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