Dale Carnegie was an American writer and lecturer. To Ashley, he is a role model in the way he teaches interpersonal skills.

In the 1960s, Mischel and colleagues developed a simple 'marshmallow test' to measure preschoolers' ability to delay gratification. This test became famously cited after a follow-up study was done after 40 years, showing that children who delay gratification obtain drastically better outcomes academically, health wise, relationally, etc. This paper reviews the follow up results of these children and the powerful benefits of learning to delay gratification.

Kahneman discusses the two systems of the brain, the limbic and cognitive systems. The book's thesis reviews the dichotomy between the limbic system, which is fast, instinctive and emotional, and the cognitive system, which is slower, more deliberative, and more logical. This book provides a great lay understanding of the brain and how decisions are made using reason and emotion. 

Dr. John Gottman draws on his experience working with over 120 families to outline a 5-step method for raising emotionally intelligent children. This book truly offers scientifically grounded, eminently practical way for parents to give their children what they need to become the healthiest emotional versions of themselves. ​

Daniel Goleman was one of the first to popularize the term 'emotional intelligence.' This book is one of the best in Ashley's library because it walks the reader through case studied regarding why emotional intelligence impacts outcomes more than general intelligence does.  Emotional intelligence is tied to every outcome in our life, and this book argues that those without outstanding general intelligence aren't doomed.

This is one of Ashley's favorite reads. Miyashiro not only defines the true definition of empathy, but teaches the reader how to use empathy as your greatest advantage in life and business. Although this book primarily discusses the empathy factor in business and work settings, the principles can easily be carried over into everyday relationships.

Dobelli examines the faulty reasoning that leads to repeated mistakes by individuals, businesses, and nations. In this book, Dobelli doesn't offer a recipe for happiness but a well-considered plan on avoiding self-induced unhappiness.

The Principles of Psychology landmark text which established psychology as a serious scientific discipline. Although the field has progressed since this text, it sets a framework of thinking and is a strong supplementary text to current literature. 

Dr. Vaknin, a clinically diagnosed narcissist himself, researches the grandiosity gap (the gap between self-perception and reality) in narcissistic and PTSD/CPTSD patients. He discovers that the bigger the gap, the greater the narcissist's feelings of shame. Ashley is fascinated at Vaknin's work as it opens doors to new treatment pathways for personality disorders using child psychology treatment mechanisms, rather than adult psychology treatment mechanisms.

Zimbardo is the creator of the Stanford Prison Experiment, a famous research study that aimed to find out whether the brutality reported among guards in American prisons was due to the sadistic personalities of the guards (dispositional) or had more to do with the prison environment (situational). He explores the mechanisms that make good people do bad things, how moral people can be seduced into acting immorally, and what this says about the line separating good from evil.

Mayer and Salovey are contributors to the field of emotional intelligence and have published many studies on the topic. In this paper, they review the word "intelligence," and debate the appropriateness of the word in the term 'emotional intelligence.' Meanwhile, they describe the underlying mechanisms of emotional intelligence. 

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This paper may only be available to institutions with access or by purchase.

Barrett is a highly cited researcher in the field of Psychology, and in this book, she examines why people are unable to estimate "fair" prices accurately ("intrinsic value") and how people are strongly influenced by the unconscious, irrational, and politically incorrect. 

Marc Brackett has contributed to the field, mainly through his work at Yale working as the Founding Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and Professor in the Child Study Center at Yale University. The core of his approach is a legacy from his childhood, from an astute uncle who gave him permission to feel. He was the first adult who managed to see Marc, listen to him, and recognize the suffering, bullying, and abuse he’d endured. This book combines both passion and science into an excellent educational and inspiring read.