Positive psychology offers approaches that go beyond reducing adolescence symptoms toward building the conditions for genuine flourishing.
PERMA and Adolescence
Martin Seligman's PERMA model identifies five elements of wellbeing relevant to adolescence:
- Positive emotions: Deliberately cultivating joy, gratitude, and pleasure alongside adolescence treatment
- Engagement: Flow states that create absorption and counter adolescence
- Relationships: Quality connections that buffer against adolescence
- Meaning: Purpose that persists despite adolescence
- Achievement: Progress toward goals, even while managing adolescence
Signature Strengths and Adolescence
Research shows that using your top character strengths in new ways is a robust adolescence intervention. The VIA Character Strengths survey identifies your strengths.
Integrating Positive Psychology with Adolescence Treatment
Positive psychology doesn't replace adolescence treatment — it complements it. Treating adolescence removes obstacles; positive psychology builds the structure of a fulfilling life.