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