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