PERMA Model of Wellbeing

Summary

The PERMA model, developed by Martin Seligman, outlines five key elements for achieving well-being: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. Unlike fleeting happiness, well-being equips us to thrive through life's challenges. The model encourages self-analysis to enhance each element, fostering personal growth and flourishing. It offers a proactive approach to life, emphasizing the importance of purpose, social connections, and personal achievements.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The PERMA model is a framework developed by Martin Seligman for achieving well-being and flourishing in life.
• 🌈 PERMA stands for Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment — the five core elements of well-being.
• 😊 Positive emotions like happiness, comfort, and joy contribute to health, life satisfaction, and career success.
• 🏄‍♂️ Engagement, or 'flow,' is the state of being fully absorbed in an activity for its own sake.
• 🤝 Positive relationships amplify positive emotions and are crucial for well-being, as humans are social beings.
• 💡 Meaning comes from having a purpose larger than oneself, which can increase happiness and well-being.
• 🎯 Accomplishment is about setting and achieving goals in life, which builds self-belief and well-being.
• 🔍 The PERMA model helps individuals analyze and improve each building block of well-being differently.
• 🛠️ To use PERMA, one should reflect on each element and identify actions to enhance their quality of life in those areas.
• 📈 Implementing PERMA can lead to better relationships, higher work performance, and avoidance of burnout.
• 🚩 The model does not provide specific instructions on how to improve each element or a method to measure progress.

Q & A

What is the PERMA model?

The PERMA model is a framework developed by Martin Seligman, the founder of positive psychology, which outlines the five core elements necessary for achieving well-being and flourishing in life.

Who developed the PERMA model?

Martin Seligman, a psychologist known for his work in positive psychology, developed the PERMA model.

In what book was the PERMA model introduced?

The PERMA model was introduced in Martin Seligman's 2012 book titled 'Flourish'.

How does the PERMA model differ from traditional psychology?

Traditional psychology focuses on relieving human suffering, whereas the PERMA model, part of positive psychology, aims to raise the level of well-being for individuals, helping them to flourish beyond just surviving.

What are the five core elements of the PERMA model?

The five core elements of the PERMA model are Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment.

What is the significance of Positive Emotion in the PERMA model?

Positive Emotion refers to feelings like happiness, comfort, joy, and acceptance, which can improve health, life, and career. It's not just about momentary happiness but also viewing one's past and future positively.

Can you explain the concept of Engagement in the PERMA model?

Engagement is the state of being deeply absorbed in an activity for its own sake, often referred to as 'flow.' It's the experience of being so engrossed in a task that one loses track of time and is willing to do it for the activity's own reward.

Why are Relationships important in the PERMA model?

Relationships are crucial because they amplify positive emotions. Positive relationships with friends, family, colleagues, and community members contribute significantly to an individual's sense of well-being.

How does the element of Meaning contribute to well-being according to the PERMA model?

Meaning in the PERMA model comes from having a sense of purpose larger than oneself, which can increase well-being. This purpose can be derived from personal relationships, wider family, religion, social causes, or workplace groups.

What is Accomplishment in the PERMA model, and why is it important?

Accomplishment refers to having and achieving goals in life, which can be small or large. It helps build well-being and self-belief by providing a sense of achievement and success.

How can one use the PERMA model to improve their well-being?

One can use the PERMA model by analyzing each of the five building blocks to identify areas for improvement. This involves reflecting on current experiences and setting actionable steps to enhance each aspect of well-being.

What are some potential advantages of implementing the PERMA model?

Implementing the PERMA model can lead to better relationships, higher performance at work, avoidance of burnout, and identification of weak areas in one's well-being, allowing for targeted improvements.

Are there any disadvantages to using the PERMA model?

While the model identifies building blocks of well-being, it does not provide specific instructions on how to improve them or an objective way to measure progress in each area.