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