perma

PERMA is a model of well-being in positive psychology, proposed by Martin Seligman and colleagues in the early 2010s. The framework articulates five core elements that together contribute to human flourishing: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. The model is intended as a practical guide for individuals, educators, and organizations to cultivate well-being through targeted activities and environments.

Positive Emotions refers to pleasant feelings such as happiness, gratitude, and optimism that broaden attention and build resources for resilience. Engagement describes being absorbed in activities, often described as flow, where skill and challenge align. Relationships emphasize the importance of social connections and supportive interactions. Meaning involves belonging to something larger than the self, such as purposes, values, or causes. Accomplishment covers achievement, mastery, and the pursuit of goals.

Measurement efforts include instruments like the PERMA profiler, which assess each dimension and provide an overall well-being score. The framework has been used to guide interventions in schools, workplaces, and clinical or coaching settings, with programs designed to increase positive experiences, engagement, and social connectedness, while fostering purpose and achievement.

Critics have noted challenges in cross-cultural applicability, precise operationalization of some domains, and the extent to which PERMA captures all aspects of well-being. Some scholars argue for broader or alternative models that account for cultural differences, structural factors, and long-term sustainability. Nevertheless, PERMA remains a widely cited reference point in positive psychology for understanding and enhancing well-being.