Introduction

Abstract

Abstract Virtues originally defined human flourishing, but they have been historically neglected within psychiatry out of concerns about scientific objectivity, realistic expectations, therapeutic moralism, among others. In recent decades, interest in their relevance has been spurred by problems sustaining professionalism, growing attention to virtue ethics, research evidence from positive psychology of mental health benefits of virtues such as forgiveness, and the establishment of a fourth wave of growth-promoting therapies. This book considers the challenges presented by attempts to enhance the virtues of both therapist and patient, and aims to clarify specific ways these challenges are intrinsic to psychiatric practice.