In recent years, positive psychology has established itself as an important approach to promoting well-being and quality of life. Unlike traditional psychology, which is often focused on curing illness, positive psychology focuses on people’s strengths and resources. The aim is to enable a more fulfilling and happier life. A central component of this approach is the PERMA model, which was developed by Martin Seligman, one of the founders of positive psychology. But what is behind it?
The 5 pillars of well-being
The PERMA model describes five central aspects that are crucial for our well-being. Each of these areas can be actively promoted in order to increase personal happiness and life satisfaction:
- positive emotions (P) — Joy, gratitude, love and hope are just a few examples of positive emotions. They not only strengthen our mental health, but also help us to cope better with difficult times. Consciously experiencing moments of joy on a regular basis can create the basis for a happy life.
- commitment (E) — Engagement means being completely absorbed in an activity – this is often referred to as the “flow state”. Whether in sport, at work or when making music: When you dedicate yourself completely to a task, you experience moments of intense concentration and fulfillment.
- relationships (R) — Social connections are essential for our well-being. Friends, family, colleagues and new acquaintances enrich our lives. Actively striving for positive, supportive relationships can lead to greater satisfaction in the long term.
- Meaning (M) — Experiencing meaning in life is another key to well-being. The feeling of being part of something bigger – be it through volunteering, spirituality or meaningful work – gives life meaning and strengthens resilience.
- Accomplishment (A) — Successes and the achievement of goals help to boost our self-confidence and make us feel satisfied. It doesn’t always have to be big achievements – even small progress can have a positive effect.
What you can take away
The PERMA model shows that well-being consists of different areas that are all interlinked. You can actively work on cultivating positive emotions, building meaningful relationships, pursuing your goals and finding purpose in your everyday life. There is no set order or rules — small steps in each area can have a big impact. Use the model as an inspiration to specifically promote your own well-being and lead a more fulfilling life.
Learn how the “PERMA+4” model is applied to the work context and what impact it has on psychological safety and positive functioning in the workplace.