Applied psychology is an essential branch of psychology that offers practical solutions to everyday challenges. This field extends the principles of psychological research to areas such as business, education, health, and personal development. If you’re looking to gain insight into how psychology can improve your life or career, these top 10 books in Popular Applied Psychology are a must-read. From managing stress to unlocking your potential, each book on this list has been selected for its real-world applications and scientific grounding.
Written by Samantha Green
Samantha Green is a behavioral psychologist with a keen interest in helping people apply psychological principles to everyday life. With over a decade of experience in the field, she writes to bridge the gap between complex psychological theories and practical advice that anyone can implement.
Explore the Best Books in Popular Applied Psychology
Whether you’re seeking strategies for personal growth, ways to enhance resilience, or understanding human behavior in a new light, these top 10 Popular Applied Psychology books are sure to guide you toward a more fulfilling life. Let’s dive into the list, ranked from 10th to 1st!
10. Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others
Author: Laura van Dernoot Lipsky
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5 from 2,072 reviews)
Category: Popular Applied Psychology
Laura van Dernoot Lipsky presents a compassionate guide to navigating the emotional impact of working in trauma-related fields. This book is a must-read for anyone in caregiving roles, from social workers to healthcare professionals, helping them manage compassion fatigue and prevent burnout.
Why You’ll Love It:
Its holistic approach teaches readers how to care for themselves while serving others, ensuring long-term well-being.
Fun Fact:
Lipsky is a pioneer in the field of trauma stewardship, offering workshops globally to help people in high-stress professions maintain mental health.
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9. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
Author: Carol S. Dweck
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5 from 21,770 reviews)
Category: Popular Applied Psychology
Carol Dweck’s groundbreaking work on “fixed” versus “growth” mindsets reveals how our beliefs about our abilities can shape our success in both personal and professional realms. This book explains how a growth mindset leads to a fulfilling life by embracing challenges and learning from failures.
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s packed with actionable strategies to help you change the way you think about challenges, paving the way for both personal and career growth.
Fun Fact:
Dweck’s concept of mindset has been embraced by educators, athletes, and CEOs worldwide, revolutionizing how we approach learning and personal development.
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8. Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do
Author: Wallace J. Nichols
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5 from 1,346 reviews)
Category: Popular Applied Psychology
In Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols explores the psychological benefits of water. Whether you’re swimming in the ocean or relaxing by a river, the science-backed effects of water on reducing stress and increasing happiness are profound.
Why You’ll Love It:
This book blends neuroscience with environmental psychology, making it a unique and insightful read for anyone looking to improve their mental well-being through nature.
Fun Fact:
Nichols coined the term “Blue Mind” to describe the meditative state our brains enter when near water.
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7. Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness
Author: Steve Magness
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5 from 1,628 reviews)
Category: Popular Applied Psychology
Steve Magness challenges conventional wisdom about toughness and resilience. Drawing from cutting-edge psychological research, he provides a fresh perspective on what it means to persevere and why grit alone isn’t enough for success.
Why You’ll Love It:
Magness’s insights on resilience make this book essential for anyone looking to push through obstacles in life or work, without burning out.
Fun Fact:
Magness is an expert endurance coach, having worked with Olympic athletes, and his book integrates insights from sports psychology.
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6. Escape The Trap Of Being Stuck: Stop Self-Sabotage, Don’t Believe Everything You Think, And Unlock Your Full Potential
Author: Thinknetic
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5 from 37 reviews)
Category: Popular Applied Psychology
This book offers practical tools to help readers break free from self-sabotaging behaviors and limiting beliefs. It’s a roadmap for unlocking your full potential by understanding how your thoughts can hold you back and how to rewire them for success.
Why You’ll Love It:
Its blend of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques and motivational insights makes it perfect for those looking to make meaningful changes.
Fun Fact:
Thinknetic specializes in creating self-help books that focus on simplifying complex psychological concepts for everyday readers.
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5. Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life
Author: Roxie Nafousi
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5 from 4,402 reviews)
Category: Popular Applied Psychology
Roxie Nafousi’s Manifest offers an accessible guide to transforming your mindset and manifesting your dreams. This book is rooted in positive psychology, providing readers with actionable steps to create the life they want by changing their thought patterns.
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s not just about wishful thinking – Nafousi provides science-backed methods for achieving goals through self-belief and intentional action.
Fun Fact:
Nafousi has built a massive online community through her personal journey of using manifestation techniques to overcome adversity.
Get it now: Buy here
4. Este dolor no es mío: Identifica y resuelve los traumas familiares heredados
Author: Mark Wolynn
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5 from 7,496 reviews)
Category: Popular Applied Psychology
Mark Wolynn’s book explores the concept of inherited trauma and how it can affect your emotional and psychological well-being. By understanding the patterns passed down through generations, you can break free from limiting behaviors and lead a more fulfilling life.
Why You’ll Love It:
This book is perfect for anyone looking to understand the deeper roots of their emotional struggles, especially those related to family dynamics.
Fun Fact:
Wolynn is considered a leader in the field of intergenerational trauma, offering workshops around the world on how to heal from inherited emotional wounds.
Get it now: Buy here
3. We Who Wrestle with God: Perceptions of the Divine
Author: Jordan B. Peterson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Category: Popular Applied Psychology
Jordan B. Peterson delves into humanity’s relationship with the divine and how this impacts psychological well-being. This book is an exploration of faith, spirituality, and their roles in human psychology.
Why You’ll Love It:
Peterson’s thoughtful analysis of religion and psychology provides readers with a framework to understand the importance of belief systems in shaping our mental health.
Fun Fact:
Peterson is a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology, known for his deep dives into controversial and philosophical topics.
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2. Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life
Author: Jordan B. Peterson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5 from 17,210 reviews)
Category: Popular Applied Psychology
This follow-up to Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life provides more guidance on how to navigate the chaos of modern life. With practical and philosophical insights, Beyond Order is a roadmap for those seeking to build structure and find meaning.
Why You’ll Love It:
Peterson’s clear, concise rules are backed by psychological research, making them easy to apply in everyday life.
Fun Fact:
This book was inspired by Peterson’s years of clinical practice, and each rule is based on real-world experiences.
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1. 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos
Author: Jordan B. Peterson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5 from 80,850 reviews)
Category: Popular Applied Psychology
Jordan B. Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life is one of the most popular books in applied psychology. It provides readers with simple but profound rules for leading a life of meaning, responsibility, and purpose. From standing up straight to surrounding yourself with people who uplift you, each rule offers valuable life lessons.
Why You’ll Love It:
Peterson’s blend of personal anecdotes and psychological insights makes this a compelling read for anyone looking to bring more order into their life.
Fun Fact:
Peterson’s lectures and debates have gained millions of views online, making him one of the most prominent figures in modern psychology.
Get it now: Buy here
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