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