Positive Psychology: Supporting Sensitive Individuals Toward Flourishing

Daniela Petrovic
Nov 3, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Dec 6, 2024

"Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living” (Peterson, 2008). This field, founded by Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, emphasizes the exploration of human strengths, well-being, and flourishing rather than focusing solely on psychological deficits or suffering. It provides a hopeful framework for sensitive individuals, helping them harness their unique traits to create a fulfilling life.

From Deficits to Strengths: The Origins of Positive Psychology

In his groundbreaking research on learned helplessness (1967), Seligman explored the link between adversity and depression. While this work initially focused on negative outcomes, Seligman began questioning why the field of psychology neglected positive aspects of human experience. Why not focus on strengths, purpose, and flourishing alongside addressing suffering? This inquiry laid the foundation for Positive Psychology as a discipline dedicated to understanding and cultivating well-being.

Sensitive individuals, often more attuned to emotions and environmental nuances, can greatly benefit from this approach. By seeing sensitivity as a strength rather than a vulnerability, Positive Psychology helps build resilience, purpose, and balance.

The PERMA Model: A Framework for Well-Being

Seligman’s PERMA model identifies five pillars that contribute to human flourishing:

Positive Emotions: Cultivating joy, gratitude, and warmth is foundational for well-being. Sensitive individuals, who may experience emotions deeply, can learn to amplify positive emotions to counterbalance their natural inclination toward rumination or overstimulation.
Engagement: Finding activities that lead to a state of “flow,” where one is fully immersed and energized, can be particularly grounding for sensitive people. Engaging deeply in meaningful tasks reduces distractions and creates fulfillment.
Positive Relationships: Sensitive individuals often excel at forming meaningful connections. Building supportive and nurturing relationships bolsters resilience and emotional stability.
Meaning: Sensitive people often seek purpose in their lives, whether through relationships, creativity, or contributing to others. Positive Psychology encourages finding a calling or mission that aligns with personal values.
Achievement: Setting and reaching goals fosters a sense of accomplishment and growth. For sensitive individuals, breaking larger goals into manageable steps can reduce overwhelm and create steady progress.

Strength-Based Therapy for Sensitive Individuals:

Positive Psychology emphasizes leveraging character strengths, such as kindness, curiosity, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Sensitive people often possess these qualities in abundance, but they may struggle to see them as assets. Tools like the VIA Character Strengths Survey help clients identify their unique strengths and learn how to apply them in daily life.

For example:

Kindness, a common trait among sensitive people, can be channeled into fulfilling relationships and community contributions.
Emotional intelligence can foster deeper self-awareness and interpersonal understanding.

By building on existing strengths, therapy focuses on empowerment rather than pathology.

Addressing Sensitivity Through a Positive Lens

While the human mind is wired to focus on negatives—a phenomenon known as negative bias—sensitive individuals may feel this more acutely due to heightened reactivity to stress or criticism. Positive Psychology helps clients reframe sensitivity as a strength, fostering emotional resilience and adaptability.

For those who grew up in environments lacking nurturance or safety, psychotherapy can provide a corrective experience. It cultivates positive emotions, helps heal from past traumas, and creates opportunities for flourishing.

Flourishing for Sensitives: The Goal of Positive Psychology

Flourishing, as defined by Positive Psychology, is not merely the absence of suffering but the presence of vitality and growth. Sensitive individuals can learn to balance their heightened awareness and emotional depth with strategies that promote well-being.

Through the PERMA model and the use of character strengths, Positive Psychology offers tools to transform sensitivity into a source of strength, purpose, and fulfillment. With support, sensitive individuals can embrace their uniqueness, harness their strengths, and lead lives that are truly worth living.

Meet Daniela at Soul Village Therapy

As a Psychotherapist and Holistic Counsellor based in Melbourne, Daniela specialises in working with highly sensitive individuals. She integrates trauma-informed care, attachment theory, somatic techniques, focusing and parts work to support her clients in building resilience and well-being. Whether through online or in-person sessions in Murrumbeena, Daniela creates a safe and compassionate space for individuals to flourish.

References:

Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: a handbook and classification. New York: Oxford University Press & Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Seligman, M. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. North Sydney, NSW: Random House Australia Pty Ltd.

Rashid, T. (2014). Positive psychotherapy: A strength-based approach. The Journal Of Positive Psychology, 10(1), 25-40. doi: 10.1080/17439760.2014.920411