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