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