Positive Psychology Model of Mental Function and Behavior

Mental health treatment may be more effective if as much attention is paid to the intact resources of patients as to the deficits involved in their psychiatric illness. This chapter summarizes the contributions of Positive Psychology research and practice in education, work, health, and clinical domains, and offers useful insights regarding the integration of positive psychology concepts with traditional mental health treatment. The PERMA model of wellbeing and character strengths, emphasizing positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment, is the basis for significant empirical evidence to support the use of positive interventions in a wide range of clinical and non-clinical settings. The emerging field of Positive Psychiatry is based on these principles and their application in psychiatric settings.