Essentials of Psychology: Concepts Revealed Through Compelling Stories

Featuring a dynamic storytelling approach, Essentials of Psychology: Concepts Revealed Through Compelling Stories introduces students to ideas, theories, research, and major concepts in psychology through highly engaging and accessible narratives. The book is designed to pique students’ interest, engage their natural curiosity in psychology, and help them immediately apply key learnings to their own lives.

The text covers major concepts and topics in psychology, including social scientific inquiry, sensation and perception, learning, memory, intelligence, cognition, emotion, personality, mental disorders, and more. Each chapter begins and ends with interesting stories that are immersive, entertaining, and help students better understand why we behave the ways we do. Each chapter also touches upon the history, theories, research, notable figures, and applications of the central topic, providing students with a valuable yet manageable introduction to the discipline. With a goal to keep from overwhelming students with more information than they can possibly remember, the text provides a thoughtful amount of information to familiarize students with the essentials of psychology and encourage meaningful, personal connections.

A unique and vibrant option, Essentials of Psychology is an excellent resource for foundational courses in psychology, especially for those that seek to engage and inspire.

Jeffrey A. Kottler is one of the most prominent authors in the fields of psychology, health, and education, having written over 100 books across a broad range of topics. He is professor emeritus at California State University, Fullerton and resident scholar at the Alliance for Multicultural Community Service in Houston, Texas, where he works on issues related to refugee mental health and wellness.