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