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