Building Wellbeing: The Role of PERMA in Disability
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Living with a disability presents unique challenges that can impact an individual's mental and emotional well-being. However, the field of positive psychology offers a fresh perspective by focusing on strengths, resilience, and personal growth. This blog explores the intersection of the PERMA model and disability, shedding light on how fostering positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment can contribute to a fulfilling life for individuals with disabilities.
The PERMA model of wellbeing
Psychologist Martin Seligman developed the PERMA model of wellbeing in the late 20th century. Since then, the field has broadened to include other models of wellbeing and numerous ways of implementing applied positive psychology. Today we discuss the PERMA model as a robust scientific framework for measuring and building wellbeing. Positive psychology is not a feel-good philosophy, it’s a comprehensive field of study from the psychological sciences promoting evidence-based individual and collective well-being.
PERMA for people with disabilities
Positive Emotions
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Positive Emotions
Positive psychology emphasises cultivating positive emotions as a critical factor in enhancing overall well-being. For individuals with disabilities, the experience of joy, gratitude, and hope can play a transformative role. Studies suggest cultivating positive emotions improves mental health and improves physical health outcomes (Fredrickson, 2001). Encouraging individuals with disabilities to focus on positive aspects of their lives, whether through gratitude journals, mindfulness practices, or positive connections with others, can foster emotional resilience.
Engagement
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Engagement
Engagement refers to the state of being fully immersed and absorbed in activities that align with one's skills and interests. For individuals with disabilities, finding meaningful engagement can be a powerful source of empowerment. Positive psychology encourages exploring and developing personal strengths, allowing individuals to identify activities that bring them a sense of purpose and fulfilment (Seligman, 2011). Adaptive technologies and accommodations can be crucial in facilitating engagement, enabling individuals with disabilities to pursue hobbies, education, and work that align with their passions.
Relationships
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Relationships
Positive relationships are foundational to human well-being, which is true for individuals with disabilities. Social support is a significant predictor of psychological well-being, and positive psychology highlights the importance of fostering meaningful connections (Diener & Seligman, 2002). For individuals with disabilities, building a strong support network is vital. This network may include family, friends, peers, and professionals who can provide encouragement, empathy, and assistance. Positive psychology interventions often involve promoting social skills, communication strategies, and community involvement to enhance the quality of relationships.
Meaning
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Meaning
Finding meaning and purpose in life is a central theme in positive psychology. Individuals with disabilities may face unique challenges in this regard, but the pursuit of meaning remains a powerful source of motivation and resilience. Encouraging individuals to explore their values, set meaningful goals, and engage in activities that align with their sense of purpose can contribute to a more fulfilling life (Steger, 2009). Therapeutic interventions, such as narrative therapy, can help individuals reframe their experiences and find deeper meaning in the face of adversity.
Accomplishment
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Accomplishment
The pursuit of accomplishment and the achievement of personal goals are integral to a positive and fulfilling life. Positive psychology emphasises the importance of setting and working towards meaningful goals as a pathway to well-being (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). Individuals with disabilities may face additional barriers in achieving specific goals, but adaptive strategies and accommodations can facilitate their pursuit of accomplishment. Celebrating even small victories can contribute to a positive self-perception and a sense of agency.
A Case Study - Putting it all together
To illustrate the application of positive psychology in disability, let's consider the case of Sarah, a young woman with mobility challenges due to a spinal cord injury. Initially, Sarah struggled with feelings of frustration, helplessness, and isolation. Through positive psychology interventions, her therapist focused on cultivating positive emotions, identifying strengths, and fostering meaningful engagement.
Sarah started a gratitude journal, reflecting daily on aspects of her life for which she was grateful. This practice helped shift her focus from limitations to possibilities. Additionally, she participated in adaptive sports and art classes, discovering new passions and sources of engagement that aligned with her interests.
Building positive relationships was another critical aspect of Sarah's journey. She joined a support group for individuals with spinal cord injuries, where she found camaraderie, shared experiences, and emotional support. Through this network, she developed lasting friendships and learned coping strategies from others who had successfully navigated similar challenges.
Sarah's therapist also worked with her to redefine her sense of meaning and accomplishment. Together, they explored her values and goals, identifying ways to pursue them despite physical limitations. Sarah set realistic but challenging objectives, such as completing a 5K run in a wheelchair and starting an advocacy project for accessible public spaces.
Fleurieu Wellbeing practitioners are trained in positive psychology interventions to help people deal with difficulties and differences and build resilience and well-being through individual person-centred counselling.
In a nutshell
Positive psychology offers a valuable framework for enhancing the well-being of individuals with disabilities. Positive psychology interventions empower individuals to navigate challenges, build resilience, and lead fulfilling lives by focusing on positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment.
As we continue to explore the intersection of positive psychology and disability, it is crucial to recognise the unique strengths and abilities of individuals with disabilities. Through adaptive strategies, accommodations, and a supportive community, we can create an inclusive society that fosters the well-being of all its members.
Stay safe and well
Kim
References
Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226.
Seligman, M. E. (2011). Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being. Free Press.
Diener, E., & Seligman, M. E. (2002). Very happy people. Psychological Science, 13(1), 81–84.
Steger, M. F. (2009). Meaning in life. In S. J. Lopez (Ed.), Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology (2nd ed., pp. 679–687). Oxford University Press.
Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377–389.
Wehmeyer, M. L. (Ed.), (2015). Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology and Disability. Oxford University Press.
