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