Heroism and Wellbeing in the 21st Century: Applied and Emerging Perspectives

Offering a holistic take on an emerging field, this edited collection examines how heroism manifests, is appropriated, and is constructed in a broad range of settings and from a variety of disciplines and perspectives. Psychologists, educators, lawyers, researchers and cultural analysts consider how heroism intersects with wellbeing, and how we still use--and even abuse--heroism as a vehicle to thrive and prosper in the everyday and in the face of the most unbearable situations. Highlighting some of the most pressing issues in today’s world--including genocide, racism, deceitful business practices, bystanderism, mental health, unethical governance and the global refugee crisis--this book applies a critical psychological perspective in synthesizing the social construction of heroism and wellbeing, contributing to the development of global wellbeing indicators and measures.

Olivia Efthimiou is an Honorary Postdoctoral Associate in the School of Arts at Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.

Scott T. Allison is Professor of Psychology at the University of Richmond, USA.

Zeno E. Franco is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, USA.