The PERMAH Model

Definition

The researchers at Positive Psychology offer the following descriptors of Positive Psychology and the PERMAH model at its core. 

Positive psychology is described in many ways and with many words, but the commonly accepted definition of the field is this: "Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living... with a focus on strengths instead of weaknesses, building the good life instead of repairing the bad, and taking the lives of average people up to 'great' instead of focusing solely on moving those who are struggling up to normal." (Peterson, 2008).

Dr. Martin Seligman, one of the founders of Positive Psychology, developed the five core element (PERMA) model of psychological wellbeing and happiness. Dr. Seligman believes that these five elements help people achieve fulfillment and meaning when they are present. In other words, we can increase our opportunity to flourish by engaging within each of the PERMA pillars in our lives.

Over time H for health has been added to the PERMA acronym to become PERMAH. 

As you think about enhancing your wellbeing by exercising your Character Strengths within the PERMAH pillars, think of yourself as a designer. Create strategies to build habits supporting your intentional efforts to bring these tenets of Positive Psychology into your daily routine. You can then proactively draw the master blueprint for wellbeing through a Personal Wellness Plan (Regular and In-Depth versions). 

Resources to Learn More About and Engage with Positive Psychology & PERMAH>

• 7 Common Misconceptions About Positive Psychology by Dr. Nico Rose

• Busting Myths in Positive Psychology and The Science & Practice of Positive Psychology (white paper) by the Langley Group

• How Is My PERMAH Today? - Draw from this blog post to design your lesson(s) to guide your students to understand and use this planning tool. Use this plan to help. 

• How Is Your PERMAH Today? - Draw from this blog post to design your lesson(s) to guide your students to understand and use this active listening protocol. 

• Inventories for Psychological Wellbeing: The University of Pennsylvania provides inventories based on Dr. Seligman's work. Here are three resources (where applicable) to gather information about one's wellbeing: Descriptor of the EPOCH Measurement of Adolescent Wellbeing | Questionnaires Overview with links to the three offerings | Wellbeing Questionnaire Registration | The University of Pennsylvania Authentic Happiness website provides a full listing of all their free questionnaires. Find the link in the middle of the page. You will need to register your free account. 

• Map Your Happy - Reflect and write about your experience within each PERMAH pillar.

• PERMAH Pillars - Full description

• PERMAH Visual - A helpful visual of the acronym with descriptors. 

• Positive Psychology at Work - Tune into Michelle McQuaid's podcast on various of PosPsych topics. 

• Positive Psychology in Schools - Positive Psychology (a community of practitioners) provides activities to bring PosPsych into your classroom.

• Positive Psychology in the Classroom - Psychology Today provides several articles on this topic.

• Self-Awareness Activities - Positive Psychology (a community of practitioners) provides background information and activities to help adults and students grow their self-awareness.

• TED Talk on Positive Psychology by Dr. Martin Seligman

• Wellness Dashboard - Blog post outlining the idea of mentally and visually checking one's PERMAH via a Wellness Dashboard. 

• What is Positive Psychology & Why is It Important? from Positive Psychology (a community of practitioners)