Description

The state of mental well-being among both children and adults is alarmingly poor. Marc Brackett, author of *Permission to Feel*, understands the reasons behind this crisis—and more importantly, he knows how to address it.

“We have a crisis on our hands, and its victims are our children.”

As a professor at Yale University’s Child Study Center and the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, Brackett has spent 25 years studying emotions. His research has led to a highly effective plan designed to help both children and adults build emotional intelligence and use their feelings in ways that support, rather than undermine, their success and well-being. At the core of his approach is a lesson from his own childhood. His uncle saw him, listened to him, and acknowledged the pain he had endured from bullying and abuse—an experience that made Brackett realize his emotions were valid, that his struggles were temporary, and that he had the power to change his situation.

Since then, Brackett has dedicated his career to understanding the roots of emotional well-being. Leading extensive research teams and securing tens of millions of dollars in funding, he developed RULER—a powerful, research-based approach to emotional intelligence. Already implemented in thousands of schools, RULER has been shown to lower stress, reduce burnout, create positive learning environments, and improve academic performance. This book brings together Brackett’s research and practical strategies, offering readers a step-by-step guide to mastering emotions in a way that truly makes a difference.

Blending scientific research with deep passion and personal insight, this book delivers a transformative message: too many people are struggling because they lack emotional skills and feel ashamed of their feelings—but that can change. Marc Brackett has made it his mission to reverse this trend, and in this book, he shows readers exactly how to do it.