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