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