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