I’ve learned a lot about the field of positive psychology, which is focused on the positive aspects of life — like optimism, hope, connection, character strengths, and meaning — and how to nurture flourishing and wellbeing. Dr. Martin Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania is known as the leader of the field. Dr. Seligman developed an evidence-based five-part model for wellbeing, summarized by the acronym PERMA, which stands for positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. Each component contributes to our overall wellbeing and flourishing, and the possibilities for consciously focusing on each abound. This article shares more detail about each of these parts of the PERMA model. It can be a really helpful framework to keep in mind (it is for me)!
