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