Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on why some people are able to feel fulfilled, motivated, connected, and resilient even when life is difficult. I took a positive psychology class in high school that really stuck with me because it offered a different perspective than most psychology courses I had taken in college and graduate school. Traditional psychological models often focus on the symptoms of mental illness, while positive psychology emphasizes a client’s strengths and overall well-being.
Positive psychology was developed by Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in 1998. It was considered revolutionary because it did not focus solely on treating mental illness. Instead, positive psychology takes a proactive approach by helping people develop the skills and mindset needed to manage challenges before they become overwhelming. This approach is important because it helps people continue moving forward after major stressors or setbacks and encourages long-term resilience and personal growth.
The PERMA Model
Positive psychology is centered around the PERMA model, which suggests that well-being consists of five major components:
P- Positive Emotion
E- Engagement
R- Relationships
M- Meaning
A- Accomplishment
The PERMA model explains that well-being comprises five key components that contribute to a meaningful and fulfilling life. The “P” stands for Positive Emotion, referring to emotions such as joy, gratitude, hope, and happiness. The “E” stands for Engagement, which involves being fully absorbed and involved in activities that bring a sense of focus and enjoyment. The “R” represents Relationships, emphasizing the importance of healthy social connections and support systems. The “M” stands for Meaning, which refers to having a sense of purpose and feeling connected to something larger than oneself. Finally, the “A” stands for Accomplishment, which involves achieving goals, developing skills, and feeling a sense of achievement and competence.
Achieving these five components can help individuals feel more fulfilled while also improving productivity, physical health, and stress management. Additionally, these factors can serve as protective buffers against mental illness and emotional distress. Positive psychology changes the way we think about things and what we focus on in life. The idea is to live a meaningful life that feels fulfilling to you. Instead of focusing on the negative things that happen in life, we work on identifying strengths and ways to be more resilient. Focusing on negative situations for extended periods of time can keep people stuck in unhealthy thinking patterns, creating a snowball effect that becomes difficult to break.
Although positive psychology focuses on strengths and well-being, it does not encourage people to ignore painful emotions or difficult experiences. Instead, it acknowledges that stress, grief, and hardship are a normal part of life while helping individuals develop the skills and resilience needed to cope effectively. Positive psychology is not a one-size-fits-all, but neither are all other therapeutic models.
In many ways, positive psychology changed the way I view mental health and personal growth. The positive psychology class I took in high school stayed with me because it focused not only on treating emotional distress, but also on helping people build meaningful and fulfilling lives. While traditional psychology is important for understanding and treating mental illness, positive psychology highlights the importance of resilience, relationships, purpose, and personal strengths. It reminds us that mental health is not only about reducing suffering, but also about helping individuals thrive even during difficult moments in life
Sasha Kleinman is a dedicated Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families seeking support through trauma, grief, relationship challenges, anxiety, and feeling out of alignment with the world around them. Her approachable style helps clients feel at ease as they explore their emotional experiences and move toward healing. Sasha practices under the supervision of Silva Depanian, LMFT (MFC#121864). Sasha offers therapy sessions in person at the Sherman Oaks and Woodland Hills offices, as well as via telehealth throughout California.
