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