Positive Psychology in Education: How Teachers Can Use the PERMA Model for Well-being and Success

Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that studies the factors and processes that contribute to well-being, happiness, and optimal functioning at both personal and community levels. Unlike traditional psychology, which often focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health issues, positive psychology explores the positive aspects of life, such as:

• Positive emotions – happiness, gratitude, hope, enthusiasm
• Human potential – strengths, talents, resilience
• Healthy relationships – authentic connections, empathy, social support
• Meaning and purpose in life – personal values, contribution to the greater good
• Achievements and personal growth – professional development, goal attainment

A. THE PERMA MODEL

Essentially, positive psychology does not ignore difficulties but rather encourages the development of inner resources to cope with challenges and lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.

This approach was popularized by psychologist Martin Seligman, who developed the PERMA model, which describes five essential factors for a fulfilling life:

• P (Positive Emotions) – Experiencing and cultivating positive emotions
• E (Engagement) – Being deeply involved in meaningful activities
• R (Relationships) – Building healthy and supportive relationships
• M (Meaning) – Finding purpose in life
• A (Accomplishments) – Progress and achievements

1. P – Positive Emotions

This refers to experiencing and nurturing positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, hope, contentment, inspiration, and love, which help reduce stress and support both mental and physical health.

Examples:

• Starting the day with a positive thought – A teacher can begin class with a short reflection or an inspirational message for students.
• Recognizing student progress – Highlighting a student’s progress fosters an encouraging learning environment.
• The “Aha!” moment – The joy of witnessing students grasp a difficult concept can be a source of professional satisfaction.
• Collaborating with colleagues – A friendly conversation in the teachers’ lounge or receiving appreciation from a colleague can boost positive energy.

How to cultivate positive emotions?

• Practice gratitude – Write down three things you’re grateful for every day.
• Be present – Enjoy small moments of joy in daily life.
• Focus on solutions, not just problems – Shift your perspective on difficult situations.
• Expose yourself to positivity – Music, art, nature, or people who bring you joy.

2. E – Engagement

Engagement refers to the state of “flow”, those moments when you’re so immersed in an activity that you lose track of time. This leads to greater satisfaction and motivation.

Examples:

• Interactive teaching methods – Using games, projects, or open discussions to keep students engaged.
• Incorporating personal passions into teaching – A teacher passionate about history can bring fascinating stories to class, while one who loves technology can use interactive applications.
• Experiencing flow in teaching – When a teacher is completely absorbed in a lesson, time flies.
• Encouraging student curiosity – Creating an environment where students ask questions and actively participate.

How to increase engagement?

• Discover activities you truly enjoy – Whether it’s sports, writing, painting, or problem-solving.
• Use your strengths – Leveraging natural talents makes engagement easier.
• Avoid multitasking – Focus on one task at a time to enter the “flow” state.
• Set challenging but achievable goals – Tasks that are too easy lead to boredom, while overly difficult ones can be discouraging.

3. R – Relationships

Strong social connections are essential for happiness and health. Positive relationships provide emotional support, reduce stress, and enhance a sense of belonging.

Examples:

• Active listening with students – A teacher who takes the time to listen to students’ concerns builds trust.
• Collaboration with other teachers – Sharing ideas and resources brings new perspectives and inspiration.
• Supporting struggling students – Offering constructive feedback and extra help.
• Creating a support community – Organizing extracurricular activities or events involving teachers, students, and parents.

How to improve relationships?

• Spend quality time with loved ones – Be present, listen actively, and show empathy.
• Develop authentic connections – Relationships based on trust and support are the most valuable.
• Express appreciation – Recognize and validate others’ efforts.
• Support others – Helping your community increases personal satisfaction.

4. M – Meaning

Finding meaning in life involves being part of something bigger than yourself—whether it’s family, a cause, a belief, a project, or a community.

Examples:

• Inspiring students – Showing students that learning is valuable and that they can achieve great things in life.
• Finding satisfaction in student growth – Seeing a shy student gain confidence or a struggling student improve their skills.
• Participating in educational projects – Joining mentoring programs, volunteer work, or educational initiatives that benefit the community.
• Teaching beyond the curriculum – Not just delivering information but fostering critical thinking, empathy, and life skills in students.

How to find meaning?

• Explore what inspires you – What activities make you feel fulfilled?
• Contribute to others’ well-being – Volunteering and helping others boost a sense of purpose.
• Align your actions with your values – Live in accordance with what matters to you.
• Find meaning even in challenges – People who turn difficulties into learning experiences develop a stronger sense of purpose.

5. A – Accomplishments

Personal and professional achievements provide a sense of competence and fulfillment. The key is not just success itself but consistent progress.

Examples:

• Student progress – A major achievement for a teacher is seeing their students improve.
• Earning certifications or attending training – Continuously developing skills to become a better educator.
• Creating a successful educational project – Implementing a club, mentoring program, or new teaching method.
• Receiving positive feedback – Recognition from students or parents can be a powerful motivator.

How to cultivate accomplishments?

• Set clear and realistic goals – Define your direction and take small steps.
• Celebrate small victories – Every bit of progress matters, not just the final outcome.
• Adopt a growth mindset – Learn from mistakes and view failures as opportunities.
• Stay disciplined and persistent – Success comes from consistent action, not just temporary motivation.

B. MYTHS VS. REALITY ABOUT POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

1. “Positive psychology is just about positive thinking.”

❌ Myth: You must always be optimistic and ignore negative emotions.
✅ Reality: Positive psychology does not dismiss difficulties but promotes a balance between realism and optimism. It focuses on developing resilience, not denying problems.

2. “If you apply positive psychology, you’ll always be happy.”

❌ Myth: There is a universal formula for happiness.
✅ Reality: Happiness is subjective and fluctuates. Positive psychology does not promise constant happiness but helps individuals find long-term meaning and satisfaction, even in difficult times.

3. “Positive psychology ignores mental health issues.”

❌ Myth: It is a superficial approach that avoids real suffering.
✅ Reality: Positive psychology complements traditional psychology rather than replacing it. It helps people develop inner resources to cope with difficulties, but it does not deny the existence of mental health disorders like depression or anxiety. Developing emotional resilience is at the heart of positive psychology.