Dr Martin Seligman PhD

Dr Martin E.P. Seligman is a world-renowned psychologist, educator, and leading authority in the fields of positive psychology, resilience, optimism, learned helplessness, and well-being. He is the Director of the Penn Positive Psychology Center and leads the Penn Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program.

Elected President of the American Psychological Association in 1998, Dr Seligman championed the promotion of positive psychology as a scientific field, transforming research and practical interventions in happiness, well-being, education, and psychotherapy. His work has shaped both academic study and real-world applications in resilience, mental health, and human flourishing.

Dr Seligman has authored over 350 scholarly publications and 30 books, including Flourish, Authentic Happiness, Learned Optimism, and The Hope Circuit. His books have been translated into more than 50 languages and have become international bestsellers. His research has received support from leading institutions, including the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Science Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Education.

He has received numerous awards, including the APA Award for Lifetime Contributions to Psychology (2017), the Tang Award for Lifetime Achievement in Psychology (2014), and the APA Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award (2006). Dr Seligman has lectured globally to educators, industry leaders, parents, and mental health professionals, sharing science-based strategies to increase well-being, resilience, and human potential.

Dr Seligman earned his A.B. in Philosophy from Princeton University, Summa Cum Laude, and his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, along with multiple honorary doctorates from institutions worldwide.