Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Positive Psychology: Beyond Just Treating Symptoms

How positive psychology's focus on flourishing complements Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment.

Positive psychology offers approaches that go beyond reducing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms toward building the conditions for genuine flourishing.

PERMA and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Martin Seligman's PERMA model identifies five elements of wellbeing relevant to post-traumatic stress disorder:

  • Positive emotions: Deliberately cultivating joy, gratitude, and pleasure alongside post-traumatic stress disorder treatment
  • Engagement: Flow states that create absorption and counter post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Relationships: Quality connections that buffer against post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Meaning: Purpose that persists despite post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Achievement: Progress toward goals, even while managing post-traumatic stress disorder

Signature Strengths and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Research shows that using your top character strengths in new ways is a robust post-traumatic stress disorder intervention. The VIA Character Strengths survey identifies your strengths.

Integrating Positive Psychology with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment

Positive psychology doesn't replace post-traumatic stress disorder treatment — it complements it. Treating post-traumatic stress disorder removes obstacles; positive psychology builds the structure of a fulfilling life.

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