Heroic Humility: What the Science of Humility Can Say to People Raised on Self-Focus

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In this age of selfies, instant celebrity, and corporate scandals, there is a pressing need for greater humility.

This book synthesizes research and theory relevant to humility and heroism, articulating a vision of heroic humility — humility of such great depth that it inspires others.

Fortunately, humility can be learned. It has three aspects: an honest self-appraisal (including an attitude that one is teachable), modest self-presentation, and an orientation toward building others up rather than putting them down. People who embody heroic humility not only demonstrate instances of great humility, but practice it throughout their lives, even when severely tested.

This book likens the formation of a humble character to a hero’s journey, with a “call,” a passage through challenges and temptations, a descent into abyss, and redemption.

An impressive array of examples — such as Mother Teresa, Malala Yousafzai, and Abraham Lincoln — illustrate that no two heroic journeys are identical.

This insightful volume challenges readers to embark on their own journey of heroic humility in their work, service, and personal lives.

Forgiveness and Spirituality in Psychotherapy: A Relational Approach

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Forgiveness is a frequent challenge in life and a common concern of clients in psychotherapy. While it is easy to see the emotional benefits of forgiveness, actually forgiving a transgressor can be difficult. And the process may be either helped or hindered by the way one relates to the sacred. In some cases, spiritual transformation may be needed before one is able to forgive.

This book presents a model of forgiveness and relational spirituality based on clinical practice and supported by empirical research. Everett Worthington and Steven Sandage bring together decades of experience as both researchers and clinicians to show the differing ways in which spiritual and religious experiences can shape concerns, values, and practices that may facilitate or hinder forgiveness among clients.

Their model highlights relational factors (attachment and differentiation) and action-oriented interventions for emotion regulation. Applications are described for short-term therapy, long-term therapy, couple and family therapy, and group therapy.

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Related Training Video: 

Forgiveness in Couple Therapy

With Everett L. Worthington Jr. and Steven J. Sandage
Part of the American Psychological Association Relationships Video Series

(DVD) ISBN 978-1-43382845-4
Approximately 100 minutes
APA Members $79.95, Non-Members $109.95
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Handbook of Humility: Theory, Research, and Applications

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The Handbook of Humility is the first scholarly book to bring together authors from psychology as well as other fields to address what we know and don’t know about humility. Authors review the existing research in this burgeoning field that has well over 100 empirical articles and an increasing trajectory of publication. This work should form the basis for research in humility for many years.

In this book, chapters address definitions of humility that guide research. Authors also reflect on the practical applications of humility research within the areas they reviewed. The book informs people who study humility scientifically, but it is also an exceptional guide for psychotherapists, philosophers, religious and community leaders, politicians, educated lay people, and those who would like to fuel an informed reflection on how humility might make interactions more civil in relationships, organizations, communities, political processes, and national and international relations.