According to the PERMA model developed by Dr. Martin Seligman, Positive emotion (P), Engagement (E), Relationships (R), Meaning (M), and Accomplishments (A) are the key elements that constitute wellbeing.
Gabriel García Márquez said: “No medicine cures what happiness cannot.” How true! But since happiness is generally considered to be a subjective notion, maybe a better word would have been wellbeing, which refers to the state of being healthy, content, and prosperous. The concept of wellbeing can encompass physical, emotional, and social aspects of an individual’s life and is often used to describe a general sense of satisfaction with one’s life.
In addition to physical and emotional health, wellbeing can also include factors such as having a sense of purpose and meaning in life, feeling connected to others, and having a positive outlook. It is generally seen as a holistic concept that encompasses different aspects of a person’s life and overall … well … well-being.
Considered an important indicator of overall health and quality of life, “wellbeing” is an area of active research in the field of psychology, where researchers study how to promote it and prevent mental health problems. In this article I’d like to discuss one theory that has gained distinction in recent years.
PERMA Model of Wellbeing
PERMA is an acronym coined by Dr. Martin Seligman, a prominent psychologist and researcher in the field of positive psychology. The acronym stands for five elements that Seligman believes are essential for wellbeing:
- Positive emotion
- Engagement
- Relationships
- Meaning
- Accomplishments
According to Seligman, these five elements are the building blocks of a fulfilling and happy life. He argues that by focusing on and cultivating these elements, individuals can improve their overall wellbeing and lead more satisfying lives.
PERMA Model Framework
The PERMA model offers a framework for understanding what contributes to wellbeing and how individuals can cultivate it. By focusing on the five elements of the model, individuals can take concrete steps to improve their wellbeing and increase their resilience. For example:
- By engaging in activities that bring them positive emotion, such as spending time with loved ones or pursuing a hobby, individuals can boost their mood and overall sense of wellbeing.
- Engaging in activities that promote personal growth, such as learning a new skill or taking on a challenging task, can help individuals build their sense of accomplishment and self-esteem, which can also contribute to their resilience.
- Building and maintaining strong, positive relationships can provide support and a sense of belonging, which can be important for coping with stress and adversity.
- Finding meaning and purpose in one’s life can provide a sense of direction and motivation, which can help individuals stay focused and persistent in the face of challenges.
Thus, the PERMA model provides a useful framework for understanding what contributes to wellbeing and how individuals can cultivate it.
Wellbeing Strategies
Seligman’s work on the PERMA model has been influential in the field of positive psychology, and it has been widely discussed and cited in academic literature. While it is not a formal measure of wellbeing, the PERMA model is considered a useful and well-supported framework for thinking about wellbeing and how to promote it. By focusing on and cultivating the five elements of the model, individuals can improve their overall wellbeing and lead more satisfying lives.
Other theories that relate to happiness focus on different factors, such as psychological needs, personality traits, or social connections. These theories are based on empirical research and are supported by evidence from scientific studies. So, while the concept of happiness is subjective and can vary from person to person, there is a growing body of scientific research that seeks to understand and explain what contributes to happiness and how it can be promoted.
Accordingly, there are many different strategies and approaches to promoting wellbeing. Some common ones include:
- Practicing mindfulness and meditation, which can help individuals cultivate a sense of calm and focus, and improve their overall sense of wellbeing.
- Exercising and staying physically active, which can help individuals maintain good physical health and reduce stress.
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet, which can provide the nutrients the body needs to function well and support overall health and wellbeing.
- Getting enough sleep, which is important for physical and mental health.
- Keeping a positive outlook in one’s life and a positive attitude towards others.
- Engaging in meaningful activities that promote personal growth and build one’s sense of accomplishment and self-esteem.
- Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist when needed, which can provide a sense of connection and help individuals cope with difficult emotions or situations.
Ultimately, the key is to find what works best for each individual and to engage in activities and practices that support overall wellbeing and happiness.
Conclusion
The PERMA model of wellbeing is a theoretical framework developed by Dr. Martin Seligman, a prominent psychologist and researcher in the field of positive psychology. The acronym PERMA stands for five elements that Seligman believes are essential for wellbeing: positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments. The theory posits that by concentrating on these elements individuals can significantly improve their wellbeing.
Leave a comment and let me know if I missed any important points, as well as share your thoughts and opinions on the subject.