Many researchers have studied positive psychology and what it means for humans to “flourish”. Professor Martin Seligman surveyed thousands of individuals and studied outcomes regarding the facets of positive psychology and what cultivates wellbeing in our lives. From the results, he devised the acronym “PERMAH” to reflect what seemed to be the most important influential factors in a person’s wellbeing:
P = Positive emotion
E = Engagement
R = Relationships
M = Meaning
A = Accomplishment
H = Health & Vitality
The PERMAH approach to wellbeing is also mentioned in Art and Thane Dykstra’s “A NEW PLAN: Using Positive Psychology to Renew the Promise of Person-Centered Planning.” As President and CEO of Trinity Services, Inc. and contributors at High Tide Press, Thane and Art respectively, have an extensive history of working with people with intellectual disabilities and creating training resources for professionals within the industry. The PERMAH approach, which is referenced in the book, is a fundamental driver of FLOURISH, an app bore from a collaboration between CreateAbility Concepts, Inc. and High Tide Press to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through positive psychology.
FLOURISH offers features that help clients define what they are grateful for (positive emotion), become more engaged in what they desire (engagement), set and achieve goals (accomplishment), increase confidence through achieved goals (meaning), improve the relationship between client and care provider (relationships), and experience more happiness (which is always good for your health).
To learn more about how you can help your clients FLOURISH and lead happier, more meaningful lives, click here.
