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