Best Popular Psychology Reference Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 26, 2023

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Popular psychology reference books are essential for anyone interested in understanding the workings of the human mind. These books cover a wide range of topics, from personal growth and development to mental health and relationships. Some of the most popular titles include "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle, "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl, and "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman. These books are written in an accessible and engaging style, making them perfect for both professionals and laypeople alike. Whether you're looking to improve your own mental health or simply gain a deeper understanding of the human psyche, popular psychology reference books are an invaluable resource.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Publication Manual (OFFICIAL) 7th Edition of the American Psychological Association Cover #TOP 1
Publication Manual (OFFICIAL) 7th Edition of the American Psychological Association
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Encyclopedia of Counseling: Master Review and Tutorial for the National Counselor Examination, State Counseling Exams, and the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination Cover #TOP 2
Encyclopedia of Counseling: Master Review and Tutorial for the National Counselor Examination, State Counseling Exams, and the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination
ftb score rating icon 9.7
DSM-5 Overview (Quick Study Academic) Cover #TOP 3
DSM-5 Overview (Quick Study Academic)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Popular Psychology Reference Books

Publication Manual (OFFICIAL) 7th Edition of the American Psychological Association

American Psychological Association
American Psychological Association
Oct 1, 2019
Publication Manual (OFFICIAL) 7th Edition of the American Psychological Association Cover
Publication Manual (OFFICIAL) 7th Edition of the American Psychological Association

The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition is a must-have for writers, researchers, editors, students, and educators in various fields. It offers guidance on scholarly writing and citation, and helps users navigate the writing process from ethics of authorship to publication. The new edition includes updates on best practices in scholarly writing and publishing, and a dedicated chapter on bias-free language guidelines. The book is available in spiral and tabbed, paperback, and hardcover formats, all in full color. Overall, it is an indispensable resource for achieving excellence in writing and making an impact with one's work.

Encyclopedia of Counseling: Master Review and Tutorial for the National Counselor Examination, State Counseling Exams, and the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination

Rosenthal, Howard
Routledge
Apr 24, 2017
Encyclopedia of Counseling: Master Review and Tutorial for the National Counselor Examination, State Counseling Exams, and the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination Cover
Encyclopedia of Counseling: Master Review and Tutorial for the National Counselor Examination, State Counseling Exams, and the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination

The Encyclopedia of Counseling, Fourth Edition is a comprehensive guide for anyone preparing for the NCE, CPCE, and other counseling exams. Dr. Rosenthal's engaging and easy-to-understand writing style, combined with new and updated material on a range of vital topics, makes this book an invaluable resource. The book covers all eight areas of counselor competency, providing past exam questions, answers, and explanations. The reviewer highly recommends this book and considers it the only resource needed to prepare for counseling exams.

BarCharts, Inc.
QuickStudy
May 31, 2014
DSM-5 Overview (Quick Study Academic) Cover
DSM-5 Overview (Quick Study Academic)

The DSM-5 Overview is a concise yet comprehensive guide to the updated Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders Fifth Edition. It provides an overview of the most relevant aspects of the handbook, making it an excellent reference tool for students and healthcare professionals alike. The book is part of the Quickstudy Reference Guides brand, known for its practical and easy-to-understand approach to complex topics. Overall, the DSM-5 Overview is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the study and practice of mental health disorders.

#TOP 4

DSM-5-TR Overview: a QuickStudy Laminated Reference Guide

Bernstein PsyD, Rona
Jacobs, Elizabeth
Nov 1, 2022
DSM-5-TR Overview: a QuickStudy Laminated Reference Guide Cover
DSM-5-TR Overview: a QuickStudy Laminated Reference Guide

DSM-5-TR Overview: a QuickStudy Laminated Reference Guide is a concise and well-written reference guide covering the essentials of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders 5-TR. Six laminated pages provide a quick review of the most used core of the DSM. This book is highly recommended for students and professionals in the field of psychology and counseling, as well as parents, military, and educators seeking to investigate mental health issues. The guide covers various disorders and circumstances that may be a focus of clinical attention, medical advice, and environmental circumstances. Overall, this book is a valuable tool for anyone seeking to boost their grades, test scores, and awareness of mental health disorders.

The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy

Yalom, Irvin D.
Leszcz, Molyn
Basic Books
Dec 1, 2020
The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy Cover
The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy

The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy is a classic work that has been the standard text in the field for decades. In its completely updated sixth edition, Dr. Yalom and Dr. Leszcz present the most up-to-date, incisive, and comprehensive text available on the practice of group psychotherapy. The material is suitable for mental health professionals across disciplines who want to build their knowledge and expertise for leading psychotherapy groups. The book covers new sections throughout, including online group therapy, modern analytic and relational approaches, and measurement-based care. Overall, this book is an essential resource for learning and enhancing group leadership skills for all types of groups.

#TOP 6

How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing (2018 New Edition) (APA LifeTools Series)

Silvia, Paul J.
APA LifeTools
Sep 25, 2018
How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing (2018 New Edition) (APA LifeTools Series) Cover
How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing (2018 New Edition) (APA LifeTools Series)

How to Write a Lot by Paul Silvia is a practical guidebook for academics who struggle to finish their writing projects due to a busy schedule. Silvia provides strategies to motivate researchers, professors, and students to become better writers and to use their time more effectively. This second edition includes a new chapter on writing grant and fellowship proposals. Silvia's recommendations are backed up by evidence from behavioral studies and personal experience. The book is insightful, witty, and applies to academic writing in most disciplines. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their writing productivity.

You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health―With Advice from Experts and Wisdom from Real People and Families

Duckworth MD, Ken
Sep 20, 2022
You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health―With Advice from Experts and Wisdom from Real People and Families Cover
You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health―With Advice from Experts and Wisdom from Real People and Families

The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health is a comprehensive resource for individuals and families seeking expert guidance on mental health diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The book features inspiring, true stories from real people who have experienced mental health challenges. Written by Dr. Ken Duckworth, a psychiatrist with the vulnerability of a peer, this book offers practical guidance on navigating care and research-based evidence on treatments that work. It also provides insight and advice from renowned clinical experts and practitioners. This powerful book is a reminder that help is available, and no one has to face mental health challenges alone.

#TOP 8

The Essential Enneagram: The Definitive Personality Test and Self-Discovery Guide -- Revised & Updated

Daniels, David
Price, Virginia
HarperOne
May 26, 2009
The Essential Enneagram: The Definitive Personality Test and Self-Discovery Guide -- Revised & Updated Cover
The Essential Enneagram: The Definitive Personality Test and Self-Discovery Guide -- Revised & Updated

The Essential Enneagram: The Definitive Personality Test and Self-Discovery Guide -- Revised & Updated is a comprehensive guide to the Enneagram, a centuries-old psychological system that can help individuals in their journey towards self-understanding and personal development. Written by David Daniels and Virginia Price, this book features self-tests, step-by-step instructions, and empowering information for each of the nine personality types. Daniels, a world-renowned Enneagram author, brought rigor and scientific validity to the Enneagram. This book is an invaluable tool for anyone seeking to enhance their quality of life.

#TOP 9

Healing Your Lost Inner Child: How to Stop Impulsive Reactions, Set Healthy Boundaries and Embrace an Authentic Life (Robert Jackman’s Practical Wisdom Healing Series)

Jackman, Robert
Practical Wisdom Press
Aug 6, 2020
Healing Your Lost Inner Child: How to Stop Impulsive Reactions, Set Healthy Boundaries and Embrace an Authentic Life (Robert Jackman’s Practical Wisdom Healing Series) Cover
Healing Your Lost Inner Child: How to Stop Impulsive Reactions, Set Healthy Boundaries and Embrace an Authentic Life (Robert Jackman’s Practical Wisdom Healing Series)

Healing Your Lost Inner Child by Robert Jackman is a practical guide that takes readers on a journey to heal unresolved emotional pain from childhood experiences of abuse, neglect, or trauma. The book uses the HEAL process to help readers embrace an authentic life by acknowledging and healing their pain. Through relatable stories and exercises, Jackman encourages readers to stop impulsive reactions and set healthy boundaries. What makes this book unique is its focus on the lost inner child and how it affects adult behavior. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for those seeking to heal from past trauma and improve their emotional well-being.

Concise Guide to APA Style: 7th Edition (OFFICIAL)

American Psychological Association
American Psychological Association
Dec 24, 2019
Concise Guide to APA Style: 7th Edition (OFFICIAL) Cover
Concise Guide to APA Style: 7th Edition (OFFICIAL)

The Concise Guide to APA Style: 7th Edition is an essential resource for undergraduate students seeking to improve their scholarly communication skills and learn the basics of formatting papers and assignments. This pocket guide provides comprehensive guidance on APA Style, including new chapters on writing style and grammar, bias-free language guidelines, and reference templates. The book is relevant to a range of majors and courses, making it a valuable addition to any student's library. Overall, this official APA Style resource is a must-have for students seeking to excel in their academic writing.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which reference book is best for psychology class 11?

Psychology Class 11 Ncert With Fullmarks Guide (Set Of 2 Books) (Paperback, Ncert, Fullmarks)PsychologyPsych 101: Psychology Facts, Basics, Statistics, Tests, and More!Physiological Psychology Dictionary: A Reference Guide for Students and ProfessionalsPSYCHOLOGY: UNDERSTANDING ATTITUDE AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR: A REFERENCE BOOK WITH ADAPTED READINGS, FIRST EDITION [Book]APA Concise Dictionary of Psychology [Book]Concise Encyclopedia of PsychologyPsychology Terminology: A QuickStudy Digital Reference GuidePsychology: Rea Quick Access Reference Chart [Book]The Little Book of Psychology: An Introduction to the Key Psychologists and Theories You Need to KnowThe Dictionary of Psychology [Book]Imagery in Psychology: A Reference GuideThe Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology, Volume 4 [Book]The Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology, Volume 1 [Book]Dictionary of Psychology [Book]The Psychology of Behaviour: A Practical Study of Human Personality and Conduct With a Special Reference to Methods of Development [Book]A Student's Dictionary of Psychology and Neuroscience [Book]APA College Dictionary of Psychology [Book]The Oxford Encyclopedia of the History of Modern PsychologyThe Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology, Volume 3 [Book]

Editor's Notes

During our popular psychology reference book research, we found 1,200+ popular psychology reference book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 149,059 customer reviews through our big data system to write the popular psychology reference books list. We found that most customers choose popular psychology reference books with an average price of $13.00.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.