Title
Courage
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
9-2016
Department 1
Management
Abstract
Courage is a well-praised but little-researched virtue, defined as voluntarily facing personal risk in pursuit of a worthy goal. Scientific research on courage has been steadily gaining momentum for the past decade. After providing a historical perspective, this chapter discusses a wide range of topics from modern courage theory. The key dimensions of courage (volition, goal, and risk) are introduced, and distinct types of courage are defined, based on how they differ on these key dimensions. Unique features present in select types of courage are also examined, including felt responsibility to act and the presence of fear. Several models for conceptualizing and evaluating courageous actions are reviewed, featuring a comparison of process and accolade courage. Psychological states and situational factors affecting courageous actions are considered, including emotional states, personal values, and social influences. Measurement tools for courage are described and appraised, and future directions for research and practice are discussed.
Copyright Note
This is the publisher's version of the work. This publication appears in Gettysburg College's institutional repository by permission of the copyright owner for personal use, not for redistribution.
DOI
10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199396511.013.30
Version
Version of Record
Recommended Citation
Pury, C. L. S., Brawley Newlin, A. Burnett, E. A., & Lopez, S. J. (2021). Courage. In C. R. Snyder, S. J. Lopez, L. M. Edwards, & S. C. Marques (Eds.), Oxford handbook of positive psychology (3rd ed., pp. 493-504). Oxford. 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199396511.013.30
Required Publisher's Statement
“Courage” from The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology edited by C. R. Snyder, Shane J. Lopez, Lisa M. Edwards, and Susana C. Marques, 2021, reproduced by permission of Oxford University Press https://www.oxfordhandbooks.com/view/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199396511.001.0001/oxfordhb-9780199396511-e-30