Reviews (7)

Why we call him Freud
I started reading this again and I can't believe how fresh and relevant Freud remains. The text is clear and considering how much the world has changed it remains as useful as it always has been.I suppose that it is not an accident that his writings are the foundation of an entire discipline.

One of Freud's major models
This work presents one of Freud's major theoretical models for understanding human personality. The three- fold division into ego- id- super-ego in some sense parallels the three fold division in Plato's thought. For Freud the Id is the unconscious instinctual animal element in us. It is our ' drives our hungers our lusts, our sexual lust centrally. The ego is the social self, the construct with which we meet the world. It is our rational self, our self as we present ourselves to the world through. The superego is the conscience, the what we should be. For Freud it is the voice of others, and especially of our parents telling and teaching us the difference between right and wrong. As Freud understood these three aspects of self are in constant interaction, and the kind of personality we are is determined by which of these faculties is predominant.
i would give this classic a 4.5...
reading Freud is a must for anyone who is interested in psychology or "psycho-analysis."He is the founding father for modern psychology and "psycho-analysis" and has become a household name. He has made many other contributions: he coined the famous terms, ego, id, super-ego, "psycho-analysis," unconscious, Oedipus Complex, reaction-formation, identification, free association, object-cathesis, etc.Although he is known to be extremely hard to understand I did not find this is so.This book does have a complex terminology but if you bookmark this page for the other reviewers great work on defining and getting at what Freud really means by the terms ego, id, and super-ego (ego-ideal) and do active reading (taking notes on the margins, underlining, and that type of stuff) its not as hard as everyone thinks.Take into account though, that Freud homophobic, sexist, anti-semetic, and was alive before many of the modern technological advances were made so brain study was unthinkable back then, and psychology was mainly sexual or childhood development theories used to explain parts of the brain and consciousness.Although Freud was wrong about alot of things and his method of free association was great for most of his patients (who volunteered to be studied by Freud) it takes too much time for people who dont want to be analyzed or who have trouble talking about their feelings.Even so, this is a great book and a must read plus its incredibly short.You also as someone else suggested might want to draw a new model of the brain since freud's one in this book does not include a lot of important details, check the new lectures book for an improved one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ego (Psychology)    2. Id (Psychology)    3. Movements - Behaviorism    4. Psychoanalysis    5. Psychology    6. Superego    7. The self, ego, identity, personality   

Editorial Review

When author Bill Bridges's wife died from breast cancer, he began to question all his previous groundbreaking work on transitions. Having conducted seminars and written bestselling books (Read more

Reviews (16)

Emotionally Powerful, Personalized Take on Transitions
William Bridges revisits the topic of transitions after the death of his first wife.This is an emotionally powerful book and Bridges is brutally honest and open about his own personality and relationships.I give it 4 stars, though, because I'm not sure that he adds a whole lot to his orginal work on transitions.

Getting personal wth William Bridges, Transition Guru
William Bridges surprised me with this extremely well-written and personal book.I am an executive coach who had read many of his other books and have often recommended Bridge's Managing Transitions to clients and friends in the business world.I opened the book expecting to find a how-to manual on getting through midlife in business,or through the loss of a job or some other similarly difficult but containable business transition.What I found was a deeply personal (and to me intensely meaningful description of) William's own life transitions through his job changes, marriage difficulties, and most significantly the death of his first wife and the transition that ensued.This beautifully written book reads more like a novel than a self help book, but the fact that it describes real transitions at a very deep level is exactly what makes it helpful.I congratulate the author for having the guts to write it.

Adjusting to change
The author is very professional in his knowledge of tranistion vs. change and the merging of the process so that one understands the need to understand transition and that understanding to facilitate change.It is a very personal account of his understanding of the value of "letting go".His wife of 48 years is about to pass and the culmination of their realtionship and acceptance of the change to come and the phases of tranistion.To me personally, the acceptance of "letting go" allowed me to move further into my life and relish the anticipation of what could be.But not until I "let go".To me that was an exceptional development.And it all had to do with understanding transition.I am deeply grateful as is my wife who is reading it now. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adjustment (Psychology)    2. Bridges, William,    3. Change (Psychology)    4. Death / Grief / Consolation    5. Death, Grief, Bereavement    6. General    7. Maturation (Psychology)    8. Personality    9. Psychology    10. Self-actualization (Psychology    11. Self-actualization (Psychology)    12. Biography: general    13. Coping with death & bereavement    14. Popular psychology    15. Biography/Memoir    16. Self-Help   

Reviews (1)

psychology of conservatism & fundamentalism
Altemeyer is regarded by social psychologists as the world's leading authority on the psychology of political conservatism and the psychology of religious fundamentalism. He has also done the most-extensive studies inthe psychology of bigotry. Altemeyer has submitted his fascinatingpersonality-questionnaire to over 50,000 individuals, including young andold, various academic specializations, Republicans, Democrats, Christians,Jews, Moslems, religious reformists, religious fundamentalists, atheists,agnostics, professional politicians, U.S., Canada, the former SovietUnion--many categories of people. He has applied the sophisticatedmathematical technique of factorial analysis to the results, so as toidentify how a wide range of personality variables naturally clustertogether or separate--are actually the same or different from one another.He has found that political conservatism, religious fundamentalism, and allkinds of bigotry--against Jews, gays, Blacks, women, the poor, and manyother minority or other weak groups--cluster together as actually a singlepersonality-trait, which he has thus called "Right-WingAuthoritarianism." He was amazed to find, when he submitted hisquestionnaires to members of the communist party in the former SovietUnion, that they too scored very high on his "RWA" scale--thatthe U.S.S.R.'s communists were true conservatives. However, communists incapitalist countries, interestingly, scored low on "RWA" orconservatism.Read more

Subjects:  1. Authoritarianism    2. Fascism    3. General    4. History & Theory - Radical Thought    5. Personality    6. Political Psychology    7. Psychiatry - General    8. Psychology    9. Research & Methodology    10. Right and left (Political scie    11. Right-wing extremists    12. Political ideologies    13. Psychology & Psychiatry / Personality    14. Social, group or collective psychology    15. Sociology, Social Studies    16. The self, ego, identity, personality   

Reviews (10)

A Great Developmental View of the Adoptee's Life
If you want a general idea of what you might expect to experience from the womb to the tomb (as an adoptee), this is the book for you. I always quote Drs. Brodzinsky and Schechter when I speak. One of the most profound things they say is that adoption loss for the child is more profound than death or divorce. Yea for the doctors--if more people would only listen to their wisdom and begin seeing adoption through the eyes of adoptees. A must-have for your adoption library.

Excellent resource for all members of the adoption triad
Thank goodness people are finally admitting that adoption, even if you had a great experience, still brings with it certain issues. Adoptive parents should read books like this to understand that their adopted child has special needs - so many adoptives take it as a personal affront if their child decides to search for birthparents, or even asks about them. For birthparents, it's affirmation of their loss (even if it was the best decision they felt they could make) and understanding of their surrendered child's feelings. Should be required reading for prospective adoptive parents

Okay, but repeat of many other better books
This was the third book I read as I began my search for my birth mother.It was repetative from other help books on searching and adoption and since I did not experience any negative feelings all my life from being adopted, I can't say that I can relate at all to some of the comments, stories, etc.It does have some good points though for helping in the search process. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adopted children    2. Adoptees    3. Adoption    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Life cycle, Human    6. Maturation (Psychology)    7. Personality    8. Psychology    9. Child welfare    10. Family & Relationships / Adoption   

Reviews (14)

You've got to read this book!
I received this book as a gift. There are quite a few books on this subject on the market and this one is the best. I too could not put it down and finished it in 3 days. It's a huge book, a great resource that is well researched and written.. I have a few friends who've purchased this book and really loved it too. I can highly recommend this book.
One Way Ticket to Kansas
This book is a must have for all people who have a borderline person in their life.This book is an easy read and captures the true feelings a person without borderline personality disorder is experiencing.It has helped validate me as a person and has allowed me to move on.I highly recommend this book !!

A Must Read, Essential If You Care About Someone With BPD
In my opinion this is hands down the best book out there for dealing with someone with borderline personality disorder.Yes, there is SWOE and other books that are out there, but One Way Ticket To Kansas is the only book that I have come across that is writen from the perspective of a spouse.It is also the only book out there that explains in detail the eratic and seriouly disturbed behaviors the person with BPD directs at the person they are most intimatelyclose to, the spouse. The information in One Way Ticket To Kansas is easy to read, entertaining, and the author has a knack for explaining the complexities of bpd in easy to understand terms.While the book is sensitive to the person with bpd, it also does not pull any punches either and gives an honest look at the effects to caring about someone with bpd.This book will make many light bulbs go off in your head, and help you realize that you have had the power all along to find happiness.It's empowering to the reader and focusses specifically on the reader, not the person with bpd.Once you start reading this book you will not want to put it down.Then you will read it again as you will emotionally connect with the author about so many aspect of your life.This is a must have book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mental Health    2. Personality    3. Psychology    4. Psychotherapy - Couples & Family   

Reviews (54)

Lost ,Then Found
The beautiful writing style makes Lost in the Mirror rewarding reading. Learning of the probability of the woman I love being borderline BPD, I undertook learning as much as I could about the disorder.
Not recommended for those with BPD--
I bought several books on BPD after realizing that someone close to me has symptoms that match those associated with BPD.
Lost in the Mirror
This book takes a psychological and behavioral approach to understanding borderline personality disorder. Even if you have read "I Hate You, Don't Leave Me", you'll need to read this book to understand what the best treatment modalities available today. Of course, it was out of date the minute it was put on paper, as all books are, but it is the best that I have found to understand the causes and underlying compulsions that frustrate those who suffer from BPD. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Borderline personality disorde    2. Borderline personality disorder    3. General    4. Mental Illness    5. Personality    6. Popular works    7. Psychology   

Subjects:  1. General    2. Personality    3. Psychology    4. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (32)

The Likeability Factor
Excellent book a pleasure to read.Provides scores of helpful suggestions to enhance your likeability factor and the impact it will have on your professional and personal life.I highly recommend it!Dr. Tom Pomeranz, President, Universal LIfeStiles, LLC

People Do Business with People They Like!
I recently saw Tim Sanders speak at a private business forum. His message range loud and clear: people do business with people they like.As a business coach, I talk to business owners and professionals all the time, and I can tell you that in my experience, many people in business are so transaction-oriented that they fail to do the simple things that create the kind of warm personal interaction that people need to feel good about doing business with someone. It's the likeability stuff that sticks with people and leads to repeat business and referrals. Tim Sanders' book is not only a reminder that we need to pay more attention to how we interact with people, he shows us how to become more likeable. It may seem like a simple concept, but it's essential. Highly recommended reading for anyone whose business depends on influencing others!

Good, but could be more detailed
I purchased this book with the intention of using it in an employability class.The author spent more time prooving that likeability matters than helping improve the likeability factor.Everyone has worked with people they hated, the impact of likeability is something we live with.The language is clear and accessible for high school level readers.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Communication (General)    3. Interpersonal Relations    4. Personal Growth - Success    5. Personal Guidance    6. Personality    7. Psychology    8. Self-Help    9. Workplace Culture    10. Business & Economics / General   

Editorial Review

Can 1.2 billion exceptionally nervous nervous systems be wrong? No way, says depth psychologist Elaine Aron, bestselling author of Read more

Reviews (7)

The perfect companion to the HSP book.
If you are serious about understanding being a highly sensitive person and want to, ". . . Thrive When the World Overwhelms You," this book can be very helpful.It caused me to think hard about what I'd read in The Highly Sensitive Person; consider what I must do to overcome any obstacles and make positive changes in my life.
Sensitive types
Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) are already sensitive to the role a book like this can play in their ability to take an active approach to self-understanding. Once one's status as an HSP is established, by way of this book's sensitively provided self-tests, the book then goes on to provide the tools to categorise one's sensitivity-type (ST) even further. The rude and insensitive sector of the population (RAIPs) would no doubt be surprised to learn that there are several types of HSP, with different levels of sensitivity depending on the life domain. Introverted, creative, sociable, and worried HSPs everywhere will be grateful to have these tools at their fingertips to increase the depth of their self-awareness on the HSP scale.
Learned helplessness repackaged as coping skills
The highly sensitive person, a creature undefined in this text and rooted nowhere in the realms of psychology or sociology, deserves much better than being pandered to and infantilized. Rather than teach coping mechanisms and skills for interpreting interpersonal communication, Aron's advice encourages narcissistic behavior and serves to convince the reader that they are fundamentally different from others in an undefined way, incapable of functioning on a basic social level, and rudderless without her help.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Personality    3. Psychology    4. Self-actualization (Psychology    5. Self-actualization (Psychology)    6. Sensitivity (Personality trait    7. Sensitivity (Personality trait)    8. Coping with stress    9. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    10. Popular psychology    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / Personality   

Subjects:  1. Clinical Psychology    2. Existential psychology    3. Existential psychotherapy    4. History    5. Personality    6. Philosophy Of Psychology    7. Psychology    8. Psychotherapy - Counseling    9. Phenomenology & Existentialism    10. Philosophy & theory of psychology    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / History    12. Psychotherapy   

Reviews (11)

Amazing contributors, better editing, good concepts
If you are interested in the Jungian idea of The Shadow, this is a great read.Just look at the contributors- Robert Bly, Jung, Joseph Cambell, Ken Wilbur... these are big names by smart people.
Shadow workbook?
I did not realize that this was a shadow workbook until after I had read quite a few chapters. It is an entertaining book to read, reminding me of Vincent Prices Theatre. As great as one story is the next one tops it. Zweig and Abrams have gathered a great collection of stories that will get you to open up your mind to receive something that was there all the time. 5 STARS!

Very Disappointing
With so many great authors contributing this had the potential to be a symphony, but what you get is meatloaf. I found very few of the articles worth the trudge through the quagmire. I would go directly to the author's individual works for more meaningful reading. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Emotions    2. Good and evil    3. Movements - Psychoanalysis    4. Personality    5. Psychoanalysis    6. Psychological aspects    7. Psychology    8. Shadow (Psychoanalysis)    9. Self-Help / Spiritual   

Reviews (1)

Good clinician's tool
I am using this book for a graduate class, and I can only say that it has been invaluable. This book is a must-have for any aspiring clinician that plans to use the MMPI-2 for assessment. It has everything you need and more, and breaks down the scales in a comprehensible manner. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Assessment, Testing & Measurement    2. Personality    3. Psychology    4. Reference    5. Psychological testing & measurement    6. Psychology & Psychiatry / Testing & Measurement   

Reviews (17)

Interesting but not exhaustive
Kevin Leman writes a very general introduction to the psychology of birth order and how it affects personality.He is very careful when making generalizations to state that they are only generalizations, trends, predictions.
WOW!
This book amazed me as it explained how people turn out the way that they do.It also explains that there are many different factors in the way that people turn out so your birth order is not totally in control. Dr. Leman clearly shows that we are all idividual beings created by God.

The Best
I'm a first born, and i've argued with many people that parents should have an alternate way other than always having high expectations for me and be like a geni pig for the rest of the family.
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Subjects:  1. Family Relationships    2. Marriage    3. Parenting - General    4. Personal Growth - General    5. Personality    6. Psychology    7. Self-Help    8. Siblings    9. Self-Help / Personal Growth / General   

Reviews (3)

Movies and Mental Illness: Using Films to Understand Psychotherapy
A really fine layman's guide to several prominent mental illnesses where specific films accurately portray manifestations of and reactions to those illnesses.It is now much more enjoyable to watch those films again with a better understanding of what the characters are attempting to portray. Highly recommended to any movie viewer who would like to know more about specific mental illnesses, but aren't able to attend psychiatric Grand Rounds as a physician.

Fascinating Movie Book
You may think Movies and Mental Illness is a book intended strictly for the mental health professionals and/or educators. Although I do not fall in either of these categories, I was enlightened by the wealth of knowledge offered by this book.
Psychopathology at the Movies
A good book covering a host of movies across time.Apart from one movie at the beginning of each chapter for a disorder category, not much diagnosis detail.Written by sound researchers in psychotherapy ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio-visual aids    2. Clinical Psychology    3. Mental Illness    4. Mental illness in motion pictures    5. Personality    6. Psychology    7. Psychology, Pathological    8. Psychotherapy - General    9. Study and teaching    10. Educational resources & technology    11. Films, cinema    12. Psychiatry   

Reviews (13)

A Great Success Story
This book helped me tremendously.A large part was how Berent gets you to look at yourself and understand that this is a behavior that can be changed through self-analysis and practice.I read the book about 3 years ago.Before that, I, without really knowing it, avoided social situations or talking in front of people at work.This was hindering my career.Once I realized this, using the book, I planned a change in behavior and started to overcome some of my fears.This lead to a promotion about 2 years ago, and then, near the end of last year, I was able to seize a once in a lifetime opportunity to start my own business.So far, so good!Thanks Jon!

This book saved me
With this book and the Beyond Shyness self-help audio program, I pulled myself up out of a world of shame and guilt and frustration into a world of logic, compassion and clarity at a level I've never knew existed. I have a totally new understanding of my fellow man and have virtually rid myself of the critical, judgmental mindset that used to isolate me from anyone knew.

this is good !!
i have read this book some months ago and its impression is still on me.when i have to make a decisuion i also think what this book will advice me.i had been a SP/SAD many years and read a lot of books and this is ,i think ,one of the 3 best . its style isnt too clinicaly . it also help me to understand things that related to other problem of mine which i didnt knew that i suffer from (dependent personality). when you read it doesnt make you to fill that you have a defect in your brain but that you have some wrong behavior that you have to change(for your own good). it also have good advices for parents of shy people-something that i didnt see in other books.Read more

Subjects:  1. Anxiety    2. Bashfulness    3. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    4. Personality    5. Psychology    6. Stress (Psychology)    7. Coping with personal problems    8. Popular psychology    9. Self-Help / Self-Esteem   

Reviews (3)

Unbelievably Informative and Funny
I am a compulsive liar. I admit it. I read this book and now I have greater insight into why I lie all of the time. A great read even if you are "honest."

Thorough and general treatment of practice of deceipt
A certain dry humour makes the book very readable. The description of social pressures in learning to lie, and animal world comparisons, are a useful perspective. The central theme - the danger of lying to oneself,or self deception - is of great importance in working in any largeorganisation. I would prescribe it as essential reading for managers anddirectors of most modern organisations Many readers may lack theobjectivity to appreciate and believe the reports contained in the book,though they are well researched and well documented. I hope the nextedition may spend more time in coping with lies. There are 13 pages in thisbook on therapeutic approaches toward the deceitful person. The commentson "groupthink", which involves bias of group behaviour, couldalso be expanded in future editions, with comments on the efficacy ofcountermeasures.

Ecellent psychological look at lying.
Straightforward.Well written and referenced.A very well laid out book with excellent references for further study on the subject.I gained a great appreciation for the psychological causes of lying.Highlyrecommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. General    3. Interpersonal Communication    4. Psychiatry - General    5. Psychology    6. Psychology Of Communication    7. Social Psychology    8. Popular psychology    9. The self, ego, identity, personality   

Reviews (4)

Measures of Personality and Social Psychological Attitudes (
I�m from Argentina, and I was wondering if you could send me the abstract of chapter 12 from this book, because here is imposible to get it. Thanks anyway. A must-have for researchers in SWB
Although the book tackled a lot of material pertinent to Attitude and Personality Measurement, I find it really useful in my research-interest in Subjective Well-Being (SWB). A chapter was dedicated to SWB, it's theories, tests and development. It is a really must-have book for those interested in SWB.

Recommend
If you are teaching research courses this book you want to havein your test library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attitude    2. Attitude (Psychology)    3. Mental Health    4. Personality    5. Personality assessment    6. Psychology    7. Social Psychology    8. Social interaction    9. Testing    10. Psychological testing & measurement    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / Social Psychology    12. Social, group or collective psychology   

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. General    3. Personality    4. Psychology    5. BODY IMAGE    6. MIND AND BODY    7. Personal appearance & beauty care    8. Popular psychology    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / Personality    10. SELF-ACTUALIZATION (PSYCHOLOGY)    11. SELF-ESTEEM    12. SELF-PERCEPTION    13. SELF-REALIZATION   

Editorial Review

"It isn't how much you know about maintaining a positive attitude that's important," writes Keith Harrell, formerly one of IBM's top training instructors and now a popular speaker, trainer, and consultant. "It's how well, and how consistently, you put that knowledge to use." In Read more

Reviews (26)

Powerful attitude changing steps
Really enjoyed reading this book. Beleive it will help change my life. Becuase attitude is everything. I truely beleive that statement. Must have for the person who wants to be a winner in life. Great for a person who thinks negatively all the time.

Uplifting, and...
I bought the audio-CD version of this book and I am glad I did; I don't think I would have finished it by reading.
A Solid Pep Talk
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING is a solid pep talk.Keith Harrell gives great advice in an enthusiastic manner.The book is rich with examples from the authors personal experience and those of his friends and associates.It certainly does the trick in inspiring the reader, however the material is primarily a rehash of material found in other books.If it is a new or novel approach to life changing steps that you're looking for you won't find it here, however if you are looking for a nice spark to jump start your personal goals then ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING is a solid success. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Attitude (Psychology)    3. Attitude change    4. Change (Psychology)    5. Consumer Health    6. Diets - Special Conditions    7. Diseases - Diabetes    8. Healthy Living    9. Motivational    10. Motivational & Inspirational    11. Personal Growth - Success    12. Personality    13. Self-Help    14. Self-Help / Motivational   

Reviews (39)

A great book - no question!
We all say there are things we want to have, do, or be in our life, but then we make choices that actually sabotage our efforts to achieve those goals.Why? In The Right Questions, Debbie Ford reveals the underlying commitments that are really running our lives, and then offers 10 questions we can ask ourselves to break free from a limiting past and move into the life of our dreams.This information is as practical as it is profound. Debbie has a remarkably simple and understandable way of presenting life-changing principles.Thank you, Debbie!
This is a great book...beware of all her marketing
This is a great book.Ford is very very insightful.Her work kicks up lots of stuff you'd rather not look at.
Repetitive
Ford starts with a question, and then within that chapter she says essentially the same thing over and over again, just in different words. I found this boring and tedious. It's like she had ten questions in mind, but she had trouble finding enough to say about them to fill a whole book.
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Subjects:  1. Motivational & Inspirational    2. Personal Growth - General    3. Psychology    4. Self-Help    5. Self-Help / Personal Growth / General    6. The self, ego, identity, personality