What is Positive Psychology?

Positive psychology looks at what gives our lives meaning and explores how ordinary people can lead happier and more fulfilled lives by looking at happiness, well-being and flourishing. Positive experiences (e.g. happiness and love), positive states and traits (e.g. gratitude, resilience and compassion) and positive institutions (e.g. applying positive principles within an organisation) are all main focal points of positive psychology. Key topics that are explored include optimism, life satisfaction, happiness, well-being, gratitude, self-esteem, self-confidence and hope.

Five factors make up positive psychology to promote well-being known as the PERMA model:

P – Positive emotions, these contribute towards a positive well-being.

E -  Engagement, when you are not truly engaged it is difficult to have a sense of well-being.

R – Relationships that are positive, deep and meaningful are imperative for the promotion of well-being. 

M – Meaning. Finding your life’s meaning can have a positive influence on well-being. 

A – Accomplishments. When these take place, well-being tends to thrive.

Positive psychologists believe that when all five parts of this model are met, you would be experiencing optimum well-being and quality of life being happy can have a positive effect on well-being, sociability, better health, success, self-regulation and helping behaviour. One of the greatest benefits of positive psychology is that it shows us how we can change someone’s perspective to bring a positive change to their well-being and quality of life.