Martin E.P. Seligman is an American psychologist and writer.

He is probably best known for his work on the idea of "learned helplessness," and more recently, for his contributions to and leadership in the field of Positive Psychology.

As of late 2005, Seligman is the Robert A. Fox Leadership Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychology. At the Department, he was previously the Director of the Clinical Training Program. Seligman has served as President of the American Psychological Association (APA) Division of Clinical Psychology. In 1996, Seligman was elected President of the APAList of APA Presidents by the widest margin in its history. He is the founding Editor-in-Chief of Prevention and Treatment magazine (the APA electronic journal), is on the Board of Advisors of Parents Magazine, and is Chairman of the Scientific Board at Foresight, Inc.

Seligman is also a best selling author, writing about Positive Psychology topics such as The Optimistic Child, Learned Optimism, and, in 2002, Authentic Happiness. He also wrote What You Can Change and What You Can't.

Publications

• Seligman, M.E.P. (1990). Learned Optimism. New York: Knopf. (reissue edition, 1998, Free Press, ISBN 0671019112)
• Seligman, M.E.P. (1993). What You Can Change and What You Can't: The Complete Guide to Successful Self-Improvement. New York: Knopf. ISBN 0679410244 (Paperback reprint edition, 1995, Ballantine Books, ISBN 0449909719)
• Seligman, M.E.P. (1996). The Optimistic Child: Proven Program to Safeguard Children from Depression & Build Lifelong Resilience. New York: Houghton Mifflin. (Paperback edition, 1996, Harper Paperbacks, ISBN 0060977094)
• Seligman, M.E.P. (2002). Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment. New York: Free Press. ISBN 0743222970 (Paperback edition, 2004, Free Press, ISBN 0743222989)

References