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