PERMA - A Scientific Theory of Happiness

We all want to be happy. No two ways on that for sure :)

When we're happy, we're productive, we're good at building meaningful relationships, and... we feel great!

Or is it the other way round. When we're productive, have meaningful relationships, have positive emotions .....then we're happy.

Happiness is a notoriously difficult thing to pin down, and by focusing on it too intensely, we can potentially move even further away. 

In this context, let's look at PERMA,  a scientifically researched 'theory of happiness' by Martin Seligman,

Martin Seligman is a larger than life character; commonly known as the founder of 'Positive Psychology'. His theories of happiness have evolved over twenty years of scientific research, with PERMA being his 2011 brainchild.

                   

"PERMA" stands for the five essential elements of the theory that form the acronym:

P (ositive emotions)
E (ngagement)
R (elationships)
M (eaning)
A (ccomplishment)

1. Positive Emotions:

For us to experience well-being, we need positive emotion in our lives. Being able to focus on positive emotions is more than just smiling, it is the ability to be optimistic and view the past, present, and future in a positive perspective.

Any positive emotion such as peace, gratitude, wonder, satisfaction, pleasure, inspiration, hope, curiosity, or love falls into this category......and the message is that it's really important to experience those in the here and now. Just as long as the other elements of PERMA are in place.

2. Engagement:

An individual leading a life of engagement constantly seeks out activities that allow her to be in a state of flow.

'Flow', coined by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, is a highly focused mental state. A state of consciousness, a state of deep involvement that occurs most frequently when we concentrate our undivided attention on activities that are (moderately) challenging to us. When you are in flow, it may seem that your sense of self vanishes, and time stops.

"The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times… The best moments usually occur if a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile." ~ Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

During this "optimal experience" they feel "strong, alert, in effortless control, unselfconscious, and at the peak of their abilities." In the footsteps of Maslow, Csikszentmihalyi insists that happiness does not simply happen. It must be prepared for and cultivated by each person, by setting challenges that are neither too demanding nor too simple for ones abilities.

This type of ‘flow’ of engagement is important to stretch our intelligence, skills, and emotional capabilities. The more we experience this type of engagement, the more likely we are to experience well-being.

Seligman recommends that in order to achieve flow, you must identify your signature strengths, or strengths that are deeply characteristic of yourself, and learn how to practice them, as they underpin and contribute to all five elements of well-being.

3. Relationships: 

As humans, we are 'social beings',  and we thrive for connection, love, intimacy, and a strong emotional and physical interaction with other humans. Building positive relationships is a core concept to spread love and joy. Needless to say, having strong relationships also gives you support in difficult times.

Seligman believes that the need and tendency towards relationships is biologically and evolutionarily ingrained in us. Positive relationships is especially powerful because it plays a role in supporting the other four components of well-being.

4. Meaning :

Meaning comes from serving a cause bigger than ourselves.

Having a purpose and meaning to why each of us is on this earth is important to living a life of happiness and fulfillment. To understand the greater impact of your work and why you chose to pursue what you do, helps enjoy the tasks even more... so more satisfaction and more happiness.

5. Accomplishment: 

Many of us strive to better ourselves in some way, whether we're seeking to master a skill, achieve a valuable goal, or win in some competitive event, grow at some level. As such, accomplishment is another important thing that contributes to our ability to flourish.

Key is also to make realistic goals that can be met, and the very effort of pursuing those goals can contribute to a deep sense of satisfaction.....and when you finally achieve those goals a sense of pride and fulfillment is bonus. Having accomplishments in life is important to push ourselves to thrive and flourish.

Per PERMA, 'Well-being' is a multidimensional construct that is a function of all  five components.