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