Attention and Positive Psychology: Beyond Just Treating Symptoms

How positive psychology's focus on flourishing complements Attention treatment.

Positive psychology offers approaches that go beyond reducing attention symptoms toward building the conditions for genuine flourishing.

PERMA and Attention

Martin Seligman's PERMA model identifies five elements of wellbeing relevant to attention:

  • Positive emotions: Deliberately cultivating joy, gratitude, and pleasure alongside attention treatment
  • Engagement: Flow states that create absorption and counter attention
  • Relationships: Quality connections that buffer against attention
  • Meaning: Purpose that persists despite attention
  • Achievement: Progress toward goals, even while managing attention

Signature Strengths and Attention

Research shows that using your top character strengths in new ways is a robust attention intervention. The VIA Character Strengths survey identifies your strengths.

Integrating Positive Psychology with Attention Treatment

Positive psychology doesn't replace attention treatment — it complements it. Treating attention removes obstacles; positive psychology builds the structure of a fulfilling life.

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