Charles Richard "Rick" Snyder (1944–2006) was an American psychologist who specialized in positive psychology.
His theories pertained to how people react to personal feedback, the human need for uniqueness, the ubiquitous drive to excuse transgressions and, most recently, the hope motive.
[3] His analysis of the motivational forces – excuse-making and forgiveness – allowed individuals to disconnect themselves from past negative experiences and connect themselves to hope, the possibilities of the future.
[4] In 2000, he demonstrated his hope theory on Good Morning America by conducting a live experiment with the show's correspondents.
[7] Snyder served on the PhD dissertation committees for 41 students, and received APA's Raymond Fowler Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award in 2000.