Understanding the PERMA Model of Well-being
Martin Seligman, one of the founders of positive psychology, developed the PERMA model of well-being to help define the elements that define well-being. All the elements are defined and measured independently, and are pursued/experienced for their own sake. These elements are briefly described below:
- Positive Emotions: What makes you feel good? Experiencing positive emotions relating to our past experiences can be done through gratitude and forgiveness. We can use mindfulness to stay in-tune to and experience positive emotions in the present, and resources like hope can invite positive emotions regarding the future. However, it is important to remember that our capacity to experience positive emotions may be limited depending on different factors.
- Engagement: Which activities are rewarding to you? Engaging experiences relate to a "flow" state wherein a person feels like time is lost and the sole focus/experience involves engaging with the moment with one's skills and complete attention.
- Relationships: Who are the other people who share your positive experiences? Strong positive relationships are connections that not only enhance our feelings of belonging but also contribute to our well-being.
- Meaning: What gives you purpose and makes your actions worthwhile? Contributing to something bigger than ourselves invites a sense of value in our lives and allows us to focus on what is important even in the face of challenges.
- Accomplishments: How can you achieve your goals? Achievements, particularly accomplishments done for their own sake, enhance well-being by inviting a sense of pride. This element includes self-motivation, the interest in mastery goals or competence, and goal pursuit.
Take a moment and reflect on the five main elements of well-being listed above. Share your reflections in the box below.