Positive psychology tries to answer the question: why "happy people are happy, healthy people are healthy and successful people are successful"? Positive psychologists do not propose to replace traditional psychological practice, but rather offer a new perspective that aims to expand the horizons of modern psychology by introducing neuroscience research methodologies and techniques to deepen the knowledge of the human and its potential. Positive psychology represents a step towards a real "science of happiness", that is the scientific study of optimal human functioning. This approach is defined "Streght-based" that is based on the identification of the strengths of the individual and on the strategies that can be implemented by any person, therefore not only by those who live in a state of psychological suffering, for the exploring their strengths and reaching their potential. In short, a science that helps individuals achieve happiness that is possible because it is based on personal choice.
PERMA MODEL *
PERMA is an acronym that indicates the 5 characteristics that happy people have in common, or, as Martin Seligman states, "what is more in life beyond suffering ... something free men decide to feed on". This model is the product of approximately 20 years of interdisciplinary research. It echoes some of the principles highlighted by the studies on emotional intelligence.
P = (Positive Emotion) Happy people experience positive emotions and satisfaction in life. They are aware of the things that matter to them and feel a sense of deep gratitude, they focus on positive emotions more than negative ones.
E = (Engagement) happy people experience what is also called "Flow", that is, the experience of being completely absorbed in what you are doing in the present, of being completely involved in the experience. This experience does not occur simply in the presence of pleasant activities, but is given by the combination of a series of elements among which the perception of an activity that requires the use of one's skills, clarity of objectives and ability to focus on a goal stands out. significant that causes a deep and instinctive involvement in the person, so as to lose the perception of time that passes.
R = (Good Relationships) man is a social animal and needs to relate to others. However, this need does not always mean that relationships are of good quality. Happy people take care of relationships because good quality relationships improve the quality of life and form a social network in case of difficulty.
M = (Meaning) Happy people believe in something greater, like God or they feel they belong to a community or they feel they have a mission in life.
A = (Achievement) Happy people feel fulfilled. Having a sense of self-realization means feeling that you have achieved something in your life. Having developed your potential and being satisfied with the result. It is a way to perceive one's self-efficacy, so important for self-esteem. Here is a small video that translates the PERMA MODEL into 10 steps that each of us can take to cultivate the attitude to happiness.
*Per un riferimento diretto alla psicologia positiva di M. Seligman, dai un'occhiata a questa infografica:
