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