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