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