The Power of Negative Emotion

Mindfulness, kindness, and positivity can take us far. But they cannot take us all the way. Sometimes, they can even hold us back. Emotions like anger, anxiety, or doubt might be uncomfortable, but it turns out that they are also incredibly useful. Kashdan and Biswas-Diener explain the importance of developing our emotional agility - the ability to access our full range of emotions (not just the good ones).

“'[A] well-researched and highly fact-based read'.”

'[A] well-researched and highly fact-based read'.

The Glass House

'A really cleverly packaged, quite brilliant idea... the ultimate end of January read' 

-- Alexandra Heminsley Radio 2

'Entertaining and informative'

Press Association

‘Rather good.. may entice you into reclaiming your dark side’

The Times

‘A new way of thinking’ 

The Sun

'The perfect manual for someone waking up on a January morning’ 

Independent on Sunday

‘A highly refreshing alternative to the idea that one must pursue happiness at all costs.’

-- Kelly McGonigal, author of The Willpower Instinct

'Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the hidden elements of a happy, fulfilling, engaged life.'

-- Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author of The Happiness Project

‘I feel like I have five new superpowers after reading this book. The dark side does indeed have an upside – and this book teaches us how to harness it, so we can truly lead more heroic and purposeful lives.’

-- Jane McGonigal, author of Reality Is Broken

‘With verve, humour, solid research, and lots of examples, the authors cut through prevailing myths about happiness to show what actually creates a fulfilling, contributing life. Brave, bold, and brilliant.’

-- Rick Hanson, author of Buddha’s Brain

‘At long last, here’s a book on why happiness can make us sad and mindfulness might be overrated. If you haven’t read it yet, you should feel guilty – and it turns out that will be good for you.’

-- Adam Grant, author of Give and Take

‘Full of scientific research yet laugh-out-loud funny, this book is a must read. The authors turn everything on its head – questioning the wisdom of positive psychology and the pursuit of happiness – all in order to help us flourish and be happy!’

-- Kristin Neff, author of Self-Compassion

Dr Todd B. Kashdan is a clinical psychologist and recognized authority on well-being, having published two bestselling books and more than 150 scholarly articles. Robert Biswas-Diener is a world expert on positive psychology and sits on the editorial boards of the Journal of Happiness Studies and the Journal of Positive Psychology.

Mindfulness, kindness, and positivity can take us far. But they cannot take us all the way. Sometimes, they can even hold us back. Emotions like anger, anxiety, or doubt might be uncomfortable, but it turns out that they are also incredibly useful. Kashdan and Biswas-Diener explain the importance of developing our "emotional agility" - the ability to access our full range of emotions (not just the "good" ones).

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.