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