What is the meaning of PERMA model?

For a long time in the history of psychology, the dominant approach focused on deficits, disorders, and the treatment of pathologies. Much less attention was paid to what promotes well-being and enables people to thrive. A breakthrough occurred at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, when Martin Seligman drew attention to this one-sidedness and pioneered the field of positive psychology. Although his work was not entirely novel - since the roots of this approach date back to antiquity and combine two philosophical traditions: hedonism and eudaimonism - it was he who gave them their modern, scientific form. One of the key outcomes of the development of positive psychology was the creation of the PERMA model, which represents an attempt to define human well-being.

What does the PERMA model include?

This model encompasses five key elements of psychological well-being:

P – Positive emotions – experiencing positive emotions is not just about having a smile on your face. It’s about truly feeling good, not being afraid to experience life, and having the inspiration to step outside your comfort zone. Positive emotions encompass a whole spectrum, including gratitude, love, joy, peace, and hope. It’s important for them to be a constant part of our daily lives, rather than something we feel only occasionally. Start noticing them and consciously experiencing them - this will make life more pleasant and fulfilling.

E – Engagement – refers to a state of “flow,” or being completely absorbed in the task at hand. It’s the moment when only the here and now matters - everything else fades into the background. Time seems to fly by, and you feel a natural sense of satisfaction. It’s worth engaging in such activities as often as possible, because they are free from excessive judgment and control, and are therefore intrinsically rewarding.

R – Relationships – that is, connections with other people: romantic, friendly, or familial. This encompasses everything that is positive, supportive, and inspiring. Relationships play a huge role in our lives - they strengthen us and give us a sense of belonging. It’s worth nurturing them, because we often only appreciate their importance once they start to fade.

M – Meaning – a sense of purpose and significance. What gets you out of bed in the morning? What gives direction to your actions? It is the awareness of a purpose and a sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves. We can develop this aspect through involvement in family, work, education, or social activities such as volunteering.

A – Accomplishment – a sense of fulfilment, setting and achieving goals, and the satisfaction of accomplishing them. This pillar highlights the importance of even the smallest successes in daily life. Whether it’s a well-prepared meal or a promotion at work - every achievement builds a sense of self-efficacy. It’s worth noting your successes and creating a “mental list” that you can return to in moments of doubt.

How can you put the PERMA model into practice?

The answer to this question seems simple, though in practice it can be challenging. The key is to consciously notice the elements described above and gradually incorporate them into your daily life. Set challenges for yourself, plan positive experiences, and take responsibility for your well-being. If you’re looking for inspiration to apply to your life or work, check out our WELL MOMENT CARDS.