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