Traditional psychology reduces distress; positive psychology enhances well-being. Positive psychology isn’t a substitute for traditional psychology. It simply adds another dimension — focusing not only on reducing suffering, but also on building strengths and flourishing. Drawing on rigorous research, it explores wellbeing, life satisfaction, meaning and purpose, optimism and hope, persistence and resilience, and the development of inner strengths.

The PERMA model captures the foundations of a flourishing life. Each pillar matters, and together they form a balanced path to resilience, motivation, and fulfillment. In education, this shift is transformative: when students feel safe, valued, and purposeful, attention improves, curiosity deepens, and academic growth accelerates.

We usually think of psychology when something goes wrong—like calling a plumber only when pipes burst. Traditional psychology made life-changing progress treating distress, yet there remained a gap: when negative emotions lifted, many felt empty, not flourishing. Positive psychology answered with a preventive, strengths-based lens: cultivating hope, meaning, engagement, good relationships, and accomplishment can lead to better resilience and fewer people suffering.