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