Complete Bibliography & Further Reading
The science behind acceptance-based personal development
UBAnOptimalist2 is built on decades of rigorous research in positive psychology, perfectionism studies, and acceptance-based interventions. This page provides a comprehensive bibliography of the academic works, books, and research papers that inform the product's 4 pillars and 31 modules. Each source is available through Amazon with direct purchase links.
The foundational research upon which UBAnOptimalist2's 4 pillars are built:
2009 • McGraw-Hill
The seminal work that forms the backbone of UBAnOptimalist2. Ben-Shahar, who taught the most popular course in Harvard's history, introduces the critical distinction between perfectionism and optimalism. He demonstrates how perfectionists reject reality while optimalists accept it—and why this acceptance paradoxically leads to greater success and happiness.
Essential texts from the founders and leaders of positive psychology and acceptance-based approaches:
2007 • McGraw-Hill
Ben-Shahar's first book, based on his legendary Harvard course, provides the broader happiness framework that contextualizes optimalism. Introduces the concept of being a "benefit finder" rather than a "fault finder."
2011 • Atria Books
The founder of positive psychology introduces PERMA: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment—the five pillars of well-being that complement Ben-Shahar's optimalism framework.
2002 • Free Press
Seligman's foundational work establishing positive psychology as a science. Provides the empirical foundation for understanding what makes life worth living beyond simply reducing suffering.
2012 • The Experiment
Ben-Shahar's practical guide to making moment-by-moment choices that lead to greater happiness. Extends optimalism principles into daily decision-making through 101 choice-points.
Research supporting Pillar 4 (Growth Mindset) of UBAnOptimalist2:
2006 • Random House
The definitive work on fixed vs. growth mindset. Dweck's research shows that believing abilities can be developed leads to greater achievement than believing talents are fixed—a core principle of optimalism's approach to failure and learning.
2016 • Scribner
Duckworth's research on sustained effort toward long-term goals complements optimalism's emphasis on accepting failure while persisting. Shows how passion combined with perseverance—not talent—predicts achievement.
Research on understanding and overcoming perfectionism through self-acceptance:
2011 • William Morrow
Neff's groundbreaking research shows that self-compassion—treating ourselves with the same kindness we'd offer a friend—is more effective than self-criticism for motivation and wellbeing. The antidote to perfectionist self-attack.
2010 • Hazelden
Brown's research on vulnerability, shame, and wholehearted living. Demonstrates how embracing imperfection—rather than striving for perfection—leads to more authentic, connected, and fulfilling lives.
2009 • New Harbinger (2nd Edition)
A practical, CBT-based guide to understanding and overcoming perfectionism. Includes assessments, worksheets, and evidence-based strategies for transforming perfectionist patterns.
2012 • Gotham Books
Brown's exploration of how vulnerability—the willingness to show up imperfectly—is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change. Essential for understanding why perfectionism blocks growth.
Research on acceptance as a psychological skill:
2008 • Shambhala
Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), this book teaches how to handle painful thoughts and feelings effectively, pursue values-driven action, and develop psychological flexibility—core optimalist skills.
2003 • Bantam
Brach integrates Buddhist teachings with Western psychology to offer a path to emotional healing through radical acceptance—accepting ourselves exactly as we are, right now, without judgment.
2013 • Bantam (Revised Edition)
The foundational work on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Kabat-Zinn shows how mindful awareness and acceptance can transform our relationship with stress, pain, and difficult experiences.
Peer-reviewed research underlying UBAnOptimalist2's evidence-based approach:
Hewitt, P. L., & Flett, G. L. (1991). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 60(3), 456-470.
Foundational paper establishing the multidimensional nature of perfectionism and its relationship to psychological problems—the research that helped define what perfectionism actually is.
Neff, K. D. (2003). Self and Identity, 2(2), 85-101.
Neff's seminal paper introducing self-compassion as a construct distinct from self-esteem, showing it predicts wellbeing while avoiding the pitfalls of narcissism and contingent self-worth.
Blackwell, L. S., Trzesniewski, K. H., & Dweck, C. S. (2007). Child Development, 78(1), 246-263.
Demonstrates that students who believe intelligence can be developed outperform those with fixed mindsets—empirical support for Pillar 4's growth orientation.
Lyubomirsky, S., King, L., & Diener, E. (2005). Psychological Bulletin, 131(6), 803-855.
Meta-analysis showing that happiness causes success (not just the reverse), supporting optimalism's emphasis on wellbeing as a foundation for achievement.
Hayes, S. C., Wilson, K. G., Gifford, E. V., Follette, V. M., & Strosahl, K. (1996). Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64(6), 1152-1168.
Foundational ACT paper showing that avoiding painful experiences paradoxically increases suffering—supporting Pillar 2's emphasis on accepting rather than fighting emotions.
Shafran, R., & Mansell, W. (2001). Behaviour Research and Therapy, 39(11), 1249-1258.
Reviews cognitive aspects of perfectionism including dichotomous thinking and selective attention to failure—the mental patterns optimalism helps transform.
Google Scholar is a free academic search engine that indexes peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, and conference proceedings from universities and research institutions worldwide.
Unlike regular Google, Scholar focuses exclusively on academic and scholarly sources—the original research that books like those above are based on.
Use Google Scholar when you want to:
Note: Some papers require institutional access or purchase, but many are freely available as PDFs.
Apply evidence-based acceptance principles with UBAnOptimalist2's 31 modules and 3,100+ curated quotes.