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