicable, and — most importantly — how you apply it in your own life. If you’re looking for a book on psychology to help you learn more about the art of ethical persuasion in a modern context — and how to see through other people’s deceitful attempts — then this is the book for you.

3. Mistakes Were Made (but Not by Me) Third Edition: Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts by Carol Tavris

Ever been curious what causes people to deny vaccines, join cults, or engage in extremist behavior? The next entry on this list might clarify some of these seemingly illogical decisions:  in Mistakes Were Made, Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson discuss the systematic mental patterns which feed into development and radicalization of human beliefs. These include cognitive dissonance, confirmation bias, and positive feedback loops, among others.

To further explain how people’s attitudes can become so polarized, Tavris and Aronson walk readers through the effects of these mental patterns on people in various real-life cases and controversies. With its many compelling links to real-life events, this book is the perfect read for psychology and politics readers alike.

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4. Upstream: How to Solve Problems Before They Happen by Dan Heath

Life can feel like we’re constantly sprinting to put out fires as they arise. But of course, endlessly reacting to problems without a second to breathe and prepare for the next is pretty exhausting. Dan Heath’s Upstream is his solution to breaking that cycle of reaction and starting to prevent problems before they start. 

This begins with knowing the psychological forces that cause it. For example, one force that Heath attributes as a large factor is “problem blindness” — when a problem becomes so persistent that you start to register it as “normal” and therefore stop “seeing” it (or, naturally, trying to fix it). Heath shows how to step up and bolster your defenses against such problems by using real-life cases of individual thinkers, businesses, and even whole institutions that overcame their own. Thankfully, the uniting factor among these case studies is simple: all they had to do was change their mindset.

5. The School of Life: An Emotional Education by Alain de Botton

Many of us spend over a decade in school and, regardless of academic success, emerge feeling like something is missing. Sure, you can do complex algebra or give me an in-depth analysis of the symbolism of triads in Shakespeare — but can you navigate a workplace? Can you endure failure? Do you understand yourself? Whether you’re about to graduate or have been done with high school for years, you’ve probably found yourself wondering these things. 

Aptly titled, The School of Life is Alain de Botton’s answer to questions like these — with the express aim of equipping people with the tools and self-knowledge to thrive in the modern world. From increasing your productivity at work to handling the dilemmas of interpersonal relationships, there’s a chapter for everything you need in The School of Life. This emotional education is sure to help you to develop resilience to life’s dilemmas and become a maven of emotional intelligence.

6. Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgement by Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony, and Cass R. Sunstein

You may recognize authors Daniel Kahneman and Cass R. Sunstein from their respective bestsellers, Thinking, Fast and Slow and Nudge (or from a Reedsy Discovery post !). In a similar vein, Noise tackles the topic of variability in judgements and how we’re influenced by external factors. The overarching conclusion in Noise is that the majority of our decisions are unconsciously affected by the noise at different times and places.

The authors combine their scholarly expertise with additional research to deliver this in-depth guide outlining what we already know and their new theories about noise. For those interested in why we make decisions, this is one of the best psychology books to strengthen your understanding of the extraneous factors that can shape or bias decision-making, how to minimize those factors, and improve your thinking.

7. The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil by Philip G. Zimbardo

The Lucifer Effect is Professor Philip Zimbardo’s first detailed account of his infamous Stanford Prison Experiment and the conclusions he took from it. The Stanford Prison Experiment was Zimbardo’s 1971 study looking into the effects of different situational factors on conformity by putting college student volunteers into a fake prison environment for -2 weeks. Without giving too much away, the experiment ran into some serious roadblocks that meant it had to be discontinued after only six days. (The controversy was such that there was even a mostly-accurate movie dramatization released in 2015!) 

Zimbardo’s thoughts on the experiment are interesting not only because he conducted it, but because he was a part of it, acting as the prison warden — which, needless to say, has serious ethical connotations. The following chapters discuss the study’s effect on the decades of subsequent research into psychological and social variables that cause “average” people to commit immoral acts — making it one of the most influential books on psychology you can pick up today. Most people with an interest in psychology might have an idea of the original experiment, but the research afterwards should definitely not be overlooked!

8. The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry by Jon Ronson

Put simply, The Psychopath Test takes us through the modern-day mental health system, asking us to think more deeply about whom it labels “psychopathic”. Jon Ronson starts with a man who faked madness to escape a prison sentence, his method being to act charming, glib, and well-presented in contrast to other patients in the psychiatric hospital. Ronson takes these alleged tell-tale signs of psychopathy and applies them to people in other walks of life, making the startling discovery that psychopaths appear everywhere. 

This is where the doors to the so-called “industry of madness” are truly flung open. How many of our most influential CEOs, researchers, and world leaders are psychopaths? Can any good come of our newfound access to the best psychology books or theories if they facilitate diagnoses of strangers based on their “maddest” parts? If these questions interest you, pick up The Psychopath Test  and see what you think.

9. Games People Play: The Psychology of Human Relationships by Eric Berne

We’ve mostly talked about complex mental health issues so far in this post—but maybe you want to know about the psychology behind our most basic social interactions. If so, Eric Berne’s description of functional and dysfunctional social interactions in Games People Play will be right up your alley. Berne claims that we play “social games” all of the time, be that power games against authority, sexual games, marital games, or competitive games within friendships. 

Berne divulges the types of mind games that everyone can fall victim to indulging: in status contests, the game becomes a back and forth game of “I know better”, and couples are prone to playing mental games claiming each is holding the other back. Berne doesn’t just name these interactions, but he also exposes the meaning behind them as unconscious ploys and maneuvers that rule our lives. It’s these creatively poised insights that make this book on psychology an influential and striking bestseller.

10. The Body Keeps the Score: Mind, Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma by Bessel Van Der Kolk

Described as “the Bible of trauma” for struggling readers, The Body Keeps the Score is the culmination of Dr Bessel Van Der Kolk’s entire career. One of the world’s leading experts on traumatic stress, Van Der Kolk highlights the clear effects that trauma has on literally reshaping the body and brain. Drawing on his status as an active therapist, continually learning from what works for his patients best, Van Der Kolk delivers a wonderfully personal yet analytic approach to trauma recovery. Considering the frustrating physical effects of trauma related by his patients, Van Der Kolk suggests a fresh paradigm for treatment. 

The ideological heart of this method is to make it safe for trauma survivors to inhabit their own bodies by moving away from the “standard” combination of talking therapies or drug therapies and instead using a new approach that heals the mind, brain, and body. One size never fits all, but Van Der Kolk suggests that therapeutic interventions like neurofeedback, theater, meditation, play, or yoga may play a larger part than first thought in healing. The Body Keeps the Score provides a unique perspective on trauma and recovery relayed in a compassionate yet truthful voice, making it accessible to readers of all levels.

11. The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

Ever just really felt like you needed a hug? The Comfort Book answers that craving: it is a warm and personal hug in the form of a book — something even the best psychology books haven't focused on before. If you’re looking for a guide to self-love, contentment, and emotional strength, then Matt Haig’s reflections on the conflicting feelings that come with being alive are for you.

The essence of this book is that many of our best and clearest revelations are made when at our lowest — but we also shouldn’t have to figure everything out ourselves, especially when we’re suffering. Haig’s reflections are built on what he’s learned in hard times, with the hope that they can get you through similar situations. It’s a great comfort to know that you’re not the only one that’s dealt with something hard, and Haig understands that. Drawing on maxims, meditations, and inspirational lives of others, he aims to nurture your inner strength and deliver advice like a wise, commiserative old friend.

12. The Oracle of Night: The History and Science of Dreams by Sidarta Ribeiro

What really makes a dream, why do we have them, and how do they affect us? Sidarta Ribeiro takes these questions and uses them as a springboard for his completely fresh and enthralling study of dreams, tracing them all the way back to our ancient ancestors. It’s in the earliest cave paintings that Ribeiro finds the first traces of human dreams and begins unlocking revolutionary conclusions about the role of dreams in human evolution. 

Some will also know that contemporary neuroscience and psychology have uncovered many findings about dreams, such as their role in healing trauma or in consolidating what we learned in the day prior. The Oracle of Night then explains Ribeiro’s advancements on these topics: the role of dreaming in memory recall and transformation, and, startlingly, their oracular nature as confirmed by new research — making this a great book club book to ignite a conversation! Ribeiro combines his absolute authority on the topic with a clear, compelling writing style to make this book a page-turner from the first page to the last.

13. Everyday Vitality: Turning Stress into Strength by Samantha Boardman

Psychiatrist Samantha Boardman believes that an essential factor in healthy aging and overall well-being is a sense of vitality. Which is to say: knowing that you’re up to a task both physically and mentally. This belief is the jumping-off point for Everyday Vitality, a book full of strategies for cultivating vitality by focusing on improving a little every day, instead of reacting to fix what’s wrong as it arises. 

While vitality wellness is often associated with managing aging, Boardman posits that vitality can help all of us no matter our age. Whether you’re eighteen or eighty, you may recall times you’ve felt mentally exhausted from the constant barrage of media every day, or physically drained after a long day at a desk. Boardman explains three routes to better vitality for everyone: meaningfully connecting with others, taking on experiences that push your limits, and contributing to something beyond just you. If you want to cultivate your own wellness, why not pick up this book and discuss it with someone you love?

14. Survival of the Friendliest: Understanding Our Origins and Rediscovering Our Common Humanity by Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods

Humanity’s success as a species has developed in leaps and bounds during our relatively short time on Earth. Many people have hypothesized what might be the cause of these advancements: is it our strength, intellect, curiosity, or something else completely? Authors — and husband-and-wife duo — Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods believe in the latter, making the case in this book that humanity’s progression is actually because of our “friendliness”. 

Combining their respective expertise in cognitive neuroscience, research science, and journalism, Hare and Wood have come up with a theory about this evolutionary friendliness. The theory is elegantly termed “self-domestication” — a remarkable propensity to coordinate and communicate with others. Instead of coveting our individual successes, we often share them with others to help advance and protect each other. This capability, Hare and Wood argue, has allowed us to achieve the impressive cultural and technical marvels that we’ve culminated today. However, this friendliness may come at a cost: when threats to those we love become a target for our worst instincts, our evolutionary propensity for bond-making may be a double-edged sword.

15. Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell

In Blink, critically acclaimed author and journalist Malcolm Gladwell hopes to revolutionize your understanding of how you (and others) think. Why, for example, are some people exceptionally fast decision-makers, when others choke under pressure? Why does “following your gut” work perfectly for some, while others fall short? And do situational variables like our immediate surroundings affect our abilities to make these decisions?

Gladwell posits that a key factor towards people’s ability to make better decisions is “thin-slicing”: the unconscious ability to analyze patterns in scenarios based on brief flashes of experience, and come to a conclusion based on that knowledge. Gladwell draws on real-life examples to illustrate these ideas: from a psychologist who could predict whether a marriage would last from just a brief interaction with the couple, to antiquities experts who only need to glance at an object to tell it’s a fake. Put simply, Blink proves that the main difference between a good and a bad decision-maker is their mastery of “thin-slicing.” Can you learn to do it, too?

16. The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less by Barry Schwartz

Have you ever walked into a clothing store and found yourself overwhelmed by choices among different shirts, skirts, or jeans, all of which look eerily similar? Not to mention the stress of weaving through other shoppers, worrying about prices, and working out your size. Barry Schwartz believes that this abundance of choices to make “no longer liberates, but debilitates” shoppers with consumer anxiety. The solution? Eliminating consumer choices (within reason).

Of course, Schwartz acknowledges that autonomy and freedom of choice are still critical to our well-being. It’s just that, while modern Americans may technically have more choice than ever before, they are no longer benefiting from it psychologically. The Paradox of Choice neatly establishes the psychology behind why choice overload makes us suffer — constant comparison, opportunity hunting, and buyer’s remorse, for example — and how to avoid consumer anxiety in the first place.

17. Explaining Humans: What Science Can Teach Us about Life, Love and Relationships by Camilla Pang

Explaining Humans is an intriguing in-depth exploration of the complexities of human behavior, as explained by hard science. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at an early age, author and scientist Dr Camilla Pang struggled to untangle the mess of the world around her — even asking her mother if she could find an instruction manual for humans. When she found that not even the best psychology books of the time provided such a manual, the only solution was to write her own. 

Backed up with copious amounts of scientific research and her own hard-won expertise, this book on psychology examines obscure social customs, what it means to be human in different cultures, and where proteins and molecular chemistry fit into all of this. What does it mean to understand someone? How do we recognize people’s motivations or expressions, and what dictates them to begin with? Whether this all feels foreign or far too familiar to you, Pang is sure to deliver some surprises.

18. Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters by Steven Pinker

The goal of Rationality is to make you more rational and help you understand why there is so much irrationality in the world. You may think that sounds pretty lofty, but try reading author and cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker’s analysis before making concrete judgements! 

Pinker rejects the cliché idea that humans are an irrational species — how could any species discover and achieve so much without being inherently rational? Despite this, we live in a dichotic age of rationality vs. intense irrationality. Pinker’s explanation is that humans tend to think within the context of the low-tech settings in which we spend the majority of our lives. As a result, we don’t take advantage of the tools that our best thinkers discovered previously: critical thinking, logic, probability, correlation vs. causation, and ways to update our beliefs individually are not a part of our education. Fortunately, you can find these tools (and analyses of the crippling effects of irrationality) presented clearly and with good humor in Rationality !

19. Rapport: The Four Ways to Read People by Emily and Laurence Alison

We’ve all had to interact with difficult people before, whether that’s an annoying customer, a high-maintenance friend, or even a demanding stranger on the train. But imagine you had to deal with some of the most difficult people possible, managing extremely high-stress interactions: criminal interrogations. These interactions are a specialty of forensic psychologists Emily and Laurence Alison: they advise and train police, security companies, and even secret services on how to maneuver interviews with dangerous suspects. 

After experiences over the past thirty years that the “average” person could only imagine, the author duo have developed a revolutionary model for interpersonal communication. According to them, every interaction follows one of four types: Control (the lion), Capitulate (the mouse), Confront (the Tyrannosaur) and Co-operate (the monkey). It might sound abstract now, but once you’ve been taken through these types in Rapport, you’ll understand why they’re so praised. Learn to understand and apply them to your own goals and you can shape any conversation at will.

20. Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realise Your Potential for Lasting Fulfilment by Martin E. P. Seligman

You may have heard of this entry after its launch in 2004 caused international debate over the nature of real happiness. Authentic Happiness was the starting point for the science of Positive Psychology and the discussion of happiness in a scientific way. 

According to Martin Seligman, happiness has less to do with factors such as genes or luck, and more to do with focusing on your internal strengths rather than weaknesses. This isn’t to say that situational factors based on your genes wouldn’t impact you, or that being lucky enough to win the lottery wouldn’t change your life. Seligman’s point is that maintaining a positive mindset and building on one’s strengths is the most dependable route to long-lived happiness. To that end, Seligman supplies exercises, brief tests, and interesting programs that will help you identify your virtues and use them most efficiently.

21. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman

It’s no secret that a high IQ doesn’t automatically make a  person smart or good (not to mention the long-standing debate over the reliability and biases of IQ tests). That said, what actually makes a person smart or good? Daniel Goleman’s innovative analyses in Emotional Intelligence certainly brings us closer to understanding. This book breaks down human processes into “two minds”, the rational and the emotional, to detail how they together shape the ways that we move through the world. 

Goleman draws on contemporary cognitive and behavioral research to show the factors that make higher IQ flounder where those with average IQ excel. The factors that go into this disparity are: self-awareness, self-discipline, and empathy, and their presence adds up to a completely different manner of intelligence. Luckily, this kind of emotional intelligence can be developed and strengthened at every age to ultimately benefit our health, work, and relationships.

22. The Psychology of Pandemics: Preparing for the Next Global Outbreak of Infectious Disease by Steven Taylor

Published in October 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Steven Taylor’s book about the importance of psychology in curbing the spread of deadly pandemics — stating that, at the time, the next pandemic could be soon — turned out to be frighteningly prophetic. Taylor posits that, while vaccinations and behavioral methods are crucial for stemming infection rates, psychological elements are equally important.

The Psychology of Pandemics explains psychology’s role in nonadherence to vaccination and hygiene programs and in mental health as people cope with the threat and loss of life. Taylor talks through every reason why understanding psychology is essential to managing societal problems that go hand-in-hand with pandemics. You need only consult a few history books to see that the same problems recurr every time we face a pandemic. These problems range from excessive fear to maladaptive behaviours to the xenophobia that occurs when people feel threatened by infection. Sound familiar? If you want to understand why the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded in the way it did, this is definitely on the list of the best psychology books to try.

23. Human Givens : A New Approach to Emotional Health and Clear Thinking by Joe Griffin and Ivan Tyrrell

Feeling like something a little more laidback? Human Givens is a guide to emotional and physical health, as well as education, using the “human givens” approach. Authors Joe Griffin and Ivan Tyrrell chronicle what some call the best psychological insight of this age — that we are all born with innate knowledge patterns known as “human givens”. These givens are experienced as physical and emotional needs, and only when those needs are met can one reach their full mental and physical potential. 

Griffin and Tyrrell suggest that how your innate needs connect with the world can shape not just your own health and happiness, but that of your family and friends. Human Givens takes this idea and looks at what every person needs to flourish, as well as how to actively pursue those things. Of course, this isn’t all just speculation: Griffin and Tyrell back up their approach with new scientific findings and ideas about how the mind works — as well as how to use those ideas to overcome the anxieties of the modern world.

24. Obedience to Authority: An Experimental View by Stanley Milgram

The next book on our list is what some might call a psychology classic. Psychologist Stanley Milgram performed a series of famous experiments in the 1960s with the view to better understanding obedience to authority, after numerous war criminals on trial had claimed they were “just following orders”. 

The experiments were controversial at the time, because they involved volunteer subjects being instructed to administer what they thought were progressively more painful shocks to another human being — the aim of this was to see how far people would obey orders even when they knew them to be morally gray. Though Milgram’s experiment was criticized for being immoral itself, it has since been vindicated as a breakthrough in understanding both obedience and psychology as a whole. Obedience to Authority has long been thought of as one of the best psychology books, offering Milgram’s personal insight into his groundbreaking methods, theories, and post-experiment conclusions.

25. Consciousness and the Social Brain by Michael S. A. Graziano

The final entry on our list delves into one of the great mysteries of the human race: the brain. How are we conscious, what is consciousness, and how does the brain create it? Why do some people have more of a constant running internal monologue than others? These are the big questions that Michael S. A. Graziano aims to tackle in Consciousness and the Social Brain.

The human brain has evolved a vastly complicated circuitry which allows it to be socially intelligent — one function of which is to be aware of others socially, to understand when someone other than oneself is thinking or feeling. Graziano’s theory is that the brain’s internal machinery that allows it to be aware of others also allows self awareness. The crux is that human awareness is layers upon layers of information that the brain has gathered, processed, and rendered — a wholly physical phenomena in the same way that generating heat or electricity might be. This is, of course, a hotly debated topic, with many people believing that to reduce the brain to only physicality would be reductive. Regardless of what you believe, Graziano’s scientific journey is a thrill to the last page!

Seeking more answers about human interaction? Check out our lists of the 60 Best Nonfiction Books of the 21st Century or the 40 Best Leadership Books of All Time !

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10 Psychology Books Everyone Should Read

22 Sep, 2023 | Blog Articles , Psychology Articles

Image of a female student holding a pile of books

Psychology is a wide-reaching field, covering everything from social attachments to disorders of the brain and nervous system (neurology). We’ve put together a list of ten Psychology books that we think every student should read. Whether you’re preparing to study at University, just starting to explore your interest, or looking to deepen your knowledge of Psychology before attending our Oxford Summer School , these books will provide valuable insights and enhance your learning journey.

Table of Contents

1. The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales  – Oliver Sacks

In this classic book, Sacks documents a number of fascinating and strange cases that he came across in his work as a neurologist.

The book is named after one of these cases: the man who mistook his wife for a hat had visual agnosia. This is a condition where people are unable to interpret visual information so cannot recognise objects or faces. From this to a case about a patient who couldn’t recognise his own leg, Sacks deals with the most extraordinary conditions.

It is an engaging and easy to read book, which will make you appreciate that a lot can go wrong in our brains. Such explorations of the human mind are central to our Psychology programme in our Oxford Summer Courses .

Picture of the cover of The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, a popular psychology book.

2.  The Psychopath Test: A Journey through the Madness Industry  – Jon Ronson

In The Psychopath Test, Ronson describes his quest to determine whether it is true that many high up CEOs and politicians are psychopaths.

He tells the story of his visits to psychopaths, as well as to the psychologists and psychiatrists who study them. The book also looks at how psychopaths are diagnosed and explores The Psychopath Test developed by Bob Hare.

Ronson offers intriguing insights into the minds of psychopaths, as well as some very interesting stories, making this book well worth a read.

Photo of the cover of the Psychopath Test, a popular psychology book.

3.  Phantoms in the Brain: Probing the Mysteries of the Human Mind  – V.S. Ramachandran and Sandra Blakeslee

Phantoms in the Brain is an engaging book which explores various neurological disorders, such as phantom limbs.

A phantom limb is a condition where amputees can feel their amputated limb after it is gone (and in some cases even feel pain in it which is very difficult to treat). The book describes the cause of this phenomenon, among many other conditions. The authors explain how these can inform our understanding of the brain and also present many interesting cases of patients with these conditions.

Reading this will give you an understanding of how the brain forms our perception of both the world and ourselves.

Photo of Phantoms in the Brain, a popular Psychology book.

4.  50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology: Shattering Widespread Misconceptions About Human Behavior  – Scott O. Lilienfeld, Steven Jay Lynn, John Ruscio & Barry Beyerstein

As the title suggests, this book dispels 50 popular misconceptions in psychology. These are claims that are not scientifically true but still continue to be spread by the general public.

The authors aim to show that common sense can actually mislead people. 50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology encourages us to think critically and evaluate these claims, rather than simply taking them to be true.

This is an interesting book, and definitely worth reading – most of us probably didn’t realise that many of these are misconceptions.

books to study psychology

5.  The Language Instinct: How the Mind Creates Language – Steven Pinker

Throughout this book, Pinker explores the idea that language is innate to humans, a phenomenon that he describes as ‘the language instinct’.

Pinker makes the case for language as an ability unique to humans: we evolved this to be able to communicate. The book explores many cases that support this idea that language and grammar are in-built (an idea that was first proposed by the linguist Noam Chomsky).

This is a perfect introduction to the psychology of language and linguistics. It is filled with intriguing cases and ideas that will give you a different perspective on how your brain works.

books to study psychology

6. Predictably Irrational – Dan Ariely

In Predictably Irrational, Ariely, who is a behavioural economist, rejects the widely held belief that humans make rational decisions. Rather, he makes the case for the idea that we behave irrationally. For example, we will eat another plate at an unlimited buffet even though we are already full.

The book examines many factors which contribute to these behaviours: expectations, emotions, social norms, among other forces. It uncovers the irrational mistakes that we consistently make – mistakes that are predictable. Ariely also offers advice on breaking these behaviours.

Reading this will challenge what you think you know about your own behaviour, and help you to stop making the same irrational mistakes.

Cover of Predictably Irrational, a popular Psychology book

7. Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman

Thinking, Fast and Slow is an entertaining description of the research that Kahneman has conducted over his career.

In it, Kahneman explores the relationship between two modes of thought that he proposes us to have. System 1 is impulsive, automatic and intuitive: this happens without our conscious thought. However, System 2 is thoughtful, deliberate and calculating. The book describes how the interactions between these systems determine how we think and act.

Kahneman has written an enjoyable summary of recent work in social and cognitive psychology – which will almost certainly make you think differently about how you think.

Cover of Thinking Fast and Slow, a popular Psychology book.

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Thanks for signing up, 8. bad science – ben goldacre.

This is not just a psychology book, but rather it is about science in general – specifically bad science, as the title suggests.

Bad Science implores readers to be aware of the poor understanding of scientific evidence and statistics in our society. For example, Goldacre explores how science reporting in the media tends to produce very untrue accounts of real research and data. He also describes how pharmaceutical companies misuse statistics for their own benefits, and how homeopathy tricks so many people into thinking it is a cure.

This book is both witty and easy to read – and will make you question everything you’ve ever been told is true.

Cover of Bad Science, a popular Psychology book.

9. The Invisible Gorilla – Christopher Chabris and Daniel Simons

The Invisible Gorilla describes how, when we are focused on one thing, we tend to overlook everything else.

The title of the book refers to earlier research in this area: when participants are told to count how many times players passed the ball in a basketball game, they do not even notice someone dressed as a gorilla walking through the game!

Chabris and Simmons do a good job of demonstrating that, really, we don’t notice as much as we think we do in this entertaining book.

Cover of The Invisible Gorilla, a popular Psychology book.

10. Influence: Science and Practice – Robert Cialdini

Cialdini’s eye-opening book explores the topics of influence and persuasion. It teaches us both how to be more persuasive, and how to stop ourselves being persuaded to do things we don’t actually want to.

Cialdini explains that there are six psychological principles that drive us to comply to the influence of others, which he goes through in detail.

Influence is not only interesting, but will also help you to be more aware of the power of how you talk to people – even just in your everyday life.

Cover of Influence, a popular Psychology book.

Rachel is an undergraduate Psychology student at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, with a particular interest in perception. She believes that Psychology is an important science, as much of the human brain remains a mystery that we have yet to solve. She is excited to keep you up to date with the latest research in this field! In her spare time, she enjoys drawing, painting, and cooking all sorts of pasta dishes.

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Psychoanalysing Psychology: Book Recommendations for Psychology Students

10 books psychology students should be reading.

Ready to delve further into the study of psychology ? Psychology books can offer great insight into the work of professional clinicians, opening your eyes into the world of psychologists - preparing you for the future. 

Take a look at our list of 10 of the top psychology books for students to read and prepare to be inspired. 

1. Reaching Down the Rabbit Hole, by Dr Allan H. Ropper & Brian David Burrell

reaching down the rabbit hole (1).jpg

Photo credit: sciencebookaday.com

"To become a good clinical neurologist, you have to be intensely interested by what the brain does, how it works, how it breaks down.”

What would it be like to try and heal a body when the mind is under attack? The phrase “tell the doctor where it hurts” seems simple enough, but "Reaching Down the Rabbit Hole" accurately describes what happens when the very organ that produces awareness is damaged. 

This Psychology book recounts patient stories from a clinician’s perspective (Dr Ropper) as he tries to help his patients understand and heal themselves. Very much a distorted play on the Alice in Wonderland world which the title refers to, the book examines the lives of those who find themselves trapped in their own minds. 

2. The Happiness Hypothesis, by Johnathan Haidt

“The final moment of success is often no more thrilling than taking off a heavy backpack at the end of a long hike. If you went on the hike only to feel that pleasure, you are a fool. Yet people sometimes do just this. They work hard at a task and expect some special euphoria at the end. 

But when they achieve success and find only moderate and short-lived pleasure, they ask is that all there is? They devalue their accomplishments as a striving after wind. We can call this the progress principle: Pleasure comes more from making progress toward goals than from achieving them.”

Written by the award-winning psychologist Jonathan Haidt, "The Happiness Hypothesis" looks at the ancient ideals that people believed were necessary for living a meaningful, happy life - but testing them under the lens of modern science and the pressures of 21st century living.

Blending philosophy with psychology, Haidt explores beliefs in religion, morality and consciousness, as well as our own behavioural biases. He then compares these against psychological studies and scientific data to dissect and understand their potential or limitations for us to live a happy life today. 

3. The Little Book of Psychology, by Emily Ralls and Caroline Riggs

“A hundred billion neurons are taking care of you, while simultaneously being you.”

New to the study of Psychology? The Little Book of Psychology offers a comprehensive overview of the subject, teaching students about the key theories and ideas. With precise 128 pages, it is a great place to start if you are just starting your Psychology A-Level or undergraduate degree.

If you need to know your Maslow from your Milgram, then fear not, as this little book will cover all the highlights of the subject that you need to know. You will cover chapters on some of the most famous psychologists, theories and psychological studies, as well as some of the key themes which tend to arise in your first year of studies about ethics and cyber psychology. 

4. The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, by Oliver Sacks

“If a man has lost a leg or an eye, he knows he has lost a leg or an eye; but if he has lost a self—himself—he cannot know it, because he is no longer there to know it.”

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, explores the real-life patient cases of neurosurgeon, Dr Oliver Sacks. Cases vary from the mildly amusing, such as those who no longer recognise common objects or have uncanny artistic and mathematical abilities, to the traumatic - including those who have lost some of their greatest memories and recollection of loved ones. Sacks writes in an incredibly sympathetic way, exploring the deeply human study of life and its effects from medical trauma. 

Students with an interest in high-level, clinical psychology will enjoy learning about the relationship between the psychological and physical; giving you insightful topics to talk about and dissect with your tutors or, in a university interview , should you be asked to attend prior to receiving a university offer.

5. Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realise Your Potential for Lasting Fulfilment, by Martin E. P. Seligman

“While the theory that happiness cannot be lastingly increased is one obstacle to scientific research on the subject, there is another, more profound obstacle: the belief that happiness (an even more generally, any positive human motivation) is inauthentic. I call this pervasive view about human nature, which recurs across many cultures, the rotten-to-the-core dogma. If there is any doctrine this book seeks to overthrow, it is this one.”

What would you say if someone told you that happiness could be learned? Seligman's ground-breaking book, which soon became a bestseller after its publication in 2004, addresses the very nature of happiness through the evolution of Positive Psychology. 

For aspiring psychologists - especially aspiring cognitive behavioural therapists - Seligman’s psychology book who is hugely beneficial, providing you with a practical, accessible overview of this versatile intervention and its application to help individuals lead happier, more fulfilled lives.

6. The Lucifer Effect, by Philip G. Zimbardo

“If you put good apples into a bad situation, you’ll get bad apples.”

Many students have heard or been recommended "The Lucifer Effect" before, especially as it formed the basis of the award-winning movie, "The Stanford Prison Experiment." Written by the widely-renowned psychologist Philip G. Zimbardo, it explores the blurring of the faint line between ‘good’ and ‘evil’; how seemingly ‘good’ people can be misled to behave in an evil manner.

Although the experiment has been heavily criticised, the book offers excellent insight into the power of identity and roles, and how humans can separate themselves from their ‘personal’ ethics and the ethics that their ‘job’ demands of them - a fundamental module you will be studying in either your A-Level or undergraduate degree in Psychology. 

7. Neuropsychological Assessment, by Muriel Deutsch Lezak, Diane B. Howieson, Erin D. Bigler & Daniel Tranel

“[Clinical psychology] owes its primordial - and often fanciful - concepts to those who, since earliest historic times, puzzled about what made people do what they did and how. These were the philosophers, physicians, scientists, artists, tinkerers, and dreams who first called attention to what seemed to be linkages between body - not necessarily brain - structures and people’s common responses to common situations.”

Often referred to as “the Bible” for study of clinical neuropsychology, this book offers an in-depth overview of the central neuro-behavioural disorders, which are typically associated with brain injury and dysfunction. 

Recently updated with the most updated coverage of current research, clinical practice, including assessment techniques and treatment, it’s an invaluable reference book for students during your training and beyond into your professional career.

8. Pioneers of Psychology, by Raymond E Fancher & Alexandra Rutherford

“After 1905 psycho-analysis became a movement that attracted both supporters and influential dissidents. As psycho-analysis became increasingly well known and popular; academic psychologists, after initially treating it with contempt, gradually began to test some of its concepts in laboratory situations. This outcome helped lay the groundwork for a new subdiscipline of personality psychology.” 

Ever thought about how Psychology established itself as a subject? Fancher and Rutherford offer an engaging look at the history of psychology and those who shaped it, from its philosophical origins to the modern day. 

Exploring over 400 years of history, you will learn about what positive contributions psychology has made to the medical field, but also the major controversies in the subject’s history though carefully written stories of real people and their personal journeys. You will learn about some of the greatest thinkers to have influenced psychology, including Descartes, Locke, Darwin, Freud, and Skinner.  

9. How to Think Straight About Psychology, by Keith E. Stanovich

“Stop 100 people on the street and ask them to name a psychologist, either living or dead. Record their responses. Of course, Dr. Phil Wayne Dyer, and other “media psychologists” would certainly be named. If we leave out the media and pop psychologists, however, and consider only those who have made a recognised contribution to psychological knowledge, there would be no question about the outcome of this informal survey. Sigmund Freud would be the winner hands down.” 

For students at the beginning of their Psychology studies, Stanovich’s How to Think Straight About Psychology is a great companion, providing in-depth detail on research methods and how to conduct a ‘fair test.’

The book is highly-acclaimed and covers everything you need to know about conducting experiments, including control, correlational and experimental study methods. You will learn how to think critically and objectively about your results, as well as how to identify pseudoscience. 

10. Career Paths in Psychology: Where Your Degree Can Take You, by Robert J. Sternberg

“Few fields of study offer more career opportunities than does psychology. This book is about those career opportunities and how you can take advantage of them. The opportunities are diverse, challenging, and intriguing.”

Thinking about where your Psychology degree could take you in the future? Psychology is a broad and diverse subject, with so many different career paths available to choose from - many of which you probably do not even know about yet!

There are over 30 different career paths discussed in the book, over three different areas: academia, clinical and counselling psychology, as well as using psychology in specialised settings such as within the military, schools or businesses. You will learn about the typical daily activities involved, including some of the advantages and disadvantages to the job roles. 

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For a once in a lifetime experience, join us for summer 2024 where you can discover over 40 academic subjects taught by expert tutors. You will also meet other like-minded individuals from around the world and make friends for life! Apply today and choose from 2 stunning locations in the cities of Oxford and Cambridge.

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Discover the best psychology books for students. From clinical insights to happiness studies, these books offer valuable knowledge and inspiration for aspiring psychologists and anyone interested in understanding human behaviour. Expand your understanding of the mind and enhance your personal growth.

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The 50 Best Psychology Books on Influence, Persuasion, and Human Behavior

Reading is the supreme lifehack. Distilled insight that often took years to assemble can be grasped by the average reader in just a few hours. Books are nothing short of magic.

And the more you know about social psychology and human behavior, the better. Reading good psychology books lets you jump-start your education by absorbing what researchers, professors, and authors spent years putting together. I can’t think of a single better way to empower yourself than that.

What you read when you don’t have to determines what you will be when you can’t help it. —Oscar Wilde.

Note: While all of the books below will deal with the human mind, not all of them are purely scientific. Some books deal with persuasion, productivity , or creative work. With that caveat, let’s begin.

1. The Social Animal

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2cA6upp

In my opinion, this is the best social psychology book ever written. This book seems to be in such high demand that prices are often outrageous. The demand is warranted, however: few books will give you as in-depth, interesting, and just a generally well-written overview of social psychology quite like Elliot Aronson’s classic. A must-read if you can obtain it; I consider it the best presentation of social psychology 101 ever written.

2. Influence: Science and Practice

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bQeH5X

This is considered the gospel on the psychology of persuasion. Cialdini’s now infamous work deserves the amount of praise it gets. Not only is the book easy to follow with tons of excellent examples explained in layman’s terms, but Cialdini also spends the time going into why these studies played out as they did. Lastly, he addresses how to defend yourself from persuasion techniques that wish to harm you rather than ethically convince you—scammers, people selling faulty products knowingly, disingenuous attempts to persuade, you get the picture. A frequently recommended book for a reason.

3. Thinking, Fast and Slow

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bPhvDp

One of my all-time favorite psychology books. Trying to go over what this book digs into would take me a whole post in itself. For behavioral research, there are few books that touch the scope and breadth that Dan Kahneman dives into with this masterpiece. Mr. Kahneman holds a Nobel Prize in economics as well, and this aspect shines through in the book’s many examples.

4. The Happiness Hypothesis

Buy the book: https://amzn.to/3Gc8Xjw

The author recently published a belter in The Atlantic , one in which he takes a very pessimistic tone. One wonders what’s changed since the publication of this book, which looks at how long standing maxims, aphorisms, and philosophical wisdom can enrich your point of view and even build resiliency. I greatly prefer the way this book blends history and current day parallels compared to similar books with a Stoicism slant.

5. Descartes’ Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain

Buy the book: https://amzn.to/3wEFtYm

“I think, therefore I am.” But where’s the feeling? The authors of this book challenge the oft-cited quote by Descartes and use research to demonstrate that emotions are not superfluous or a limiter, but rather that emotions are foundational to rational thinking. It’s an interesting premise and well argued, and it’s nice to see the relationship between logic and emotion revisited—and challenged.

6. Words Can Change Your Brain

Buy the book: https://amzn.to/3NxfV4W

The authors use research to capture a concept they call Compassionate Communication, which is described as a process to bond with the person we’re communicating with through authenticity and trust. The book is a lot more practical than it may seem at first glance. My main gripe is the length: it’s far too long and suffers from business book syndrome, where the material could have happily lived as a long-form article instead of the book. Good insight, but try a summary or skip around a few pages.

7. Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization

Buy the book: https://amzn.to/3yZwvqp

Transcend begins with an interesting premise: what if Maslow’s hierarchy was unfinished? Author Scott Barry Kaufman discovered this may be the case by going through unpublished journals written by Maslow. That prompt turned into this book: an exploration of self-actualization based on the latest research that picks up where Maslow left off. Kaufman does a great job not only “finishing” Maslow’s work, but also adds new color and insight to the pursuit of self-actualization.

8. Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to be Persuasive

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2c0BOIt

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed this book, but just be forewarned that this should be used as a complement to the other more comprehensive entries on this list. While the book is informative, the studies are grazed over pretty quickly and not much depth is given to any individual study. It does make for a great “rabbit hole” read. This is where you find out about a study, look up more about it, find more related studies, and “go down the rabbit hole” searching for new material. A great starting point to getting your feet wet in a variety of persuasion-related studies.

9. Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bXsFjy

The Heath brothers publish some of my favorite material on persuasion. Their book Switch aims to answer the question: “Why is it so hard to make lasting changes in our companies, in our communities, and in our own lives?” Specifically, why is it so hard to change things that have become commonplace? Their arguments are structured well, as is their other entry on this list, and incredibly readable; you can tell that a lot of effort was put into breaking the book down into appropriate sections and making it easy to pick up by anyone.

10. The Art of Choosing

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2cqQkdC

This is the quintessential read on how human beings make choices and what external influences affect those choices. I first came across Sheena Iyengar’s work by finding out about her infamous “jam study” through an online publication. Needless to say, I was fascinated by the idea that choice can actually be overwhelming, causing people to delay choosing rather than benefit from the extra options offered. It’s a fantastic read and very enjoyable all the way through. I happen to consider Sheena a great writer as well as a great researcher.

11. Priceless: The Myth of Fair Value

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2cA7D01

Human beings have zero understanding of intrinsic value. We are heavily influenced by contextual clues when we examine things like “price” and “cost.” This has been shown via a number of studies, and this book offers a superb analysis of the literature. You’ll be very surprised to see just how easily marketing departments can influence our perception of things with subtle tweaks to pricing, making this an important read for every consumer, which is all of us.

12. Stumbling on Happiness

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bPiTpu

Despite the title of this book, this isn’t a self-help book by any means. It’s more concerned with the mechanics of the mind than with the application of those ideas. One reviewer pointed out a quote that fits the book well: “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool.” It’s a fitting quote because the entire book reveals how your brain is essentially hard-wired into doing the exact opposite. Fortunately, Gilbert’s incorporation of research and insightful anecdotes make this one of the most enjoyable positive psychology books out there.

13. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2cqS8Dt

Another book that may seem like self-help but really isn’t. Drive spends a majority of its time focusing on what gets us motivated in the workplace. It examines the intrinsic and extrinsic motivators that allow us to keep pushing and questions which methods of utilizing both (with intrinsic being far more important) are the most effective for both employees and employers. The book is a really important read, and I love how Pink tackles the subject, but I couldn’t help but agree with the highest critical review: the book has some padding. If you don’t mind a few sections going on a bit longer than they should, though, this book is a must-read.

14. Predictably Irrational

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bMMbUB

Few books will make you question your own decisions quite like this one; Ariely shows how seemingly mundane or meaningless changes can greatly impact our behavior when we don’t realize what’s going on, which appears to be a majority of the time. As a sample, check out his famous pricing study in The Economist, and you’ll see how small changes can really play with our perception of things. I would put this book squarely on the understanding of your brain category in this list, but this book also has some fantastic insights on persuading others if you closely examine the given examples.

15. Fascinate: Your 7 Triggers to Persuasion and Captivation

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bWiRYK

I have two main comments on Sally’s writing: the first is a slight critique, in that the book often tries to take more established ideas and make them sound entirely new. The second is full of praise: it’s hard to title a book with the word “Fascinate” if it’s not a page-turner, and Sally’s writing will definitely hook you until the end. She also leaves readers with an actual game-plan and candid examples when ideas are brought up, which I loved. I enjoyed Sally’s speech and picked this book up when someone recommended it to me, and now I’m recommending it to you because it’s an insightful look at persuasion.

16. Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2c4NVGx

Definitely one of my favorite marketing books ever written, but it’s not something that can only be enjoyed by marketers. This quote from Mark Twain is included in the book’s description: “A lie can get halfway around the world before the truth can even get its boots on.” The authors offer an explanation as to why these ideas can stay with us for so long. I feel like we all find ourselves asking a similar question at times—how did something catch on so quickly while a superior alternative faded away? Diving deeper, this book aims to address the 6 ways certain ideas just stay with us while others slip away.

17. Numbers Rule Your World: The Hidden Influence of Probabilities and Statistics on Everything You Do

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2c4NJqL

This book is probably the most unique of all of the books on this list. I wouldn’t call it a book about persuading others, but it does address what could have been an incredibly boring topic for some readers, the application of statistics and how they affect you and turned it into a really easy read. I approached this book expecting to slowly crawl through it, but there are a ton of great examples, and Fung does a fantastic job of using stories to get his points across. Whether you’re a numbers person or just want to take a layman’s look at statistics and their involvement in the current affairs of the world around you, you’ll enjoy this book thoroughly.

18. The Honest Truth About Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone (Especially Ourselves)

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bMMmPz

In case it hasn’t been made apparent so far, I’m a big fan of Dan Ariely’s work. There are some bold claims in this book: that perhaps honesty is but a choice between the benefit of cheating and our psychological motivation. Fortunately, Ariely makes some compelling arguments to back up each point addressed. As with Predictably Irrational, you’ll come away with a lot of questions, but in a good way: you’ll begin to re-think things that were formerly “obvious” in the context of what you just learned from Ariely. Many people have commented on how powerful the last two chapters are in particular: is there ever a context where cheating becomes socially acceptable? Ariely forces you to ask these and other meaningful questions, and the result is a powerful message with some great research & examples to comb through.

19. The Power of Habit (Why We Do What We Do)

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bXvfpV

This book came highly recommended, and I enjoyed it, but I have some thoughts. While the author does a great job of splitting up habits into appropriate sub-groups and showing how habits actually operate in the brain, there is one shortcoming: the book doesn’t specifically show you how to change any habit . Maybe my expectations were set for a different kind of book, but I found the lack of this aspect being addressed a bit unfulfilling. All that said, the book is still a very easy read and a great look at how habits manifest in the brain.

20. Brainfluence: 100 Ways to Persuade and Convince

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2cqSFW0

This is another book that focuses more on serving up a bite-sized analysis of multiple studies rather than diving deeply into a few. As such, it serves as a fantastic jumping-off point and one of those rabbit hole books that I mentioned above: you’ll find yourself following up on multiple experiments in order to learn more. One fantastic thing that Roger Dooley has done is to break these studies up into separate categories, something that failed at the Yes! book above. With sections like Brainfluence Copywriting and Brainfluence Branding, you can tell what sort of studies you are about to get into. In some instances, I found the sources to be somewhat lacking: links to other books instead of the actual studies, for instance. But don’t let that stop you from picking up what is an otherwise great read.

21. Neuromarketing: Understanding the Buy Buttons in Your Customer’s Brain

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2cqUceD

This is one of the best beginner books for those interested in neuromarketing, or “brainy marketing,” as it is often referred to. This means that the book is a very easy read—studies are not cited in-depth, and the content can be easily consumed—and if you’re not new to this space, this book can seem a little simplistic. For instance, you could read my post on viral content and cover a whole section of this book on arousing emotions from buyers in a single blog post. But if you’ve never encountered this stuff before, this book, along with Influence, are must-haves for beginners. Those who have read a few of these books already can probably give this a pass.

22. The Branded Mind

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2cqU5js

This book is not an easy read. That being said, it is a rewarding read if you can make it through. Du Plessis makes the argument that emotions are not in conflict with rational behavior and that they, in fact, can cause rational behavior. As mentioned, though, this book requires some patience: if you enjoy pop psychology only, be prepared for a challenge—this book reads more like a college textbook. If you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll get a lot out of this book, as it’s one of the most compelling books on the list.

23. The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2cqUgLv

I really enjoyed this book; it makes you think a lot about if having a ton of options at your disposal is good for your well-being. Schwartz argues that decision-making was a lot simpler years ago, and while the majority of the book focuses on a “buying angle,” the lessons here can be carried to many of life’s aspects. An abundance of choices has a tendency to trick our brain into thinking a lot of choices is a good thing when that is not necessarily the case. While Schwartz is very much an academic, the book reads quite fluidly and won’t trip you up with an abundance of scientific terms, although each point made is backed up quite eloquently.

24. Brandwashed: Tricks Companies Use to Manipulate Our Minds

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bWkZQj

This is one of those amazing crosses between understanding marketing to utilize it for your entrepreneurial endeavors or simply understanding how brands try to persuade you. Some of the examples aren’t so mind-blowing, like grocery stores using crates to make fruit seem “farm-fresh,” but others are really interesting. I wish Lindstrom would have done a bit more analysis on each study, as he seems to just take each at face value. That being said, the studies cited are really interesting and very revealing in how easy it is for marketers to trick us.

25. The Compass of Pleasure

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2cr2pQb

If you’ve ever wanted to know why cigarettes are one of the most addictive substances of all time or how dopamine can turn your brain into an addict for pleasure, this is the book for you. I would forewarn that this isn’t really a book to help addiction, but for understanding the nature of addiction and the processes in the brain.

26. The Buying Brain

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2cr46gj

There is another book by Lindstrom called Buyology that often comes highly recommended when discussing books of this ilk. But I would say that you should skip that book and get this one instead. Pradeep creates a great overview of the emerging neuromarketing space and does so with a lot of good concrete examples. I enjoyed that specifically because many books have a problem of simply citing the research at hand: as a guy who regularly reads research papers, I appreciate the exposure to new research, but I could have just read it myself. This book avoids this problem by giving actionable steps for implementation.

27. The Secret Life of Pronouns: What Our Words Say About Us

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bXG6Qt

You all know that I’m very interested in the psychology of language, and in particular, how psychology plays a role in storytelling . This book digs into how language can reveal a lot about a person. Some archetypes that are focused on include gender, affluence, liars, sadness, introverts vs. extroverts, and a variety of others. While the research in this book was excellent (and often collaborative), I wanted more. I felt like more examples could have been used in particular, but as for what’s there, it’s great.

28. Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me)

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bPszQX

If you head back up to #1 on this list, you’ll see that I’m an Elliot Aronson fan. If I could define this book in one word, though, it would be frightening. Even more so than Ariely’s contributions, this book exposes how everyone is at risk of refusing to admit to their mistakes, even when the evidence is conclusive. The research is accurate and cited appropriately, the book is still an easy, enjoyable read, and it’s from the guy who wrote my favorite social psych book of all time, with a talented co-author. What’s not to love.

29. Social Engineering: The Art of Human Hacking

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bXFXN2

While this book specifically addresses social engineering, there are many psychological aspects that turn this into a very intriguing read on influence. The book definitely has an antagonistic tone, but that’s because of the subject matter: people are referred to as “victims,” and the activities are defined as “exploits” and “attacks” because that’s what they are. It’s kind of like watching those shows where a former thief shows the homeowners how easy it was to break into their house. Except with this book, manipulation is the subject at hand.

30. The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bQq79O

This book focuses on the findings from the legendary Stanford prison experiment . If that research has fascinated you in any way, you need to check this book out; it essentially offers an “inside look” at much of the data from the study, including things like transcripts. It’s a compelling look at how even “normal” people fall into the roles of situations that many of us in the first world can hardly imagine happening or would like to deny. The last chapter is also quite intriguing for those familiar with the experiment: the author outlines a program intended to build resistance to mind-control strategies. Scary stuff, but a necessary read.

31. Obedience to Authority

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2cAfNpg

Another book that is a tell-all about a fascinating, provocative, even horrifying psychology study known as the Milgram experiment , named after the lead researcher. If you are unfamiliar with the study, it was meant to test whether or not people would obey authority even when they were asked to do something that they knew was wrong. It details many accounts of participants showing signs of severe distress, yet continuing on with the applied shocks as actors in another room, pretending to be other subjects, screamed cries of pain. This book is a necessary read in understanding the construct and inherent dangers of authority.

32. The Optimism Bias

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2cAggrE

Tali Sharot’s in-depth look is one of the better efforts to analyze the current research, along with Sharot’s own research, on optimism, memory, and their connections to our emotions and actions. My single gripe with the book is that it is too long. I wouldn’t normally make a statement like this, but what I mean is that certain parts of the book feel a bit wordy, although, given the topic and the tendency to pick apart certain aspects of research, it’s understandable. I still feel like the content could have been more concise, but as for what’s there, it’s great. This isn’t a pop psychology book: it takes a look at some deep research from a leading expert. Definitely worth picking up if you’re interested in neuroscience and studies on memory.

33. Mindfulness

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bMUpvQ

Author and professor Ellen Langer would posit that robotic or mindless behavior can lead to a lot of pain in life. I would agree, and the fact that so many other books on this list show just how susceptible we are to that sort of behavior, I’d say it’s a problem worth worrying about. The purpose of this book is to encourage the reader to be more mindful of their actions—and to notice when automatic behavior begins to take over. As a few disappointed reviewers have noted, the focus is on the process of creating more mindfulness in your life rather than the benefits of change.

34. Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bMT8Fa

While I did really enjoy this book, there is certainly some merit to the top critical review on Amazon: “This book is a rehash of other, better books.” That’s not to say that Sway isn’t an enjoyable read. Rather, the book’s predecessors dive deeper into the same concepts. One of these is Influence, so at the very least, the book is in good company in terms of the things it talks about; it just did so much later and from a bite-sized perspective. Again though, this book can serve as a fantastic starter read that helps you find a ton of other great studies to check out. The content is also quality stuff and will be new to you if you aren’t an avid reader of psychology books, so don’t be afraid to give this one a go.

35. Redirect

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2cr4NGB

Wilson’s focus on this book can be summed up in two large, overarching points: (1) using the process of “story editing” to change our perception, and (2) that what is true of culture is also true of individuals. This book seeks to understand and to pass on knowledge, not to help you change your life. This book, being all about subtlety and subtle changes, does a good job of giving relevant examples that make somewhat opaque descriptions a lot easier to relate to. This is an interesting book and one of few that strays into the positive psychology territory—definitely worth checking out.

36. Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bWruT2

Another reviewer’s summary of this book described it as “MythBusters for the brain,” an apt description. Misconceptions like “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” are put to the test, and Medina does a great job of finding relevant research to put claims like that to bed. Funny enough, this book often appears on leadership lists, despite not being an outright leadership or management book. I’d say that its main two topics seem to hinge on productivity and relationship management, so it is easy to see why a business and the leadership-oriented crowd would enjoy this book. For everyone else, it is a very easy read and very much worth checking out.

37. You Are Not So Smart

But the book: http://amzn.to/2cg1938

Largely dealing with fallacies in our minds that happen to make us look very stupid when they’re in action, McRaney takes topics that are largely known by those with interest in the field, like the Dunning-Kruger effect , and creates an entertaining read on otherwise well-covered studies. The thing is, the presentation makes this book worthwhile even if you have already heard of a few of these, and McRaney is a great writer; his blog was featured on my list of successful blogs that are awesome and not about marketing. If you’re interested in how your brain is sabotaging you and in finding out more about the delusions we all hold, this book is the perfect place to start.

38. What Makes Your Brain Happy (and Why You Should Do the Opposite)

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2c4QsS6

Take this as a more serious version of the book above. Largely concerned with cognition and specifically with cognitive biases, David DiSalvo makes this book stand out in quite a few ways. The research isn’t rehashed like many books you’ll find in this space. Not only that, there are tactics and resource materials included in the book. My only problem with these is that they are clumped near the end instead of being sprinkled about the many great examples. An overall exciting book with a lot to offer. I’ve read this one very recently and was happy that I did.

39. Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bQsk5j

This book is all about the levels of consciousness in the brain. As we’ve seen, your brain isn’t just the thing you think you control. While the examples in this book are quite interesting, considering it is a “real” neuroscience book, I expected a bit more from the research. However, the writing is captivating; if nothing else, you’ll learn how to write attention-grabbing headlines as Eagleman sends you page after page into highly interesting findings on our unconscious.

40. Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2crAx1d

Whatever you make will be deemed original or cliché in comparison to what currently exists; creation may be about the lonely hours, but a final product is never judged in isolation. In other words, creative work lives in a dynamic, ever-changing ecosystem. Getting ahead of the curve, or doing the unexpected, means eschewing what everyone currently expects, which requires knowing what everyone expects. Knowing the metagame—or comparing your work to what exists today—is useful for spotting opportunities for differentiation. Originals will help you spot opportunities to stand out and dig into the research around how creative thinking works and what you can do to encourage those light-bulb moments.

41. Out of Character

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bQsPw6

Just what exactly is happening when someone breaks character? Is character even concrete, or is it more like a shade of gray? I found this book really fascinating in its singular focus on character and the psychology of how external events impact it. Living a humdrum life often makes understanding these peculiar acts difficult, and this book takes a look at a lot of examples that show us that if we were in similar circumstances, we’d be very likely to act in a similar manner. Great examples, great research, and a great focus make this a must-read.

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bQsUjo

The good part about this book is that the studies presented are interesting, and Gladwell does a superb job of showcasing how people are able to develop a sense of things; it becomes one of the more interesting books on the unconscious because of this. The problem with the book is apparent, though: it’s been pointed out by many others. This book seems like a collection of short stories and not a unified idea. That aside, the different sections are far too interesting to pass up for this general lack of unity.

43. The Person and the Situation

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2crB2bA

This book is about situational influence and its effects on our decision-making process. The authors do a great job of demonstrating the many types of faulty logic that we are prone to in a variety of environments. This book almost reads like one of those great textbooks that you had in college: the ones that you actually enjoyed, even though they were supposed to be academic. I would classify this as an introductory book, however, so keep that in mind if you are very familiar with the field.

44. The Psychology of Attitude Change and Social Influence

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2c4ST76

If I could sum up this book in a single phrase, I would call it a more academic Influence. What I mean is that the book takes a very scholarly approach to the psychology of influence but is perhaps a little bit less practical than Cialdini’s work. For a true academic understanding of persuasion, though, this book is fantastic. It came highly recommended by a former professor of mine, and I’m glad I picked it up. If you enjoyed the former recommendation at all, the one that covers Zimbardo’s prison experiment, you should consider this book, too.

45. Situations Matter

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2cr82xU

I really enjoyed the writing style of this book. My goal with this blog has always been to take interesting psychology and neuroscience research and turn it into actionable, digestible posts for readers. I can appreciate when an author has a fun writing style to keep things engaging. That being said, it’s not for everyone. The research, however, is enjoyable for academic and laymen readers alike. I’d sum the subject matter being about the psychology of “context,” and the implications are pretty powerful. For instance, “Who we love is more explained by geography, familiarity and state of mind than we realize.” One of those books that prompts you to ask intriguing questions.

46. The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bXK8Zq

This is a book that falls squarely into positive psychology, but it is, bar none, one of the best out there. Self-control and work ethic go hand-in-hand in my opinion: many people want to work hard, but it’s a lack of self-control that prevents them from doing so. And let’s be frank here, everybody suffers from a lack of self-control from time to time . If you are interested in applying psychology to improve yourself and your mind, this is the book for you. If not, you’ll still walk away with a great understanding of how self-control works in our minds. This book is practical, the science is sound, and the author, Kelly McGonigal, is highly recognized: I have no hesitation recommending this one.

47. The Tipping Point

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bQuIsC

As with much of Gladwell’s work, I found this really interesting but maybe a bit short of the hype surrounding it (and there was a ton of hype, so it’s hard to approach this book with neutral anticipation). Gladwell would suppose that there are 3 types of gifted people who are essential to “sticky” ideas: Connectors, Mavens, and Salespeople. While all of the information is great in explaining that there are critical aspects of things that become “epidemics” or “go viral,” he doesn’t really get into how that happens, just that it does. Now, it’s not like I was looking for a “how to create a viral campaign” from this book, but the examples are lacking in that area. Still, a highly important book, and it references the monkey sphere , so I needed to include it.

48. How to Win Friends and Influence People

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bQtSMv

With the reach that this book has had in its long lifetime, it’s unlikely that you’ve never encountered it before. In order to mix things up a bit, since this book is so well known, I thought I might offer some fantastic insights from one of my favorite book reviews of all time :

The advice is largely sound, but I think the reader should keep in mind the context within which this book was written … [it was] intended primarily as a companion book to Dale Carnegie’s classes on how to be a good salesman … these techniques work very well in the context of sales and public relations, i.e., in relationships that are not expected to be deep and/or long-lasting. What I found most interesting was that the last chapter… was to describe those individuals with whom none of Dale Carnegie’s techniques work. In this unpublished chapter, Carnegie wrote that there were some people with whom it was impossible to get along. You either needed to divorce such people, “knock them down,” or sue them in court. Why is that chapter absent from this book, you ask? Well, Dale Carnegie was in the middle of writing this chapter when he was offered a trip to Europe, and rather than complete this last chapter, he decided to take the trip. The uncompleted book was sent off to publishers, and Carnegie shipped off to Europe.

The making of something often reveals the intentions of the maker, and this is one of those factoids that adds a lot of color and context to this book—and should help you view the advice from the right lens.

49. Strangers to Ourselves

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2c4U1aM

Your conscious mind isn’t always in control—a common theme in the psychology books on this list. This book is one of the biggest jolts in this category of understanding that concept; it’s definitely a psychology book, but the questions it brings up almost make it feel like the book was written for philosophy majors. While it’s an easy read, it’s certainly challenging to the mind, I didn’t find the research as compelling as some other similar books, but the questions raised by Wilson are by far some of my favorites.

50. The Invisible Gorilla (How Our Intuitions Deceive Us)

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/2bWsLcZ

Before reading this book, watch this video and count how many times the players in the white shirts pass the basketball. Go on, I’ll wait. How many did you count? That’s the study that the book gets its name from, and it looks at how we often have massive illusions about our attention. Even if the study didn’t trick you, you’ll still likely enjoy the book. If the study did get you, you’ll love it even more.

Books are a uniquely portable magic

That’s a quote from Stephen King that perfectly captures the joy of reading—and learning. A last note: this list was compiled based on a large scope—social psychology, persuasion, understanding one’s mind—and it was also not limited to strictly scientific books so that it could be enjoyed by a wide variety of people. Some pop-psychology is obviously going to appear on the list. Thanks for reading, and please share this article if you enjoyed it.

Copyright © 2023 • Sparring Mind

25 Most Influential Psychology Books 2010–2020

books to study psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind—primarily, the human mind, but also animal minds (comparative psychology). Understood as the study of human subjective consciousness, or the “soul” (psukhē, in Greek), psychology was for centuries an aspect of philosophy, with roots in such basic works of classical civilization as Plato’s Phaedo (early 4th c. BC), Aristotle’s On the Soul (c. 350 BC), and Augustine’s Confessions (c. 400 AD).

Key Takeaways

  • The most influential psychology books featured on this list were chosen for their academic influence and popular impact on the field of psychology. Both the classic books and contemporary works on psychology and its specializations, such as evolutionary psychology, social psychology, and cognitive psychology, are featured.
  • These psychology books also represent a wide spectrum of interests, from empirical research to real-life examples of the human experience. You can use these books to improve your own life and clinical practice for this reason.
  • Keep in mind that many of these psychology books are their respective author’s life’s work and, thus, their views may be limited by their times (i.e., context).

A Brief History of the Field of Psychology

Slowly—over the course of several centuries following the Scientific Revolution and culminating in the nineteenth century—new scientific disciplines split off from psychology. Notable examples include the empirical study of human sensory capabilities (“psychophysics”) and the histology and physiology of the brain. During the twentieth century, these studies matured into the fields we now know as experimental psychology and neuroscience.

During the second half of the twentieth century, several new disciplines budded off from the main body of psychology. These disciplines—notably, psycholinguistics and cognitive science—attempt to understand human mentality from the point of view of logico-mathematical models that have nothing directly to do with the material (physiological) character of the brain. More particularly, cognitive science is based on the hypothesis of computationalism—a philosophy which holds that the mind stands in the same relation to the brain as computer software stands to hardware.

After shedding all of these daughter fields, psychology remains a vibrant field of research focused on the subjective mind. Today, the discipline of psychology consists of a wide variety of subfields, including clinical psychology, child psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, evolutionary psychology, and many others.

One of the most important of these is clinical psychology, which is an applied field that attempts to alleviate the suffering of those with mental illnesses. Clinical psychology, or “psychotherapy,” is itself very broadly conceived, including a broad spectrum of different therapies. These go by such names as psychoanalysis, existential psychology, phenomenological psychology, humanistic psychology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and a host of others.

With these considerations in mind, we have compiled a list of the most influential books in psychology over the past decade (2011–2021). We have assigned an objective measure of “influence” to each book on the basis of the number of references it has received in both the academic literature and the popular media.

Note that our list does not necessarily represent the most popular psychology books overall published during the past ten years, nor is it a straightforward list of psychology bestsellers during that time frame—for several reasons.

For one thing, we have excluded psychology textbooks and technical reference works, as well as sacred texts and fictional works which may contain related material.

Several of the works included on the list are classics in the field, dating to the early twentieth century. Nevertheless, ours is not a list of the most influential psychology books of all time. Such a list would have a very different look and feel to it.

Rather, our list provides you with the 25 books on psychology that have had the greatest combined academic and popular impact over the past decade.

Getting Your Hands On Must-read Published Books on Psychology

The most influential psychology books are popular among aspiring and practicing psychologists for the useful insights made by their authors. Their diverse subject matter, from the prehistoric origins of human sexuality to the psychology of evil, make for interesting reading, too. The classic work of C.G. Jung and Sigmung Freud complete the list of must-read psychology books.

Remember, however, that critical reading is crucial in getting the most from these psychology books! You will gain a better understanding of the cognitive, mental, and social processes involved in people’s reactions and relationships to others and to their environment.

Here are tips to get the most out of reading these influential psychology books:

Keep Your Clients/Patients in Mind

As an aspiring or practicing psychologist, you’re in the best position to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families. Your main concerns are their well-being, first and foremost, and their ability for self-awareness, self-knowledge, and self-regulation. In doing so, they are able to improve their human relationships and enjoy happiness in their everyday life.

You can then look for useful insights, methods and tips from the authors that you can apply in your own life and clinical practice. Take notes, too, if you can.

Increase Your Knowledge and Skills

Oftentimes, psychologists rely on the personal experiences of other individuals and professionals toward the improvement of their practice and profession. Many of these books were written based on first-person experiences and viewpoints, such as Sex at Dawn and Dreamseller: An Addiction Memoir . You will gain a better appreciation of the struggles that many of your clients/patients face in their lives by reading these accounts.

Of course, it’s always a great idea to return to the classics! The Collected Works of C.G. Jung and The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud continue to have profound effects on contemporary psychology. You may even be able to find new topics for your scientific research—either to prove or disprove their theories, for example—from revisiting these books.

You can also share your newfound knowledge and insights, discuss classic theories, and explore research topics with your colleagues after reading these books. The windows to the human mind that these books provide are, indeed, invaluable to your own professional advancement and personal development.

Many of these books are also opportunities to expand your knowledge of applied science in psychology. You can take the existing body of knowledge presented in these books and apply them to contemporary theories. You will likely be able to assist patients with mental illnesses, for example, in their decision-making processes.

When reading these psychology books, you must remember that the authors have their own biases, too, based on their personal experiences and their specific periods. An open mind is then a must, but you should also keep in mind the contemporary body of knowledge in psychology.

In your readings, you must also remember that psychology is an ever-evolving field. You should keep the core ethics of the profession in mind, particularly integrity, fidelity and responsibility, and respect for people’s dignity and rights, at all times.

Read on for a look at The 25 Most Influential Books in Psychology.

25 Most Influential Books in Psychology

1. the righteous mind: why good people are divided by politics and religion.

By: Jonathan Haidt , 2012

Book Cover for The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion

Haidt (b. 1963) is a social psychologist at New York University. His research is focused on the social context and sources of individual happiness, and related topics. One of his principal claims is that morality is shaped by emotion and intuition more than by reasoning.

The book under consideration here explores some of the ways in which differing notions of right and wrong affect people’s political opinions and allegiances.

His conclusion is that one of the main reasons for disagreement between political conservatives and liberals is the different ways in which they understand the claims of morality. Haidt identifies five separate dimensions of moral thinking, namely:

  • Fairness/Reciprocity
  • In-Group/Loyalty
  • Authority/Respect
  • Purity/Sanctity

He then observes that liberals typically only acknowledge moral claims lying within the first two dimensions, whereas conservatives recognize moral claims from all five dimensions. For this reason, Haidt calls liberals “two-channel” moral thinkers and conservatives “five-channel” moral thinkers.

2. Sex at Dawn: The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality

By: Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jetha, 2010

Book Cover for Sex at Dawn: The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality

Freelance psychologist Ryan (b. 1962) and psychiatrist Jethá (age unknown) are a married couple who boast of having an “open” marriage. One might say that this book is a polemical review of the paleontological and anthropological literatures whose purpose is to give their personal sexual tastes the imprimatur of cutting-edge evolutionary psychology.

Evolutionary psychology is a field which endeavors to reconstruct the “environment of evolutionary adaptedness” (EEA) of the human species. The idea is that “natural” human behavior can be read directly off the primatological and ethnographic evidence. Then, it is claimed that the unhappiness of modern humans is due to the distortion of our natural instincts by the social structures of civilization. In this way, human “liberation” consists in throwing off the restraints of civilization and returning to the prehistoric social structures which conform better to our EEA instincts.

More specifically, this book maintains that “polyamory” is the default setting of human sexuality in the EEA, and that the institution of monogamy is both a corruption of our natural proclivity for sexual promiscuity and a primary source of human suffering. Sigmund Freud (see #16 below) argued along similar lines long ago, and one might argue that this book’s main objective is to substitute the putative scientific authority of Darwin for the now-tarnished reputation of Freud.

Sex at Dawn was republished in 2011 with a new subtitle: How We Mate, Why We Stray, and What It Means for Modern Relationships .

3. Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes

By: Maria Konnikova , 2013

Book Cover for Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes

Konnikova (b. 1984) is a Russian-born psychologist, author, and podcaster. In earlier work, she applied her knowledge of psychology to the analysis of confidence artists and poker players, and to exploring such related topics as trust, misdirection, bluffing, strategy, and games of chance.

The book under discussion here uses a beloved fictional character—the master detective Sherlock Holmes created by British author Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930)—as a means for exploring such subjects as empirical observation and logical thinking. Holmes, who first appeared in Conan Doyle’s 1887 novel, A Study in Scarlet , was the protagonist of three more novels and 56 short stories published by Conan Doyle over four decades up through 1927.

Konnikova distinguishes what she calls Holmes’s “habits of mind” and shows how they interrelate with findings from the modern-day fields of psychology and neuroscience. These include inquisitiveness, mindfulness, restraint, and seeking objective evidence no matter whether it confirms or refutes one’s prior beliefs.

Konnikova also maintains that these habits need to be supplemented with what she calls a “a healthy dose of skepticism”—basically, a willingness to question everything one believes. If one imitates Sherlock Holmes in all these respects, she argues, then one may become a more rational thinker.

4. The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil

By: Philip Zimbardo , 2007

Book Cover for The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evi

Zimbardo (b. 1933) is a psychologist at Stanford University. He is primarily known for the so-called “Stanford prison experiment” that he conducted with the participation of Stanford student volunteers in 1971. The book under consideration here is fundamentally an explanation of the results and a consideration of the many implications of that famous experiment.

The set-up for the Stanford prison experiment was as follows: a group of college students were randomly assigned to two subgroups. One group was designated as “guards” and the other group as “inmates.” Then, a mock-prison environment was created and each sub-group was tasked with playing out its prescribed role within that environment.

The experiment was more “successful” than Zimbardo could have imagined. Having internalized the idea that their actions were implicitly sanctioned by authority, the “guards” quickly began to exert more and more force on the “inmates,” amounting to what would have been torture in a real-life situation and leading to an emotional breakdown on the part of one student-inmate, who had to be removed from the study. The entire experiment had to be shut down ahead of schedule to avoid even worse consequences.

In this book, Zimbardo also applies the lessons he feels were learned from his 1971 experiment to other situations, notably, the abuses that occurred at the American-run Iraqi prison, Abu Ghraib, in 2004.

In summary, Zimbardo believes that his 1971 Stanford study shows that “situations can have a more powerful influence over our behavior than most people appreciate.” He has also stated that we ought to stop thinking of cases of abuse of authority in terms of “bad apples,” and begin thinking of them instead in terms of “bad barrels”—that is, institutions—that spoil the good apples within them.

5. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

By: Susan Cain , 2012

Book Cover for Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

Cain (b. 1968) is a lawyer and author. She has been on the faculty of the Woodhull Institute for Ethical Leadership, which trains women for leadership roles in business and the professions. She has also delivered many lectures on the psychology of introverts, including several TED talks.

Cain is best known for the book under discussion here. A separate version of the book for the benefit of teenagers and their parents appeared in 2013 under the title, Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts .

Cain’s principal thesis is that the psychological characteristics typically associated with introverted personality types, especially creativity, are valuable to society. Therefore, introversion should not be considered pathological, but rather ought to be valued and accommodated by the institutions of an extrovert-dominated mainstream society, especially in the public schools.

6. The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature

By: Steven Pinker , 2002

Book Cover for The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature

Pinker (b. 1954) is a cognitive scientist, linguist, and author. He is a well-known advocate of both evolutionary psychology and the computational theory of the mind. Pinker is currently Johnstone Family Professor of Psychology at Harvard University.

Among Pinker’s many bestselling popular science books (see #18 below), the one under consideration here is perhaps of the greatest psychological and philosophical significance. Its thesis is very simple to state: the concept of the blank slate (tabula rasa) is no longer tenable in the light of modern science. The implications of this idea, however, are profound.

“Tabula rasa” means “a writing-tablet wiped clean” in Latin. The term is most closely associated with the English philosopher, John Locke (1632–1704). It expresses the idea that human beings are born without any significant inborn instincts or propensities. It is equivalent to the idea that education and the social environment more broadly are what determine a person’s psychological characteristics, not his or her genetic or biological endowment. In other words, “blank slate” takes the “nurture” side of the “nature/nurture” controversy.

Pinker’s book does several things. First, it presents a powerful scientific case for the impact that biology has on human personality—and thus for the falsity of the blank-slate hypothesis.

Second, the book explores the manifold ramifications of accepting the false blank-slate model of human personality and behavior, from utopian social engineering, to releasing hardened criminals back into society, to blaming parents for all the psychological difficulties faced by their children.

In short, Pinker believes that effective intervention in human affairs, whether in the form of psychotherapy or of political action, presupposes a realistic view of the biological roots underlying human nature-and as such, serves as a rejection of the blank slate theory.

7. The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life

By: Richard Herrnstein and Charles Murray , 1994

Book Cover for The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life

Herrnstein (1930–1994) was a psychologist at Harvard University, while Murray (b. 1943) is a political scientist and freelance author, who since 1990 has been a scholar with the American Enterprise Institute.

The book under consideration here marshals a wealth of empirical data to support the authors’ main thesis: that innate intelligence (as measured by IQ tests) is a good predictor of success in life (as measured by employment status, income level, marriage status, avoidance of crime, addiction, mental illness, etc.).

The claim that IQ may be represented by a normal distribution (bell curve) and the claim that innate intelligence makes some contribution to life success are in themselves difficult to dispute. However, the book became exceedingly controversial for its claims regarding the relationship between race and IQ.

Among these were the claim that different IQ distributions for different racial groups are centered upon different mean values (that is, the bell curves for different groups do not line up perfectly), as well as the claim that this difference in intergroup mean IQ values may partly explain intergroup differences in life outcomes.

The latter claim, especially, has been denounced by many observers as not only scientifically unsupported, but as inherently racist. Herrnstein died just as the book was being published, but Murray has been emphatic that the authors never denied the importance of the influence of environment upon human life outcomes and that their empirical claims about IQ should be viewed as only one factor among many.

8. Thinking, Fast and Slow

By: Daniel Kahneman , 2011

Book Cover for Thinking, Fast and Slow

Born in Mandatory Palestine and raised in Paris and in Israel, Kahneman (b. 1934) is today a professor of psychology at Princeton University. One of the founders of the discipline of behavioral economics, in 2002 he received the Nobel Prize for Economics.

This book is a summary statement of his life’s work and is written for a broad, educated audience. Behavioral economics is too large a subject to fully encapsulate here, but perhaps its central claim is that traditional economics, which assumes that human beings are purely rational agents, has failed to take “irrational” motivations properly into account. In this book, the author contextualizes this fundamental principle within the framework of evolutionary biology.

The book’s basic idea is that human beings possess two separate but parallel cognitive systems. One of these, the “slow” system, relies upon deductive reasoning, thus conforming more closely to the traditional economist’s view of human nature.

The other system, the “fast” one, is a set of cognitive abilities that we have inherited from our primate ancestors, which provide quick responses to situations critical for survival in which time is of the essence. Such responses are sometimes known as “judgments under uncertainty.” These fast cognitive systems latch onto environmental regularities which provide an organism with inductive rules-of-thumb to act upon in lieu of deductive reasoning.

9. The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom

By: Jonathan Haidt , 2006

Book Cover for The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom

This book is the first one that psychologist Haidt (see #1 above) wrote for a popular audience. It proved to be equally popular with academic reviewers and ordinary readers.

The structure of the book is well summarized by its subtitle: Haidt basically compares some of the most important findings of contemporary psychology with many of the precepts of the ancient wisdom traditions, as embodied in the teachings of the Buddha, Socrates, Jesus, and others.

His conclusion is that the two traditions, ancient and modern, complement each other well, particularly in relation to such profound aspects of human experience as happiness, virtue, purpose, and meaning.

The book has 10 substantive chapters, each of which examines one theme treated by modern psychology and ancient wisdom traditions, namely:

  • Dimensions of the self
  • How we change our minds
  • Reciprocity
  • Blaming others

10. Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions

By: Dan Ariely , 2008

Book Cover for Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions

Ariely (b. 1967) was born in New York City to Israeli parents, who returned to Israel when Dan was three. Thus, Ariely was raised in Israel, in the town of Ramat HaSharon, and earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Tel Aviv University.

He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for graduate school, taking a PhD in cognitive psychology in 1996. Later, Ariely completed a second doctorate (in economics) at Duke University under the supervision of the founder of behavioral economics and economics Nobelis, Daniel Kahneman (see #8 above). Today, he is the James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University.

In addition to having published numerous academic articles and seven books for a popular audience, Ariely has given several TED talks which together have received more than 15 million views.

The book under consideration here is an attempt to make some of the basic findings of behavioral economics accessible to the general reader. More specifically, the book aims to arm readers with knowledge of some of the subconscious motivations driving much of human behavior so that they can better bring them under conscious control. In this way, readers will be able to avoid procrastination, make better decisions, and in general better achieve their goals.

A revised and expanded edition of the book was published in 2010.

11. The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure

By: Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt , 2019

Book Cover for The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure

Lukianoff (b. 1974) is a lawyer who in 1999 established the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) to protect the first-amendment rights of college students. Together with celebrity psychologist Haidt (see #1 and #9 above), in 2015 he penned an essay with the same title as this book in The Atlantic magazine. The book is basically an expansion of that essay.

The title of the essay and the book is an allusion to the similarly themed book, The Closing of the American Mind: How Higher Education Has Failed Democracy and Impoverished the Souls of Today’s Students , published in 1987 by University of Chicago philosopher, Allan Bloom (1930–1992).

The basic claim of Lukianoff and Haidt is that the recent introduction of “safe spaces,” “trigger warnings,” and similar concepts aimed at protecting America’s college students from confronting any ideas that might hurt their feelings by challenging their worldview is killing higher education in the U.S.

The authors’ argument is that free and open intellectual debate is the raison d’être and life’s blood of a university. They argue that no institution which systematically closes itself off from rational criticism can qualify as a worthy heir of the distinguished, nearly thousand-year-old tradition of Academia.

12. Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength

By: Roy Baumeister and John Tierney , 2011

Book Cover for Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength

Baumeister (b. 1953) is an American-born social psychologist currently teaching at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. Tierney (b. 1953) is a journalist and author specializing in reporting on science and related issues. Baumeister is the author, co-author, or co-editor of some 30 volumes of academic and popular writings.

Baumeister’s wide-ranging work touches on topics from self, sexuality, belonging, and social rejection, to self-esteem, self-control, motivation, aggression, and self-defeating behaviors, to consciousness and free will.

Baumeister is perhaps best known for his theory of “ego depletion,” which hypothesizes that there is a finite amount of mental energy available to drive willpower in the exertion of self-control.

A major topic of this book is a spectrum of therapies devised on the basis of the author’s ego depletion theory by Baumeister himself and others. This discussion explores various methods of husbanding mental energy in order to strengthen the willpower necessary to exercise self-control—which Baumeister sees as the “greatest human strength.”

13. Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America

By: Robert Whitaker , 2010

Book Cover for Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America

Whitaker (b. 1952) is a science journalist and author. Of his five published books, three are on the topic of psychiatry and mental illness.

The book under consideration here takes as its point of departure the following information unearthed by Whitaker: the number of persons declared officially disabled due to mental illness by the US government (and thus eligible to receive federal disability checks) approximately doubled during the 23 years between 1987 and 2010 (the year of the book’s publication). Whitaker says that he wrote this book in an effort to discover the reason behind this striking fact.

More specifically, the author considers several different theories that have been advanced, such as the dismantling of mental wards and hospitals and the invention of more-effective antipsychotic drugs. He shows that upon close examination the facts do not support these theories.

Whitaker concludes that the huge increase in mental illness in America at the end of the twentieth and beginning of the twenty-first centuries may be due to iatrogenic effects of the new drugs themselves—a claim that has been extremely controversial.

The author maintains a website, madinamerica.com, to provide interested readers access to the original data upon which his research and conclusions were based.

14. Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification

By: Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman , 2004

Book Cover for Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification

This book is an academic handbook authored by two prominent leaders in the field of positive psychology—that is, the psychology of optimism, mental health, character, and well-being.

In its publicity for this book, the publisher has stated that, just as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) assesses and facilitates research on mental disorders, Character Strengths and Virtues provides a theoretical framework for understanding and developing therapeutic applications in the field of positive psychology.

Peterson (1950–2012) was a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he was formerly chair of the clinical psychology department. He is one of the founders of the relatively recent sub-discipline of positive psychology.

In addition to the book under consideration here written with Seligman, Peterson has authored a textbook, A Primer in Positive Psychology (2006), and co-authored a popular book on positive psychology, as well as a two-volume history of psychology.

Seligman (b. 1942) is Zellerbach Family Professor of Psychology in the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Psychology. He is also an expert in the field of positive psychology and is probably best known for his concept of “learned helplessness.” In addition to the volume discussed here, he has published six books for a popular audience.

This book advances a taxonomy developed by the authors, which identifies 24 measurable “character strengths” necessary for mental health, which are in turn organized into six classes of “core virtues”: namely, wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence.

15. Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism

By: Melanie Joy , 2009

Book Cover for Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism

Joy (b. 1966) is a former professor of psychology and sociology at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Joy resigned her academic position to devote her attention full-time to writing and vegan activism. In addition to this book, Joy is the author or co-author of five other volumes on veganism, “carnism” (meat-eating), and other issues.

The author also co-founded, in 2010, the vegan activist website, Beyond Carnism, previously known as the Carnism Awareness and Action Network.

Joy’s basic thesis is that human beings do not require meat for nourishment; therefore, we are not carnivores by biological necessity, but rather by choice.

She also points to the inconsistency between the way we lavish love and care on some animals (dogs, cats, etc.), while treating other animals (pigs, cows, and others) which possess the same capacity for joy and suffering with (as she sees it) great callousness and cruelty. For these psychological and moral reasons, Joy argues, we both can and should choose to renounce the consumption of meat.

The author’s most-recent book is The Vegan Matrix: Understanding and Discussing Privilege Among Vegans to Build a More Inclusive and Empowered Movement (2020).

16. The Interpretation of Dreams

By: Sigmund Freud , 1899

Book Cover for The Interpretation of Dreams

Freud (1856–1939) was, of course, one of the most famous and important thinkers of the past century. Born in Freiberg, Austria (now Příbor, Czech Republic), into a middle-class Jewish family, he pursued courses in biology and medicine at the University of Vienna. There, he studied philosophy with Franz Brentano (1838–1913) and physiology with Ernst Wilhelm von Brücke (1819–1892), eventually spending six years working in Brücke’s laboratory on the comparative anatomy and physiology of human, vertebrate, and invertebrate brains. He received his MD degree in 1881.

After a period working in Vienna General Hospital, in 1885 Freud spent a short fellowship at the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris working with the neurologist, Jean-Martin Charcot (1825–1893), a pioneer in the therapeutic use of hypnosis. The following year, he established a private practice in Vienna, concentrating on female patients exhibiting symptoms of what was then known as “hysteria” (neurosis).

Beginning with his second book, Studies on Hysteria (1895), co-authored with the physician and physiologist, Josef Breuer (1842–1925), Freud began to develop his elaborate theory of the human psyche in terms of three fundamental forces reified as the Ich (the “I,” or “ego”), the Es (the “it,” or “id”), and the Über-Ich (the “over-I,” or “superego”). Freud also proposed the idea that mental illness is mainly caused by sexual repression, and pioneered the “talking cure” therapy we have come to know as “psychoanalysis.”

All of this was elaborated in a series of important monographs published by Freud over the next 40-odd years, notably, the 1899 book under discussion here, as well as The Psychopathology of Everyday Life (1904), Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality (1905), Totem and Taboo (1913), Beyond the Pleasure Principle (1920), The Ego and the Id (1923), The Future of an Illusion (1927), Civilization and Its Discontents (1930), and Moses and Monotheism (1939). The Interpretation of Dreams (Die Traumdeutung) concentrates on the putative meaning of dreams in terms of Freud’s theory and on the use of such interpretations in psychoanalytic therapy.

This book was first translated into English in 1913 by Viennese-born psychoanalyst, Abraham Brill (1874–1948). Another translation, which has become standard, was published in 1953 as volume V of the Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud , under the general editorship of the British psychoanalyst, James Strachey (1887–1967). This edition has been reprinted numerous times.

17. Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit

By: John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker , 1995

Book Cover for Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit

Douglas (b. 1945) is a retired special agent with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Olshaker (b. 1951) is a professional writer.

This book—which is the basis for a popular TV series, which ran for two seasons in 2017 and 2019—recounts Douglas’s 25 years of experience in tracking and studying serial killers and mass murderers.

On the basis of decades of personal interviews with captured serial killers and others, the author developed a special “criminal-personality profile” to help law-enforcement officials better understand the thinking of such men so as to more effectively track them down and thwart their crime sprees.

The book provides disturbing portraits of several more recent serial killers, who have become famous through the reporting of the media. These include the Atlanta child murderer, Wayne Williams; the California serial rapist and killer, Edmund Kemper; the Anchorage, Alaska, serial killer, Robert Hansen; and the South Carolina killer, Larry Gene Bell.

The book was reprinted in 2017.

18. How the Mind Works

By: Steven Pinker , 1997

Book Cover for How the Mind Works

Pinker (see #6 above) is the author or editor of some 15 academic and popular volumes. The book under consideration here is the second of his books aimed at a general audience.

As a cognitive scientist and linguist, Pinker has a view of the mind known as “computationalism,” which posits a close analogy between the human mind and the computer such that the mind is to the brain as software is to hardware.

In addition, Pinker is also an enthusiastic proponent of “evolutionary psychology,” a relatively new psychological sub-discipline which attempts to explain aspects of contemporary human behavior in terms of the “selection advantage” of the behavior in the context of our “environment of evolutionary adaptedness” (EEA) during the Pleistocene epoch (see also #2 above).

This book is basically an attempt to demonstrate how these two seemingly disparate theories of the human mind—computationalism and evolutionary psychology—may be understood as complementary.

A fluent and prolific writer, Pinker is able to explain this dovetailing in terms accessible to a broad, popular readership.

19. The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature

By: William James , 1902

Book Cover for The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature

James (1842–1910) was a professor of psychology and philosophy at Harvard University. Brother of the great novelist Henry James (1843–1916), William James was also one of the founders of the American school of philosophy known as “Pragmatism.”

James’s first significant book was his Principles of Psychology , published in 1890 in two volumes. This ground-breaking work summarizes the scientific advances in the understanding of the human mind made by the end of the nineteenth century, in a manner accessible to a broad, educated audience. James possessed a superb writing style, making him one of the most readable first-rate thinkers in the entire history of philosophy.

James insisted on paying attention to subjective or lived experience, in addition to the objective findings of the empirical science of his day. In this way, he may be considered a pioneer of the phenomenological movement, which was being developed at the same time by Franz Brentano (1838–1913), Edmund Husserl (1859–1938), and others.

Though James was a cutting-edge scientist, and by no means an orthodox theist, he maintained (controversially, but in line with his Pragmatist philosophy) that beliefs should be judged according to their “cash value” (i.e., the value they hold for the believer). Accordingly, he took religions seriously as human institutions and as valid belief systems.

The book under consideration here is a careful and scholarly—and extremely interesting—description and analysis of a wide range of historical religions and other religious phenomena. The book was derived from the Gifford Lectures for 1901–1902, which James was invited to deliver at the University of Edinburgh.

The book has been reprinted numerous times.

20. Man’s Search for Meaning

By: Viktor Frankl , 1946

Book Cover for Man's Search for Meaning

Frankl (1905–1997) was an Austrian-born neurologist and psychologist. After receiving his MD in 1930, he worked at the Steinhof Psychiatric Hospital in Vienna, where he specialized in treating suicidal women.

In 1942, Frankl and his family, who were Jewish, were initially deported to the Theresienstadt concentration camp, where his father died of starvation. Subsequently, the surviving family members were sent to Auschwitz, where Frankl’s mother and brother were gassed. His wife later died of typhus in Bergen-Belsen. Frankl himself spent a total of three years in four different concentration camps.

After the war, Frankl returned to the University of Vienna as a graduate student, where he earned a PhD in philosophy in 1948. Eventually, he became a professor of neurology and psychiatry at the University of Vienna. He also held visiting professorships at Harvard University and elsewhere in the US.

Frankl is perhaps best known for his development of a form of humanist or “existential” psychotherapy he called “logotherapy,” which places emphasis on the importance of meaning and purpose for a balanced life and a healthy mind.

Frankl published 39 academic and popular volumes. The book under consideration here was originally published in 1946 as ...trotzdem Ja zum Leben sagen: Ein Psychologe erlebt das Konzentrationslager [In spite of everything, saying Yes to life: A psychologist experiences the concentration camp].

The book was translated into English in the same year. It has often been reprinted.

21. The Collected Works of C.G. Jung

By: Carl Jung , 1953–1980

Book Cover for The Collected Works of C.G. Jung

Jung (1875–1961) was a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst. He studied medicine at the University of Zurich, then worked at the Burghölzli psychiatric hospital in Zurich. After studying in Paris with pioneering French psychologist, Pierre Janet (1859–1947), Jung obtained a teaching position at the University of Zurich, where he once again occupied a position with the Burghölzli.

Shortly after 1900, during his first stay at the Burghölzli, Jung (pronounced “Yoong”) met the psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler (1857–1939), who was already in touch with Sigmund Freud (see #16 above). This led to a correspondence and later a close collaboration and friendship between the young Jung and the older man.

At first, Jung was clearly a sort of disciple of the founder of psychoanalysis. However, with time, he began to develop a set of distinctive concepts, which went far beyond anything Freud had suggested. Perhaps the most famous of these was Jung’s notion of the “collective unconscious,” which takes the Freudian idea of the unconscious and projects it onto the human species as a whole.

Similar Jungian ideas include “archetype,” “persona,” and “shadow.” He also invented the concepts of “extroversion” and “introversion.” Jung also had a strong interest in what are now known as “paranormal” phenomena.

These typically Jungian teachings, which were heterodox from Freud’s point of view, eventually led to a break between the two men.

Jung was a prolific writer. His writings have been published in a uniform set of 20 volumes, plus eight supplementary volumes, known as the Collected Works . This edition was published gradually over a period of almost 30 years between 1953 and 1980. Many of the individual volumes are monographs which have appeared in other editions, as well.

22. The Honest Truth about Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone—Especially Ourselves

By: Dan Ariely , 2012

Book Cover for The Honest Truth about Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone—Especially Ourselves

In this book, Ariely (see #10 above) applies the findings of behavioral economics pioneered by his mentor, Daniel Kahneman (see #8 above), to the problem of lying, cheating, fraud, and other forms of dishonesty.

The book recounts both scientific experiments conducted by Ariely and others, as well as personal anecdotes, which throw light on how people conduct themselves with respect to honesty/dishonesty under a variety of different social circumstances. Ariely’s main findings are (a) that minor infractions of honesty are extremely common, if not ubiquitous; and (b) that one of the main factors influencing such infractions is the availability of rationalization.

For example, the author arranged to have both dollar bills and cans of soda left lying around a dormitory common area. It turns out, perhaps counterintuitively, that more people helped themselves (i.e., stole) to the sodas than the dollar bills.

Ariely concluded that the explanation for this finding is that the thieves were better able to convince themselves that taking the sodas was not “really” stealing—something that they could not plausibly have done with respect to the paper currency.

23. The Sexual Paradox: Men, Women and the Real Gender Gap

By: Susan Pinker , 2008

Book Cover for The Sexual Paradox: Men, Women and the Real Gender Gap

Pinker (b. 1957) is a former clinical psychologist, Wall Street Journal social-science columnist, and author. She is the sister of Steven Pinker (see #6 and #18 above).

The “paradox” mentioned in the title of this book refers to the discrepancy between (a) the fact that women as a group generally do better in school than men at all levels; and (b) the fact that men are still disproportionately represented in the upper echelons of most professions (the “gender gap”).

After reviewing the evidence for both of these well-known facts, Pinker then considers various theories that have been advanced to explain the paradox. In conclusion, she rejects the notion that systemic discrimination is the main explanation.

Rather, in the apt words of one of the book’s reviewers, she “posit[s] the idea that women don’t have the same preferences as men and therefore, might actually choose different paths, not be forced into them by the patriarchy.”

24. Dreamseller: An Addiction Memoir

By: Brandon Novak and Joe Frantz , 2008

Book Cover for Dreamseller: An Addiction Memoir

Novak (b. 1978) is a professional skateboarder, Jackass series stunt performer, pornographic film actor, CKY crew member, author, and motivational speaker. Frantz (b. 1977) is a filmmaker, author, and podcast host.

The book under consideration is a memoir which recounts Novak’s struggles with drug addiction. Among other things, it describes his downward spiral into drug use—culminating with heroin addiction—attempted suicide, and institutionalization in mental hospitals.

In addition to co-writing the book, Frantz also created a 2009 documentary film based on the memoir: Dreamseller: The Brandon Novak Documentary .

After the appearance of the book and the film, Novak relapsed and started using heroin again. This time he was arrested, spent 10 months in prison, and later, on probation. He has been clean since 2015.

25. In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women’s Development

By: Carol Gilligan , 1982

Book Cover for In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women's Development

Gilligan (b. 1936) received her PhD in social psychology from Harvard University, where she wrote her dissertation, “Responses to Temptation: An Analysis of Motives,” under the supervision of Lawrence Kohlberg (1927–1967), who is best known for his six-stage theory of moral development in children. Today, she is professor of Humanities and Applied Psychology at New York University.

Gilligan first came to the attention of the academic world through a series of academic papers critiquing Kohlberg’s work as male-biased and of limited applicability to females.

The book under the consideration here summarizes Gilligan’s work for a broad, intellectual readership. In it, the author recounts three major empirical studies that she pursued over several years. In these studies, she employed questionnaires to elicit the reasoning that her female subjects used in thinking through the three different moral dilemmas. Gilligan concludes that, while the women’s reasoning was immature according to Kohlberg’s criteria, such an inference from the data is profoundly unfair to women.

Instead, Gilligan argues that the empirical data support an entirely different conclusion—namely, that women and men are different kinds of moral reasoners. Whereas men typically employ abstract logical reasoning in thinking about difficult moral cases, women typically reason in terms of an ethics of caring that is primarily directed towards the needs of all the persons involved in such cases.

This ground-breaking book was reprinted with a new preface by the author in 2016.

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Advanced Placement (AP)

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There are many AP Psychology books that claim to be the best review tool for students; however, they aren't all telling the truth. Some review books might be better for you based on what type of student you are or the amount of guidance you need in your studying.

In this article, I'll give you a list of the best AP Psychology textbooks and review books so you can find the one that will help you get your very best score on the AP Psychology exam.

What's the Criteria for a Great AP Psychology Book?

Before I list the best books for AP Psychology, here's a little information about what constitutes a good AP review book .

First, you'll want to look at the organization of the book to see whether it's well aligned with the current AP curriculum . Content is extremely important, and an AP book that has too much or too little information will put you at a big disadvantage.

For all the Psych books on this list, I checked to see whether they included high-quality diagrams and whether their writing style made it easy for student readers to understand complex concepts.

I considered it a positive when a book had sections dealing with general test-taking strategies and instructions for creating a study plan , which are both great tools for students who need more guidance. Things such as diagnostic tests and instructions on how to use AP practice tests effectively were pluses, too.

The quality of practice tests and questions is also very important. An AP Psych review book can be well written and have all the content you need. But if its practice tests aren't challenging enough, you might be in for a nasty surprise on the real AP exam. Easy AP practice tests can cause you to overlook weak areas that would have been evident if the questions were more difficult.

If you're unable to physically flip through these AP Psychology books before you buy them, looking at online reviews can be helpful . You'll get to see feedback from students who actually used the book and learn how successful (or unsuccessful) they were in meeting their score goals on the test.

Although all the AP Psychology books listed in this article represent the latest editions, consulting reviews of past versions and feedback provided by teachers can give you a feel for the quality of a particular book.

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The Best AP Psychology Books

Before we get to the list, I'll give you several types of AP Psychology books so you can decide which one(s) to get based on your ability level and needs as a student .

This guide mainly contains information on different review books because most students already have an AP Psychology textbook and are primarily looking for supplementary materials to help them prepare for the exam.

Here's a list of each "best book" category I'll be covering:

  • Best AP Psychology Textbook : This is a book many students can use as a basic reference for info on psychology topics. I've included it for the benefit of students who are self-studying for the AP Psychology test and who do not have a school-provided psychology textbook.
  • Best AP Psychology Review Book for Any Student : This is a review book that will be useful for students at any skill level (high- or low-scoring).
  • Best AP Psychology Review Book for High-Scoring Students : This is AP Psych prep book offers in-depth information, challenging practice materials, and a more hands-off approach to prep.
  • Best AP Psychology Review Book for Low-Scoring Students : This is a prep book for students who might have had a bit of difficulty understanding the material in their AP Psychology class and need more guidance during the review process.

Best AP Psychology Textbook: Myers' Psychology for the AP Course, 3rd Edition

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Cost: About $111 to buy, or about $53 to rent

Myers' Psychology for the AP Course is consistently the most popular AP Psychology textbook, mainly because it's one of the only books that's written specifically for the class. It's a well-organized book, and although it can be a little wordy at times, it has excellent diagrams and is overall a great resource for an in-depth review of the AP material .

The sections of the book correspond to topic areas that will show up on the AP Psychology test, so it's easy to use for studying

It includes multiple-choice AP practice questions and questions that summarize the main concepts at the end of each unit so you can test your knowledge

There are lots of helpful diagrams and tables , and key terms are bolded and defined on the side of each page, so you don't have to search through the text to pick out definitions

There's a timeline of psychology milestones in the back of the book to help you get a better grasp on when different discoveries happened

The book is written at a high level (although it does have a bit of a conversational tone), so it might be difficult for less-prepared students to grasp some of the concepts right away

It's super expensive ; however, you might be able to save a little money by renting it instead of buying it

Who Should Use This Book

This book covers all the curriculum that will appear on the test, and it includes a wealth of helpful review materials. You might want to buy this AP Psychology textbook if you are studying for the test on your own (not taking an actual AP Psychology class) and want a more detailed source of information.

You could also consider getting it if you hate the book you're using in class and feel that you would benefit from a different textbook.

Best AP Psychology Review Book for Any Student: 5 Steps to a 5: AP Psychology, 2022 Edition

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Cost: $16 for print, $10 for digital

The titular five steps included in this AP Psychology book are helpful for planning out your prep responsibly. One big caveat, though, is that you should supplement the practice tests in this book with other official AP practice tests to ensure you're on track .

This book includes a clear, helpful introduction that answers any questions you might have about the AP Psychology exam, such as scoring, format, content, and what you'll need to bring on test day

There's a useful guide that tells you how long you should prep for the exam based on your personality and study habits ; it then maps out detailed study plans for three different types of students

It gives you helpful tips on how to approach each type of question on the AP Psych test

Each chapter includes key concepts at the beginning and a "rapid review" section at the end that has a list of key terms and definitions

Content chapters thoroughly cover all the material on the AP Psychology test

The writing style is easy to follow and is organized in a way that breaks things down into easily digestible parts

Two practice exams are included at the end , along with an initial diagnostic test to assess your strengths and weaknesses; you can also access these same three practice tests online

The practice questions seem a bit easier than real AP Psychology questions

The guide on how to approach questions could be less wordy , and it doesn't go into detail about using the process of elimination for multiple-choice questions, which is an important strategy to include; ultimately, learning to effectively eliminate wrong answers is one of the best ways to improve your score

If you think you might need more guidance in your studying or are self-studying the course, 5 Steps to a 5 is probably a good book for you . It's written logically and simply, and it does a great job of answering many of the questions students have about how to review for AP Psychology and what the test is like in general.

Best AP Psychology Review Book for High-Scoring Students: Barron's AP Psychology Premium, 2022-2023

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Cost: About $21 for print

Barron's AP Psychology Premium is a thorough and helpful guide for students studying for the AP Psych test; however, this isn't the best choice if you're looking for a way to review quickly. Avoid this resource if you're easily bored by the dry textbook style of writing. Barron's is not lacking in good content, but it could be more exciting, and you'll have to do a lot of the legwork in review sessions.

This book includes a diagnostic test and a "Multiple Choice Error Analysis" sheet to help you understand your strengths and weaknesses

There are six full-length practice exams in the book

The structure mirrors the format of the exam and follows the newly updated curriculum exactly

There's a list of important terms and people at the beginning of every chapter (and in italics within the text so you can easily pick up on them)

It includes a list of the most important psychologists you need to know (the "Fabulous 15") so that you can focus on a few people more closely rather than trying to memorize a million different names

There are multiple-choice questions and answer explanations at the end of each chapter to quiz you on the material you've learned

You'll get test-taking tips for multiple-choice and free-response questions, so you'll have strategies as well as content knowledge

Helpful tips in the margins of each chapter point out important things to remember and problems that students commonly have with certain terms and concepts

This book is written essentially in textbook format : there are long paragraphs, there aren't that many diagrams, and the writing can be pretty scientific

There's no glossary , so you'll have to pick out definitions of terms yourself in each chapter

The style overall isn't as fun as some other review books ; Barron's doesn't try as hard to relate to you and just sticks to the information you need to know—which I respect, but it can be kind of boring

Barron's is best for those who have a long time to dedicate to studying for the AP Psychology test. You'll need to use it over a longer period of time in order to be able to take full advantage of the diagnostic and practice tests and become familiar with each topic area .

If you decide to use this book, get it well before the AP test and use it as a continuous review tool. You should also make sure that you're motivated enough to take charge of your review time and study from a book that doesn't try that hard to keep you engaged in the material.

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Best AP Psychology Review Book for Low-Scoring Students: AP Psychology Premium Prep, 2022 Edition

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Cost: $18 for print, $13 for digital

Written by The Princeton Review, this is by far the best book for learning test-taking strategies for the AP Psychology test . The content is high quality as well, but it's not as easy to study from if you don't have much time on your hands. 

It includes a step-by-step guide for how to organize your AP Psychology studying

  • The book includes five full-length practice tests

There's a list of other resources you can use to supplement your review

It includes smart test-taking tips and strategies for multiple-choice and free-response questions

The book uses a conversational, relatable style of writing

Chapters that go over content are diagram-heavy, and they provide clear definitions of key terms throughout

The instructions on designing a study plan are a little vague

It's hard to use this book as a quick study guide as it doesn't have a centralized source for definitions of terms and concepts ; you'd need to read it through completely to be able to get a handle on all the information

This book is a smart choice if you have a fair amount of time before the AP Psychology test and would like some rough guidance on structuring your studying. It's also great for students who get easily bored by textbooks and their dull writing style—it's definitely one of the more engaging review books I've seen!

Which AP Psychology Books Should You Use? Avoid?

If you think you'll need a lot of guidance in your AP Psych studying (or if you're working through the class independently), don't choose a prep book that's pure information and doesn't offer any planning or test-taking tips .

I'd recommend using either 5 Steps to a 5 or Cracking the AP Psychology Exam , along with the Myers textbook (or whichever textbook your AP Psychology class is using).

Barron's is also a decent choice, but make sure that you're willing to put a little more work into the review process. A book that provides more structure will be helpful even for the most driven students , especially if you're not taking an actual AP Psychology class.

If you choose to buy a book that's not on this list, keep an eye out for any red flags. Compare the practice questions in the book with official AP Psychology questions to ensure they're not unrealistically easy or hard. After taking and scoring a practice test from the review book, take an official AP practice test to check that your other score was realistic.

I recommend the four AP Psychology books in this article because they're all well organized and easy to follow. Even if another review book contains all the same info, the way it's presented might make your studying less productive.

Ultimately, if you feel you're not getting anything out of an AP Psychology prep book and your AP Psych test scores don't seem to be improving, you might need to try another one with a different format!

body_redflags.jpg

Keep an eye out for red flags. You don't want to get stuck with a Canadian review book. Or maybe you do. Would it come with complimentary maple syrup?

What's Next?

Still shaky on a few AP Psych terms? Bolster your knowledge with articles like this one, which goes over what Stockholm Syndrome is and whether or not it's real .

What does it really mean if you get a 5 on an AP exam? Find out how AP credit works for college classes .

If you're still trying to plan your AP class schedule, use this guide to make an informed decision about which AP classes you should take .

Also taking AP US History? Check out our reviews for the best AP US History textbooks .

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100+ Psychology Books for Free! [PDF]

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Psychology-Books

Welcome, psychology lover! Here you’ll find an amazing selection of psychology books to read and download for free.

Prepare to explore psychology by delving into the minds of great authors and discovering everything from classic theories to the latest findings, covering a wide range of topics and perspectives.

Our goal is to provide easy access to quality psychology information , which is why we ensure that all our books are available for free download in PDF format.

Looking for books on clinical, social, cognitive, or developmental psychology? Don’t worry, you’ll find all branches of psychology here!

Don’t wait any longer and start exploring our extensive library of psychology books available for free download. We’re confident you’ll find captivating titles that will help you grow as a person and a professional.

1) Adolescent Psychology Books

Adolescent Psychology Books

Adolescence is a stage in which some psychological areas of the human being, such as personality and identity, are being constituted. If at this stage, the young person experiences a psychological disorder such as an anxiety disorder, an eating disorder, etc., psychology for adolescents is recommended when we observe significant changes in the attitude of minors.

Psychology for adolescents is recommended when we observe important changes in the attitude of minors, beyond the usual alterations of this stage. This is especially characterized by periods of instability, and it is here where the therapist’s role plays a key role in accompanying the adolescent through these changes.

During the psychological intervention, adolescents receive emotional support so that they can resolve conflicts with other people, understand their own problems and emotions, as well as generate new responses to their internal conflicts.

books to study psychology

FREE BOOKS [PDF]

2) Anxiety Books

Anxiety Books

Anxiety  is an emotion that everyone has experienced at some point and that helps the body prepare to do something important. It appears when you have to act in a situation that demands an intense or sustained effort and serves to activate and deal with a threat or danger that is occurring in the present or that may occur in the future.

While anxiety can help you cope, in addition to giving you an energy boost or helping you focus, for people with anxiety disorders fear is not temporary and can be overwhelming. Symptoms can interfere with daily activities, such as performance at work, school, and relationships between people.

The most common signs and symptoms of anxiety include the following: Feeling of nervousness, agitation or tension, Feeling of impending danger, panic or catastrophe, Increased heart rate, Rapid breathing (hyperventilation), Sweating, Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the current concern, among others.

3) Autism Books

Autism Books

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) fall under the umbrella of neurodevelopmental disorders and are characterized by alterations related to communication and social interaction, as well as fixed interests and repetitive behaviors.

The diagnosis of ASD now includes many conditions that used to be diagnosed separately and include autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. Today, all of these disorders are referred to as autism spectrum disorders.

Some of the signs begin during early childhood and often last a lifetime, including:

  • Not looking at objects when another person points at them
  • Avoiding eye contact and wanting to be alone
  • Prefer not to be hugged, or hug other people only when they want to.
  • Having difficulty expressing their needs with words or habitual movements.

4) Body Language Books

Body Language Books

Body language  is the ability to transmit information through our body. It fully reveals our sensations and the perception we have about our interlocutor.

Facial expression, gestures and body posture are the most immediate expression of our feelings. The reason for this is that most of these signals are emitted unconsciously. Above all, in emotional moments of joy, fear, anger or sadness it is almost impossible to control it.

Body language and non-verbal communication tell who we are, how we feel or what our tastes are. In interaction, non-verbal behavior also informs our degree of understanding and level of agreement, and can even deny what we are saying at the time.

5) Books about ADHD

Books about ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood.

It is characterized by an excessive increase in impulsivity and hyperactivity and difficulty in maintaining attention for a continuous period.

When this type of behavior is persistent, more frequent, and of greater intensity than usual in children their age, it ends up affecting their school performance and their relationships in various areas of their lives.

6) Books about Dyscalculia

Books about Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is the difficulty in understanding numerical mathematical operations. People with this limitation need help to perform basic calculations.

Specifically, the three symptoms that indicate that someone suffers from dyscalculia are a disability in calculation, various sensory deficits, and minimal academic performance. Not to mention that they will also need help in carrying out several day-to-day actions that are related to calculus, such as giving change in a financial transaction.

Not all difficulties in math class (even the most severe) are caused by dyscalculia. Disorders such as dyslexia, visual or auditory processing, ADHD, and others can also affect a child’s ability to meet math expectations.

7) Books about Early Stimulation

Books about Early Stimulation

Early stimulation is to provide the baby and child with the best opportunities for physical, intellectual, and social development. In this sense, early stimulation includes a series of exercises and activities that can be applied from birth to 6 or 7 years of age.

Its importance lies in the fact that in this age group cognitive, emotional, and physical skills that are fundamental for the correct biopsychosocial functioning of the child are developed and mature, such as language, memory, perception, spatial sense, motor skills, reasoning…

In practice, stimulation consists of parents and other caregivers responding to the emotional and physical needs of their children from birth, playing and talking with them (even before children can respond verbally), and exposing them to words, numbers, and simple concepts while engaging in daily routines.

8) Books about Loneliness

Books about Loneliness

We can refer to loneliness as the circumstance of being alone, of lacking companionship. Likewise, loneliness can refer to the feeling of grief or melancholy that is experienced due to the absence of someone or something that we wish was with us.

It is a subjective feeling or state, since there are different degrees or shades of loneliness that can be perceived in different ways depending on the person, on the other hand, loneliness in certain periods is valued by many people and there are even those who consider it essential for resting or concentrating.

When loneliness extends almost indefinitely in time, it is usually decoded as an unpleasant situation that will cause serious social harm to the person who manifests it.

9) Books about Personality

Books about Personality

Personality is the individual difference that distinguishes one person from another. As such, personality is the term that describes and allows us to give a theoretical explanation of the set of peculiarities that an individual possesses that characterizes him/her and differentiates him/her from others.

This term, borrowed from psychology, is commonly used in everyday language, but its origin is to be found in the Latin term “persona”, which was the mask used by actors in the theater of antiquity when representing recognizable characters.

The dynamic aspect of personality makes it possible to appreciate that all human beings experience constant exchanges with the surrounding environment, a process that is only interrupted by death. As for the ways of thinking and acting, they show that the personality is composed of an internal aspect (thought) and an external aspect (symbolized in behavior).

10) Books about Violence

Books about Violence

Violence is defined as any activity related to the use of physical or verbal force on another person, animal, or object causing harm to them voluntarily or accidentally.

Depending on the nature of the violence, it can be physical, psychological, or sexual. A distinction can also be made, depending on the causes and motives behind the violence, between racial, gender, and religious violence, for example.

There are some ways in which societies can prevent violence, such as by reducing certain risk factors, for example, alcoholism, drug addiction, firearms, and economic and gender inequality.

11) Books on Addictions

Books on Addictions

From the Latin addictĭo, addiction is the habit that dominates a person’s will. It is dependence on a substance, an activity, or a relationship. Addictions control the thoughts and behaviors of people, who only want to get or perform the desired thing.

Addiction is characterized by denial, uncontrolled use or behavior, relapse in use or behavior despite knowledge of negative consequences, and distortions in thinking about the addiction in periodic or ongoing episodes.

Addictions can lead to serious problems for the patient’s physical and mental health. It is important to detect them at an early stage to achieve an effective diagnosis and treatment. For this reason, the collaboration of friends and family is very important, in the detection, treatment, and follow-up.

12) Books on Bullying

Books on Bullying

School bullying refers to a type of violent and intimidating behavior that occurs verbally, physically or psychologically between children and adolescents during school.

The aggressor or bully annoys their victim in different ways, with the silence or complicity of the rest of the classmates. It is common for the conflict to begin with teasing that becomes systematic and can lead to hitting or physical aggression.

Specialists affirm that only through a simultaneous intervention on individuals, their family environments and the educational institution, it is possible to uproot bullying. However, this is influenced by many sociocultural factors outside the educational environment, which often make it difficult to simply identify the bully.

13) Books on Concentration

Books on Concentration

Concentration is the process of the mind that consists of voluntarily focusing attention on an objective. Through concentration, the person momentarily leaves aside everything that may interfere with his or her capacity for attention.

Concentration is one of the fundamental skills for learning or the process of knowledge. It is related to attention, being both stages of the same process. Attention selects what is considered most important and concentration is the focusing of attention on a certain objective.

Some factors favor concentration such as being in a suitable environment and that the activity is of interest to us. In the case of the study, it is important to plan the time well and take a break after two hours to relax.

14) Books on Resilience

Books on Resilience

Resilience is the capacity of a person or group to recover from adversity and continue projecting the future. Sometimes, difficult circumstances or traumas allow the development of resources that were latent and unknown to the individual until now.

Often this ability is unknown to the individual and he/she discovers it only when he/she finds him/herself in the middle of a difficult situation that he/she manages to overcome thanks to his/her posture of fighting and moving forward.

Resilience is not a characteristic that people have or do not have. It includes behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned and developed by anyone.

15) Books on Stress

Books on Stress

Stress is known as the set of physiological relationships necessary for adaptation to new situations. Etymologically, the word stress has its origin in the English word “stress” which means “tension” or “pressure”.

Stress can be caused by many factors, such as money, work worries, or personal relationships. It can cause psychological symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and physical symptoms such as sleep problems.

While the stress response is initially necessary and adaptive, when it is prolonged or intensified over time, many areas of our lives can be affected. For more information on this topic, you can visit our collection of books and materials that we bring to you.

16) Books on Suicide

Books on Suicide

Suicide is the act by which an individual decides to end their life intentionally. There may be many causes for such an action, but the most common may be: despair (driven by a serious physical illness), mental disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.), alcoholism or substance abuse.

While men are more likely than women to die by suicide, women are twice as likely to attempt suicide. Most suicide attempts do not result in death. Many of these attempts are carried out in a manner in which rescue is possible. These attempts often represent a call for help.

After the initial evaluation, persons who have attempted suicide are referred to a psychiatrist, who attempts to identify the problems that contributed to the attempt and establishes an appropriate treatment plan.

17) Books that talk about Insecurity

Books that talk about Insecurity

Insecurity implies the existence of danger or risk or reflects a certain doubt about a given matter. Nor should we overlook reference to what is known as emotional insecurity.

The causes of emotional insecurity usually come from a person’s childhood, and possible real or inner conflicts that he/she has had can derive from an insecure personality. This often leads a person to create a kind of mental protective barrier so that no one can harm him/her.

People who are more introverted or reserved concerning their public image are usually considered suffering from an insecurity disorder or low self-esteem. However, many psychologists also interpret that a public image of excessive confidence can intimately hide a state of dissatisfaction or insecurity with oneself.

18) Child Psychology Books

Child Psychology Books

Child psychology  is the study of a child’s behavior from birth to adolescence. In this analysis, the specialist will deal with the phenomena and irregularities of the child’s psychic development. This branch of psychology focuses on the evolution of the physical, motor, cognitive, perceptive, affective and social aspects.

Childhood  is the most important stage of life, since it is the period in which the child develops his first attachments and social bonds, his personality, his self-esteem, his resources… in short, childhood is the stage where the child forms an idea about himself, the world and the future, an idea that will remain stable during the adult stage and will be the basis of his psychological well-being.

One aspect of psychic development is the emergence, variation and improvement of psychic processes and qualities of children: perception, attention, imagination, memory, thought, language, feelings and primary forms of behavior direction. The psychic development is studied in the early and pre-school age, which is the age when the child’s personality begins to be promoted.

19) Clinical Psychology Books

Clinical Psychology Books

Clinical psychology  is a sub-discipline within psychology that studies all the elements involved in mental disorders and, more generally, mental health. Thus, clinical psychology carries out all the tasks of evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and therapeutic intervention in people with some kind of mental disorder or disadaptive behavior, with the purpose of restoring psychological balance and eliminating all suffering.

The clinical psychologist is a figure in full evolution. Psychology has been changing, growing and dividing into specialties. For this reason, it is sometimes complex to differentiate the (increasingly) branches of psychology. Clinical psychology is one of the specialties of psychology and is characterized by its focus on the mental health and psychological well-being of people.

Clinical psychology can be practiced in different contexts, however, the main areas remain clinical centers, mental health services and general hospitals. Moreover, clinical psychology is a profession that is continuously evolving, expanding its functions and areas of work.

20) Criminal Psychology Books

Criminal Psychology Books

Criminal Psychology , like forensic sciences, has taken a significant rise in recent years. That is why the academic demand has also been increasing, especially in countries like Spain, Mexico and Argentina. It is a sub-discipline that over time has provided us with very valuable information about the psychological motives that lead a person to commit an illicit act.

Nowadays, psychology has become a fundamental discipline in the administration of justice. Its direct or indirect intervention in criminal proceedings is indispensable in the attention and treatment of crime or interpersonal and gender violence, as well as other personal rights conflicts.

Inside the multiple tasks that a criminal psychologist can carry out we can mention the following: the accomplishment of studies of the criminal personality whose purpose is to clarify the endogenous and exogenous psychological factors that led to the criminal behavior, to help the criminologist to establish the dangerousness of a subject, the offender profiling in the investigation agencies, to offer psychotherapeutic treatment to inmates, etc.

21) Dementia Books

Dementia Books

The notion of dementia refers to the disorder of the mind that appears in old age. It is an organic syndrome characterized by memory impairment, impaired judgment and abstract thinking, and personality alterations.

The adjective senile was formerly used because most sufferers develop dementia in old age, after the age of 65, and so dementia was seen as an inevitable part of aging. But it is now known that, although most people with dementia are over 65, thousands of sufferers are younger than that.

Memory loss is one of the most general symptoms of people suffering from dementia. However, a loss of memory does not mean that one has dementia. To be considered dementia, at least two problems in neuronal functions, such as memory loss and language difficulties, must be present.

22) Depression Books

Depression Books

Depression  is an emotional disorder that causes a feeling of constant sadness and a loss of interest in various activities. Also called «major depressive disorder» or «clinical depression», it affects a person’s feelings, thoughts and behavior, and can cause a variety of physical and emotional problems.

Depression can become chronic or recurrent and significantly impair performance at work or school and the ability to cope with daily life. In its most severe form, it can lead to suicide. If mild, it can be treated without medication, but when moderate or severe, medication and professional psychotherapy may be necessary.

It can affect anyone, of any economic level and at any age. Mental illnesses do not discriminate. They affect rich and poor, black and white, Hispanic/Latino and Asian, elderly and children.

23) Eating Disorder Books

Eating Disorder Books

Eating disorders are extreme manifestations of a variety of weight and eating concerns experienced by women and men. They include anorexia nervosa , bulimia nervosa and binge eating. These are all serious emotional problems that can have life-threatening consequences.

These eating behaviors can have a significant impact on the body’s ability to obtain adequate nutrition. Eating disorders can cause damage to the heart, digestive system, bones, teeth and mouth, and lead to other diseases.

The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown. Researchers believe that these conditions are caused by a complex interaction of factors, including genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors. With treatment, healthier eating habits can be restored and, sometimes, serious complications caused by the eating disorder can be reversed.

24) Educational Psychology Books

Educational Psychology Books

Educational psychology  is the discipline that studies the processes of teaching and learning in order to understand and improve them. It is in charge of analyzing and deepening the learning process in order to design and establish the ideal methods for students to develop their cognitive skills. As a result of the psychological study of the daily problems of education, principles, theories and procedures are set forth for the investigation and application of techniques that help to improve these processes.

It should be noted that educational psychology provides solutions for the development of curricula, educational management, educational models and cognitive sciences in general.

In order to understand the main characteristics of learning in childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age, educational psychologists elaborate and apply different theories about human development, which are usually considered as stages of maturity.

25) Emotion Books

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Emotion is defined as the set of organic responses that a person feels when reacting to some external stimulus that facilitates adaptation to a circumstance in relation to an individual, place, object, among others. They are characterized for being a disturbance of the state of mind for a short period of time but of greater impetus than a feeling .

In humans, the experience of an emotion generally involves a set of cognitions, attitudes and beliefs about the world, which we use to evaluate a particular situation and, therefore, influence the way in which the situation is perceived. Emotions, being affective states, indicate personal internal states, motivations, desires, needs and even goals.

Each individual experiences an emotion in a particular way, depending on their previous experiences, learning, character and the specific situation. Some of the physiological and behavioral reactions that trigger emotions are innate, while others may be acquired. 

26) Environmental Psychology Books

Environmental Psychology Books

Environmental psychology is in charge of analyzing the relationship between people and their environment. In this case, two types of environments are distinguished: natural and human-made. In other words, its theoretical field is interdisciplinary and focuses on behavioral and psychological variables.

Environmental psychology investigates aspects ranging from the effect of different environmental variables to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly cities.

This discipline relates to ecology, urban planning, interior design, and architecture . All these areas of knowledge focus on emotions and behaviors and environmental psychologists study the connections between physical spaces and the human psyche.

27) General Psychology Books

General Psychology Books

Psychology  is the science that studies in a theoretical and practical way the social, cultural and biological aspects that influence human behavior, both on an individual and social level, and the functioning and development of the human mind. It is becoming more and more common to see a psychologist for problems as frequent as depression, relationships, addictions, eating disorders, problems at work, and many other issues.

General psychology is a sub-discipline of psychology. It owes its name to the fact that it is dedicated to the study of mental functions common to all human beings. An important area of general psychology is cognitive psychology.

If you want to learn more about General Psychology here are our selections of free books and materials so that money is not an excuse.

28) Graphology Books

Graphology Books

Graphology  is the study of a person’s character and psychology through the features of their handwriting. Graphologist Sandra Cerro explains that eight different parameters must be taken into account: size, shape, inclination of the letter, inclination of the strokes, pressure, cohesion, speed and order.

With  handwriting  analysis, graphologists try to discover aspects of the personality that the person being analyzed does not want to show us, either because it does not suit them, because they are not aware of them or simply because they seem irrelevant.

The applications of graphology range from the field of psychology to the educational and judicial field, although it should not be confused with calligraphic expertise. One of the most important uses of graphology is in Human Resources departments to analyze candidates for a job.

29) Humanistic Psychology Books

Humanistic Psychology Books

The main characteristic of  humanistic psychology  is to consider the human being as a whole, knowing that there are multiple factors that intervene in mental health, in his personal growth and in his self-realization. Among them converge and interrelate aspects such as emotions, body, feelings, behavior, thoughts, etc.

The humanistic current is based on a series of principles that are not shared by other approaches or psychological theories. To understand humanist psychology, one must know the context in which it is framed, which is none other than the human being as an individual.

We are not mistaken if we say that this approach, this theoretical and practical perspective is one of the most remarkable psychological currents today. It is a legacy that is worth knowing and that can undoubtedly provide us with valuable tools.

30) Language Disorders Books

Language Disorders Books

Language disorders are disorders that make it difficult to communicate orally, both to speak and to understand what other people say.

Language disorders are usually developmentally related. They begin in childhood and continue into adulthood. They can also be caused by brain injury or disease.

Children with language disorders often use short or simple sentences, confuse word order, or say “um” a lot. These challenges can cause problems at home, at school, and with other children. They may have problems with written language, spoken language, or both.

31) Logotherapy Books

Logotherapy Books

Logotherapy is a variant of psychotherapy that revolves around presenting the concept of the will to meaning as man’s primary motivation. According to experts, it is the third Viennese school in the field of psychology, after the psychoanalysis promoted by Sigmund Freud and the individual psychology developed by Alfred Adler .

Logotherapy makes excellent use of Psychodrama, a dramatization performed by the patient, thinking that his life is ending at that precise moment. This dramatization gives rise to statements usually known as “what I would change if I had a second chance”.

Logotherapy is a school of hope, and psychotherapy of humanism that starts from the realism of one’s life as an experience in which suffering is inevitable.

32) Manipulation Books

Manipulation Books

Manipulation is the action and effect of manipulating (operating with the hands or with an instrument, manipulating something, intervening with skillful means to distort reality in the service of particular interests). At the social level, manipulation can be used in various spheres, in the family, school, religion, economy, or politics.

Manipulation can be of a mental or ideological type when it is a matter of influencing the thinking or decisions of one or more people. Mental manipulation is associated with taking control of the behavior of an individual or group through persuasion techniques or psychological pressure.

When this type of manipulation is carried out, the person loses or is distorted in his or her capacity to reflect. This means that whoever manipulates the individual manages to influence thought, sometimes permanently.

33) Mental Disorders Books

Mental Disorders Books

Mental health refers to the balance that must exist between the emotional, cognitive and behavioral state of an individual, so that they can relate harmoniously with their environment and with themselves. Mental health has many alterations that are known as mental illnesses or disorders.

These illnesses affect affective and cognitive processes, mood, thinking and behavior. A mental health problem becomes a mental illness when the symptoms and signs remain, causing stress to the patient and preventing them from functioning normally.

There is no single cause or reason for the onset of a mental illness in a person. In fact, there are a number of factors that come together in three categories: biological, psychological and social.

34) Mental Health Books

Mental Health Books

Mental health is a state of psychological and emotional well-being that allows the subject to use their mental, social and emotional capacities to perform successfully in everyday interactions. It also addresses the prevention of any alteration, disorder or mental illness and its care from a biopsychosocial perspective.

Mental illness is an alteration of an emotional, cognitive or behavioral type in which basic psychological processes such as emotion, motivation, cognition, consciousness, behavior, perception, language, etc. are affected and which makes it difficult for the person to adapt to the cultural and social environment.

There are conditions that affect the perception of reality and can become dangerous for people who suffer from them, so it is essential to contact a mental health professional to conduct a thorough examination and tell us what the diagnosis is.

35) Neuropsychology Books

Neuropsychology Books

Neuropsychology is a neuroscience that deals with the relationship between brain structures and human behavior. It studies both healthy people and those who suffer brain damage. Some of the areas in which it works are: Acquired Brain Damage, Dementias, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Learning Difficulties, Research…

The neuropsychologist performs an evaluation of cognitive abilities (attention, language, memory, perception, executive functions and emotion) and their components. To find out which specific aspects are failing and which are doing well.

After this evaluation, the neuropsychologist proposes a rehabilitation program to work on the improvement of those aspects that have been damaged or have not developed to the levels expected for the age. 

36) NLP Books

NLP Books

Neurolinguistic Programming  is a discipline that tries to explain how our brain works and define its mental patterns, making it easier for us to understand ourselves and allowing us to change them using certain techniques in order to optimize our communication skills.

NLP uses behavioral and communication techniques and strategies to make it easier for people to change their thoughts and actions in favor of others that give better results and success. It helps to “reprogram” our brain to overcome our blockages and anxieties.

This instrument allows us not only to become the one we could be if we made the most of our abilities, but also the one we wish to be by reinterpreting the information that comes to us from outside, that is, giving a different meaning to certain events that have been powerfully marking us. throughout our existence.

37) Occupational Psychology Books

Occupational Psychology Books

For all readers who wish to expand their knowledge of the factors that apply in the workplace, we have created a selection of free books on occupational psychology in PDF format.

Also known as organizational psychology, occupational psychology seeks to understand in detail the prominent factors influencing employee behavior in the work environment.

This discipline aims to enhance teamwork by optimizing the work environment holistically and strengthening professional relationships to ensure employee well-being. You can learn all of this in detail in our texts.

38) OCD Books

OCD Books

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, commonly known as OCD , is a mental disorder characterized by the presence of distressing thoughts (obsessions) and recurrent and stereotyped behaviors (compulsions) persistently over time, causing anxiety and impairment of daily life.

These repetitive behaviors are intended to prevent or reduce anxiety or prevent something bad from happening, although they have no connection to the action they are trying to prevent or are clearly excessive.

OCD usually begins to manifest during childhood or adolescence. Its evolution is usually progressive, although it can also appear suddenly due to stress or a specific event that acts as a trigger.

39) Organizational Psychology Books

Organizational Psychology Books

Organizational psychology , together with clinical psychology and education, are the main pillars that propagate the study of the nature of temperament, character, personality and idiosyncrasy of human beings in the different spheres that make up  organizations .

This branch of psychology is focused on the study of human behavior in the workplace, and is responsible for looking after the interests of both employees and institutions or organizations, as well as enhancing the performance and productivity of employees through innovative strategies, motivations and incentives, with the aim of promoting personal development and professional growth of each employee.

The objective of the psychologists specialized in this branch is to know how an individual affects the rest and the organization in general, and how this affects the behavior of each one of the individuals.

40) Positive Psychology Books

Positive Psychology Books

This time, we have put together a comprehensive selection of positive psychology books to enhance your understanding of this relevant and important topic.

This type of psychology focuses on the individual characteristics of people, as well as the factors that have allowed them to experience positive experiences.

Discover this fascinating world with the help of positive psychology books and materials, where you can find professional and explanatory content.

41) Psychoanalysis Books

Psychoanalysis Books

Psychoanalysis is a therapeutic practice founded by the Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud at the end of the 19th century when he sought a clinical treatment for neurotic or hysterical patients.

Psychoanalytic doctrine holds that instinctual impulses repressed by consciousness remain in the unconscious and affect the subject. It is important to note that the unconscious is not observable by the patient: it is the psychoanalyst who must make these unconscious conflicts accessible through the interpretation of dreams and failed acts and free association.

According to Freud, free association was the fundamental rule of psychoanalysis ; it is a technique that consists in the patient expressing, during therapy sessions, all their ideas, emotions, thoughts and images as they are presented to them, without restrictions or orderings. Faced with this openness, the psychoanalyst must determine which things, within these manifestations, reflect an unconscious conflict.

42) Psychology Books for Beginners

Psychology Books for Beginners

Psychology being the study of the psyche and the different processes that occur in it, we can mention the usefulness of this science, in terms of: making a classification of each of the mental and behavioral phenomena of individuals, explaining the phenomena and processes of the psyche, predicting behavior, controlling mental phenomena.

When we think of a psychologist, we usually think of a person taking notes with a patient across the table. However, their functions are much broader. Broadly speaking, psychology develops its activity in three areas: Educational Psychology, Clinical or Health Psychology and Social and Organizational Psychology.

Seeing a psychologist is becoming more and more common for problems as frequent as depression, relationships, addictions, eating disorders, problems at work and many other issues.

43) Schizophrenia Books

Schizophrenia Books

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder characterized by alterations in thinking, perception of reality and behavior. It affects approximately 1% of the population and the first symptoms usually appear in adolescence or young adulthood.

People with schizophrenia may have delusions, hallucinations, disorganized language or behavior, and impaired cognitive ability. They may hear voices or see things that are not there. They may think that other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or trying to harm them.

People with schizophrenia are often unaware that their difficulties are due to a mental disorder that requires medical attention. Therefore, it is often family members or friends who must get them help.

44) Social Psychology Books

Social Psychology Books

Social psychology  could be defined as the study of the interaction of human beings, especially in groups and social situations, and highlights the influence of social situations on human behavior. More specifically, social psychology focuses on the scientific study of how people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the real, imagined, or implied presence of other people.  Gordon Allport .

Social Psychology is also defined as the science that studies social phenomena and tries to discover the laws that govern coexistence. It investigates social organizations and tries to establish the patterns of behavior of individuals in groups, the roles they play and all the situations that influence their behavior.

If you want to learn more about this exciting branch of Psychology here are our selections of free books and materials.

45) Sport Psychology Books

Sport Psychology Books

Sports psychology  is a branch of psychology that is gaining more and more relevance due to its great contribution to the achievement of  athletes ‘ goals. Having a psychologist to help from your field can mean in many cases the difference between reaching a goal or staying on the road.

Sports  psychology studies how, why and under what conditions athletes, coaches and spectators behave the way they do as well as investigating the mutual influence between physical activity and participation in sport and psychophysical well-being, health and personal development.

There is no country in the world where some kind of sport is not practiced. Thousands of articles have been written about the benefits of practicing sport, whether amateur or professional, and how this regular practice is related to both physical and mental health.

So, here ends our selection of free books about Psychology. We hope you liked it and that you already have your next book!

If you found this list useful, don’t forget to share it on your main social networks.  Remember that «Sharing is Caring».

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best-books-to-Understand-Human-Behavior

The 10 Most Important Psychology Books to Understand Human Behavior

  • Ivaylo Durmonski
  • Reading Lists

One of the most important ideas of the field of psychology, yet extremely undervalued, is that you can understand human behavior. If you’re reading psychology books mainly to improve your decision-making skills. Or because you want to persuade others to buy more of your deodorant. You’re not getting the full benefits from these books. The main goal, I believe, should be to understand why people do what they do. Why we spend money like crazy on things we don’t need, but we are cheap when it comes to supporting a noble cause.

Here, in this post, we’re going to observe some of the best books that will help you decipher the seemingly unsolvable puzzle of the human mind – i.e. understand human behavior.

Why is this important you may ask?

Plainly, you’ll construct a richer demographic of the possible types of behavior. Once this type of knowledge is inserted into your brain, you’ll easily spot, translate, and properly assess all verbal and nonverbal cues transmitted from the people standing next to you. You’ll adopt a high level of self-awareness regardless of your surroundings. With this, you’ll properly read others. Form friendships, understand what motives the ones around you, and even find loopholes in people’s reasoning which you can later exploit. Yes, sounds kind of nasty, but sometimes it’s necessary to mold the behavior of others to your liking.

Even though to some, it might seem that reading books about human behavior is mainly for business owners who want to take advantage of the average person. Get him to become crazily obsessed with what he’s selling. Or, someone looking for more ways to monopolize others. I believe everyone should read more books on human behavior. Understanding how we act is a great way to become more empathetic. Improve your listening skills which will lead to becoming a better parent, husband, teacher, friend, and even politician. 

Reading books on human behavior is like reading an instruction manual on how to properly use your toaster, for example. You understand what can trigger certain actions and what type of “buttons” can prevent the machinery from burning. And while we’re more sophisticated than electrical equipment used to toast bread. We surely need to read that manual.

It’s a vast subject. But it’s extremely useful to study as it allows you to understand something we all experience daily – communication with fellow humans.

10 of The Best Psychology Books to Understand Human Behavior:

1. social engineering by christopher hadnagy, 2. the lucifer effect by philip g. zimbardo, 3. games people play by eric berne, 4. emotions revealed by paul ekman, 5. nlp: the essential guide by tom hoobyar, 6. drive by daniel h. pink, 7. the elephant in the brain by kevin simler, 8. evil by roy f. baumeister, 9. a treatise of human nature by david hume, 10. the laws of human nature by robert greene.

Social Engineering by Christopher Hadnagy book cover

What’s the book about?

The best way to understand human behavior? Get to know how people try to manipulate others. In this book, Christopher Hadnagy is peaking behind the curtains. Social Engineering is presenting the tricks hackers use to get your password. To steal your identity and to make you do things you don’t want to do, but you don’t yet understand that are bad for you.

Who is it for?

Information security experts will surely find this read helpful. But it’s also for people who can be labeled as newbies in the computer world. Even if you’re not regularly using a computer, it’s important to understand what methods the people who design the systems we daily use implement in the software to manipulate our behavior, both online and offline.

Thought-Provoking Quote:

“I found afterward that not only did I become much more aware of what was going on with those around me, but also myself. When I felt a certain expression on my face, I was able to analyze it and see how it might be portrayed to others. This recognition of myself and my surroundings was one of the most enlightening experiences of my life.” Christopher Hadnagy

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The Lucifer Effect by Philip Zimbardo book cover

From the creator of the “Stanford Prison Experiment,” Philip Zimbardo, this book investigates what type of mind tricks force good people to start doing bad things. In short, this book is a detailed overview of the said experiment – you probably heard of it, average people were placed in a prison-like environment and were divided into two groups, guards and prisoners. The Lucifer Effect explains why people derive their sense of identity from their immediate surroundings. Not from within themselves.

Psychology students will surely find this reading fascinating, but not only. The Stanford Prison Experiment is one of a kind. Besides, it’s something we’ll probably never see happening again in the future. It presents how our identities change when we are in different social dynamics. How good people can become violent and unethical, and what we can do to prevent ourselves from turning into dangerously brutal people.

“Our sense of identity is in large measure conferred on us by others in the ways they treat or mistreat us, recognize or ignore us, praise us or punish us. Some people make us timid and shy; others elicit our sex appeal and dominance. In some groups we are made leaders, while in others we are reduced to being followers. We come to live up to or down to the expectations others have of us. The expectations of others often become self-fulfilling prophecies. Without realizing it, we often behave in ways that confirm the beliefs others have about us. Those subjective beliefs create new realities for us. We often become who other people think we are, in their eyes and in our behavior.” Philip G. Zimbardo

Games People Play by Eric Berne book cover

We all play games. But I’m not talking about board games. And surely not video games. This book uncovers the social games we all play in our day-to-day lives. Labeled as explosive when the book first appeared on the shelves, Games People Play is one of the most influential psychology books about understanding social interactions. The text is condensed with examples of “mind games” where Eric Berne explores the patterns we use in our daily communications with others.

Probably everyone who is interested in understanding how the people around him/her are trying to trick them. The games we play according to the author consist of a series of interactions which are then followed by an emotional payoff. And while a lot of the games we play with the surrounding people are harmless. They can easily turn into a race to the bottom – lawyers, courts, calling the police. It solely depends on how serious people are playing the social game.

“Awareness requires living in the here and now, and not in the elsewhere, the past or the future.” Eric Berne

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Emotions Revealed by Paul Ekman book cover

What type of emotions different thoughts or actions trigger in us? How can we stop the destructing feelings and focus mainly on positive stuff? With this book, Paul Ekman wants to help us understand the science behind our emotions. How can we control them better and how to notice the difference between a genuine smile and an “I want you to make what I say” smile.

People interested in understanding what are the universal emotions – the ones we all experience. Also, for people who want to read others better. The practical examples in the text will help you recognize the most common facial cues and teach yourself how to respond to them properly in a social situation.

“Emotions change how we see the world and how we interpret the actions of others. We do not seek to challenge why we are feeling a particular emotion; instead, we seek to confirm it.” Paul Ekman

NLP The Essential Guide by Tom Hoobyar book cover

The now-famous psychological approach of NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming) has helped millions of people to overcome their fears, cope with traumatic events, boost their confidence, and reach new heights in their personal and professional lives. This book covers the most important NLP techniques presented by master coaches. NLP: The Essential Guide is a foundational guide explaining the process of human thought.

For beginners in the field of NLP. People who are interested in influencing the social dynamics and understanding how the mind is viewing and processing information. The techniques are both great for people who want to convert others into believing what they are saying, and also handy if you want to adopt a positive outlook on life.

“A man who has control over his mind is able to realize its full potential.” The Sama Veda

Drive by Daniel Pink book cover

This provocative book explains that rewards like money and the famous carrot-and-stick approach are not good enough to create a healthy working environment. Daniel Pink wants to showcase to leaders that boosting performance at work and in life is not only about getting a good salary. It’s mainly about creating an environment where meaningful work is done.

People looking for ways to upgrade their reward system – whether this is at work or in their personal lives when educating their children. The book explores three essential elements (Autonomy; Mastery; Purpose) that will encourage you to create a better workplace for your employees and yourself.

“Human beings have an innate inner drive to be autonomous, self-determined, and connected to one another. And when that drive is liberated, people achieve more and live richer lives.” Daniel Pink

The Elephant in the Brain by Kevin Simler book cover

Our unconscious motives drive our behavior. Sadly, we don’t quite realize this. We delude ourselves into thinking that we are doing good things for others, while we are actually mainly concerned with winning our own games. The Elephant in the Brain reveals our true desires behind our everyday actions. The text is structured to help us spot the same hidden cravings in the surrounding people. The revelations shared by Kevin Simler will make you question your best friends.

This surprisingly accessible and easy-to-get book is a must-read for everyone interested in understanding the real motivations behind our actions. The metaphor used – the elephant in the brain – means that there is a big part of our brain that is focused only on getting what we want, but we never reveal that fact. We hide it. The book illustrates that there is always a hidden motive behind all of our good deeds. Everything we do, is directed towards making our lives better, even if we state that we are simply trying to “help others.”

“Learn—because it’s not the knowledge itself that’s as important as showing that you have the generic ability to learn and complete schoolwork. Signaling also explains the sheepskin effect, where actually earning a diploma is more valuable than the individual years of learning that went into it—because employers prefer workers who stick around and finish what they start.” Kevin Simler

Evil by Roy Baumeister book cover

Why evil people are, well, evil? What encourages bad behavior? How is wickedness formed in the brain? Evil: Inside Human Violence and Cruelty by Roy F. Baumeister aims to answer these questions. The book will help you understand what’s the viewpoint of a sinful person and give you a unique perspective in his attempts to do harm. All of this knowledge prepares you for the evilness we’ll surely encounter.

People who simply can’t understand why evil people do harm to others. What type of emotions trigger wrongdoings and what is happening in the brain of someone who is hurting fellow humans. If you want to understand how perpetrators view themselves, this title is among the very best places to start.

“Most people who perpetrate evil do not see what they are doing as evil. Evil exists primarily in the eye of the beholder, especially in the eye of the victim.” Roy F. Baumeister

A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume book cover

An ancient artifact that presents a groundbreaking study of human nature. David Hume, a famous Scottish historian, philosopher, and essayist, wants to showcase the nature of humans in a new light. The book will probably disrupt your well-established beliefs about the world. It can even upset your meaning-making mechanism. All of this is a good thing. A Treatise of Human Nature talks about many things related to human nature. All of which, important.

When Immanuel Kant read this book, he famously said, “I was awoken from my dogmatic slumber.” If you, too, want to wake up and see the world as it is, check this book. While written more than 250 years ago, the book offers more insights into today’s world than all other titles combined.

“For my part, when I enter most intimately into what I call myself, I always stumble on some particular perception or other, of heat or cold, light or shade, love or hatred, pain or pleasure. I never can catch myself at any time without a perception, and never can observe any thing but the perception…” David Hume

The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene book cover

The best-selling author of power, Robert Greene, created the bible for human nature. This book is a masterpiece. Sold millions of copies, The Laws of Human Nature will help you master your emotions. Peak behind the social masks other people wear. Develop the skills you need to influence people and also shield yourself from the same things others try to impose on you. This is more than a how-to guide on human behavior. The book can be described as an encyclopedia that tracks down how history’s most famous tacticians were able to conquer hearts and nations.

Do you want to spot the flaws in the surrounding people? Do you want to push others in directions that are both good for them and you? The Laws of Human nature was designed to make you master strategies. The tactics shared will help you influence others without them realizing this. Prevent yourself from worshiping power-driven egoists and make them worship you. Yes, it might sound like you’ll become a dark Sith Lord after finishing this book (you might!) but it’s also a great read if you want to motivate yourself and your peers.

“You like to imagine yourself in control of your fate, consciously planning the course of your life as best you can. But you are largely unaware of how deeply your emotions dominate you. They make you veer toward ideas that soothe your ego. They make you look for evidence that confirms what you already want to believe. They make you see what you want to see, depending on your mood, and this disconnect from reality is the source of the bad decisions and negative patterns that haunt your life.” Robert Greene

Some Closing Thoughts

Some years ago I had the unusual opportunity to read the book Influence by Robert Cialdini – one of the best psychology books ever written.

I was 20 at the time. Back then, I didn’t realize this. But this book sparked an ever-growing hunger in me for books in the field of psychology.

I wasn’t only interested in knowing how to read others and spot how they respond to internal and external stimuli. I was also interested in understanding why I do what I do.

From there I moved on to topics like getting better at habits , improving self-discipline , and more generally – the idea of self-improvement .

Regardless of the industry you’re in. The more you understand how people think and behave, the better.

  • Parents reading psychology books can better prepare for the tough dialogues they have to have with their children.
  • Entrepreneurs starting a business will better position their product in the eyes of others.
  • Leaders in organizations will unravel what motivates their colleagues and help them reach peak performance.
  • Accountants who are sick of filling spreadsheets will spot what exactly in their day-to-day work is making them resent their work.

Above all, uncovering the hidden traits in human behavior will make you a more earthly human being. More understanding and more compassionate. Qualities we need more of.

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6 Self-Help Books That Therapists Read Themselves

Experts recommend these contemplative texts and workbooks to help shift your perspective.

An illustration of a person holding a paddle and standing on a book that is a raft on a dark blue river with large rocks that must be steered around.

By Carolyn Todd

Of the thousands of self-help books on the market, which ones are truly helpful? “It’s uncommon to find a self-help book that feels different,” said Vienna Pharaon, a marriage and family therapist in New York City.

But genuinely useful titles abound. The best of the genre invite reflection or offer practical tools to promote emotional, psychological or spiritual well-being. And there are some that therapists personally turn to or suggest to their patients.

“Almost every therapist I know has a whole list of self-help books to recommend,” said Daniel Tomasulo, a counseling psychologist and the academic director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University.

When sorting through the self-help stacks, who better to help than mental health professionals? We asked seven to share their picks.

1. The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World , by the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams

How do we experience joy in the face of personal and collective suffering? The Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu spent five days reflecting on their own lives to answer that question, and they compiled their stories and guidance in this 2016 book.

“The Book of Joy” is an opportunity to learn from two spiritual leaders in an intimate, accessible way, said Sona Dimidjian, director of the Renée Crown Wellness Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Through their dialogue, which is punctuated with laughter and tears, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu teach readers how to cultivate joy and work through difficulties like illness and despair. Dr. Dimidjian recommends the book to “anyone who is feeling overwhelmed by the realities of our world and daily life today,” she said.

2. The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living , by Russ Harris

This book, first published in 2007, teaches you to accept your negative thoughts and feelings as they arise, instead of resisting or being consumed by them — a refreshing approach known as acceptance and commitment therapy.

Diana Garcia, a South Florida-based therapist, says this easy-to-read primer made her “first fall in love” with ACT. She has clients use the book as a supplement to their sessions and recommends it to friends who are feeling stuck. It teaches you how to keep taking actions that move you in a positive direction regardless of how you’re feeling, she explained.

3. Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion , by Gregory Boyle

Gregory Boyle is a Jesuit priest who founded Homeboy Industries, a rehabilitation and re-entry program for former gang members. His 2011 book is a collection of real, raw stories about people he worked with and the lessons we can all draw from their experiences.

“Each chapter reads like a Sunday sermon to be savored and meditated upon,” said Jacob Ham, director of the Center for Child Trauma and Resilience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. While faith is woven throughout the book, Dr. Ham recommends the title to anyone who feels “that their traumas and all the ways they’ve coped with them have left them broken and unredeemable.”

4. The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity , by Julia Cameron

This 1992 workbook from Julia Cameron, a teacher and author, is a 12-week guide to recovering your sense of childlike creativity. And it’s not just for artists and writers, said Britt Frank, a trauma specialist in Kansas.

“Of all of the books I have ever used with clients, this one has the most staying power,” she said. “Because everyone is creative, and creativity is medicine.”

For years, Ms. Frank has returned to the book’s tools — like the “morning pages,” a stream-of-consciousness journaling practice. And she uses “The Artist’s Way” when treating clients with issues like depression and addiction. But skimmers beware, Ms. Frank cautioned: “It’s not a book you read. It’s a book you work.”

5. Homecoming: Healing Trauma to Reclaim Your Authentic Self , by Thema Bryant

Thema Bryant is a trauma therapist, ordained minister and professor who offers a “distinctive lens on health, hope and healing trauma,” said Ayanna Abrams, a psychologist in Atlanta.

Drawing on her clinical work, spirituality and personal recovery from trauma, Dr. Bryant shares stories, reflections and exercises in this 2022 title. She helps people believe in their capacity to heal, Dr. Abrams explained. Dr. Bryant also avoids the “gimmicky, bypassing or vague” language that so many self-help books lean on, she added.

6. The Power of Character Strengths: Appreciate and Ignite Your Positive Personality , by Ryan M. Niemiec and Robert E. McGrath

This 2019 guide helps people recognize, honor and nurture their brightest qualities, Dr. Tomasulo said. The idea of cultivating your “character strengths” comes from positive psychology, which centers on promoting well-being, he explained. “It’s about moving from focusing on ‘what’s wrong’ to ‘what’s strong.’”

People who lean into their character strengths tend to be happier , Dr. Tomasulo said. This book, he explained, is a good pick for “people who are doing OK, but want to have more joy and well-being in their life.”

Carolyn Todd is a freelance health journalist who covers wellness, mental well-being and diabetes.

How to Be Happy

Happiness can predict health and longevity, but it doesn’t just happen to you..

Small changes in your behavior and surroundings can set you on course for happiness.  Here ’s how .

Our seven-day Happiness Challenge  will help you focus on a crucial element of living a good life — your relationships .

Finland has been ranked the happiest country on earth for six consecutive years. What’s the secret? The answer is complicated .

Cultivating a sense of wonder can be a salve  for a turbulent mind. Here is how to make it part of your everyday life .

It can seem impossible to be optimistic about the future. But these questions  will help you understand what all optimists have in common.

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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

School-based delivery of a dialogic book sharing intervention: a feasibility study of books together.

  • 1 Centre for Evidence Based Early Intervention, College of Human Sciences, Bangor University, United Kingdom

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

Growing numbers of children enter mainstream education without the skills needed to prosper in the school environment. Without additional support, these children face poor long-term outcomes in terms of academic attainment, mental health difficulties and social problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of school-based delivery of the Books Together dialogic book sharing program to groups of parents, and to explore whether it impacts parent and child outcomes in order to facilitate school readiness. Parents of children aged 3-5 years old (n =16) were recruited from four North Wales primary schools. Video observations of parent/child interactions, a gaming format measure of expressive child language ability, parent-report measures of children's behavior, and social-emotional ability and of their parental competence were collected preand post-intervention. Thematic analysis of interviews with parents and the school-based staff who delivered the program explored feasibility and acceptability of the program. Significant postintervention increases in observed positive parenting and child expressive language skills and significant reductions in observed negative parenting were found. Parents reported significantly higher rates of child prosocial behavior and social/emotional ability as well as improved parenting competency at follow-up. Thematic analysis showed that staff and parents were satisfied with the program and that it was feasible to deliver in a school environment. The Books Together program is a low-cost intervention that, when delivered by school-based staff, shows promise for increasing the use of parenting strategies that build children's language and social/emotional skills associated with school readiness.

Keywords: dialogic book sharing, parent-child interactions, Language, social/emotional ability, parent training

Received: 29 Sep 2023; Accepted: 14 Feb 2024.

Copyright: © 2024 Williams, Owen and Hutchings. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

* Correspondence: Dr. Margiad E. Williams, Centre for Evidence Based Early Intervention, College of Human Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom

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    1. Career Paths in Psychology by Robert J. Sternberg. 2. The Psychology Major's Handbook by Tara L. Kuther. 3. Cognitive Psychology and its Implications by John R. Anderson. 4. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association by American Psychological Association. 5.

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    10 Best Selling Psychology Books to Read. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find--and Keep-- Love by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller. Publication Manual 7th Edition of the American Psychological Association.

  13. 20 Best Psychology Books of All Time

    The 20 best psychology books recommended by Kirk Borne, Naomi Wolf, Charlie Carver, Heidi N. Moore and David Heinemeier Hansson.

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    Another book that is a tell-all about a fascinating, provocative, even horrifying psychology study known as the Milgram experiment, named after the lead researcher. If you are unfamiliar with the study, it was meant to test whether or not people would obey authority even when they were asked to do something that they knew was wrong.

  15. Popular Books on Psychology

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    Psychology is the scientific study of the mind—primarily, the human mind, but also animal minds (comparative psychology). Understood as the study of human subjective consciousness, or the "soul" (psukhē, in Greek), psychology was for centuries an aspect of philosophy, with roots in such basic works of classical civilization as Plato's Phaedo (early 4th c. BC), Aristotle's On the ...

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    Psychology Books. Showing 1-50 of 100,000. Thinking, Fast and Slow (Hardcover) by. Daniel Kahneman. (shelved 8817 times as psychology) avg rating 4.18 — 490,170 ratings — published 2011. Want to Read. Rate this book.

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    The Divided Self: An Existential Study in Sanity and Madness by. R.D. Laing. 4.11 avg rating — 5,811 ratings. ... ~☆ Alice♥♥ wrote: "Saurabh wrote: "Julie wrote: "Note: Psychology books differ greatly from Pop Psychology books. For example, Malcolm Gladwell vs. books by Fromm, Skinner, Jung, Freud, Piaget, or Zimbardo."

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    Peter Jason Rentfrow, Daniel J. Levitin. A state-of-the-art overview of the latest theory and research in music psychology, written by leaders in the field.This authoritative, landmark volume offers a comprehensive state-of-the-art overview of the latest theory and research in music perception and cognition.

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    Best AP Psychology Review Book for High-Scoring Students: Barron's AP Psychology Premium, 2022-2023. Cost: About $21 for print. Barron's AP Psychology Premium is a thorough and helpful guide for students studying for the AP Psych test; however, this isn't the best choice if you're looking for a way to review quickly.

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    The Principles of Psychology by William James. Published in 1890, The Principles of Psychology introduces students to the wide spectrum of psychological states and forms of study. James takes into ...

  22. 100+ Psychology Books for Free! [PDF]

    3) Body Language Books. Body language is the ability to transmit information through our body. It fully reveals our sensations and the perception we have about our interlocutor. Facial expression, gestures and body posture are the most immediate expression of our feelings.

  23. The 10 Most Important Psychology Books to Understand Human Behavior

    10 of The Best Psychology Books to Understand Human Behavior: 1. Social Engineering by Christopher Hadnagy. 2. The Lucifer Effect by Philip G. Zimbardo. 3. Games People Play by Eric Berne. 4. Emotions Revealed by Paul Ekman.

  24. 6 Self-Help Books That Therapists Read Themselves

    Bryant also avoids the "gimmicky, bypassing or vague" language that so many self-help books lean on, she added. 6. The Power of Character Strengths: Appreciate and Ignite Your Positive ...

  25. Frontiers

    Growing numbers of children enter mainstream education without the skills needed to prosper in the school environment. Without additional support, these children face poor long-term outcomes in terms of academic attainment, mental health difficulties and social problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of school-based delivery of the Books Together ...