Positive Psychology
Positive Psychology
"We believe that a psychology of positive
human functioning will arise that achieves a
scientific understanding and effective
interventions to build thriving in individuals,
families, and communities.”
Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Martin Seligman – Flourish
PERMA
• Well-being Theory can be remembered with
the acronym PERMA:
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1. Positive Emotions
2. Engagement (or flow)
3. Relationships/social connections
4. Meaning (and purpose)
5. Accomplishment
Martin Seligman
• Seligman
• Seligman PERMA intro
PERMA Exercise
• Group Discussion – Read this short piece
about Martin Seligman’s PERMA model and
then answer the question below.
• Ex: In small group share examples for each
element of the PERMA model that make
sense from your own lives.
Gratitude Visit Introduction Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyLYgR2n
Dkc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOMfgcy
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Gratitude Visit Instructions
Go over the instructions for this exercise – this
is one of the 4 options to use in your
assignment
Barbara Fredrickson
• Positivity Ratio (Complete the questionnaire)
• Fredrickson 1
The Positivity/Negativity Ratio
Positivity
3
1
Negativity
People become more expansive, co-operative,
productive, and creative
The Positivity/Negativity Ratio
A ratio of 3 to 1 or higher leads to a clear sense of
well-being and resilience
The ratio is a tipping point

Spiralling up v spiralling down
Positivity builds
 Psychological
strengths
 Good mental habits
 Social connections
 Physical health
 Resilience
(Source: Fredrickson 1998, Frederickson & Brannigan 2005, Isen 2000, Fredrickson 2008)
Building Resilience
• the ability to stay positive and effective in
difficult or challenging circumstances and feel
positive about the future
• An evidence-based approach (Positive
Psychology)
• A whole-person approach designed to benefit
the individual
• The individual chooses what works for him or
her
Fredrickson
• Link between Resilience and Positivity
• Fredrickson resilience
What Good Are Positive Emotions?
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Broaden attention, thinking, views of self
Undo lingering negative emotions
Fuel psychological resilience
Build enduring personal resources
Trigger upward spirals toward well-being
Transform individuals
Loving Kindness Meditation and
Self Compassion
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tyl6YXp1Y
6M&feature=player_embedded
3.08 mins
Loving Kindness Meditation short practice
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2GPjbgC
LRU&feature=related
4:46 mins
Loving Kindness Meditation and
Self Compassion
Loving Kindness Meditation 23 min intro
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f4uojLV-Zk&feature=related
Loving Kindness Meditation 13.25 min guided
exercise
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz7cpV7ERsM&feature=related