Positive Psychology with a Spiritual Focus:

Positive Psychology with a Spiritual Focus:

Positive Psychology with a Spiritual Focus blends the science of human flourishing with the depth of spiritual insight. It explores not only what makes life worth living from a psychological perspective but also how deeper meaning, transcendence, and connection to something greater contribute to true well-being.

Here’s an overview of this integrated approach:

Core Concepts of Positive Psychology (PP):

  • PERMA Model by Martin Seligman:
  • Positive Emotions
  • Engagement
  • Relationships
  • Meaning
  • Accomplishment
  • Character strengths and virtues (like gratitude, hope, love, forgiveness, spirituality)
  • Resilience, flow, gratitude, optimism, growth mindset

Spiritual Integration in Positive Psychology:

This goes beyond just emotional well-being to include:

  • Spiritual Meaning — Finding purpose through service, devotion, or higher callings
  • Transcendence — Experiences that go beyond the ego (e.g., awe, mystical states, altered states)
  • Compassion and Forgiveness — Core spiritual values studied as psychological strengths
  • Faith and Trust — Trust in life, the universe, or a higher power as sources of resilience
  • Sacred Practices — Meditation, prayer, mindfulness, rituals — as tools to deepen flourishing

Therapeutic or Practice Applications:

  • Spiritual Counseling with Positive Psychology — Combining hope-building exercises with inner guidance
  • Logotherapy — A spiritual form of meaning-based positive psychology
  • Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) — Incorporates awareness and spiritual presence with strengths work
  • Gratitude journaling with prayer/meditation
  • Contemplative Positive Psychology — Using silence, sacred texts, or soul reflections to deepen flourishing

Sample Reflection Questions:

  • What gives your life deep and sacred meaning?
  • How do you experience the divine or the transcendent in daily life?
  • In what ways has your suffering shaped your spiritual growth or inner strengths?

Shervan K Shahhian