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