This theoretical study focuses on three key areas of positive psychology: (1) resilience, (2) character strengths; and (3) flourishing: a well being theory summarized in the acronym PERMA (Seligman, 2011). Each of these areas plays a different function in building a more fulfilling life. Resilience, or the ability to overcome challenges, is often lauded as a favourable human trait. Indeed, one aspect of positive human functioning is when a person faces significant life challenges and has to overcome adversity (Ryff & Singer, 2003). Although resilience often arises from depths of despair, the sheer determination and courage some people exhibit as they go against the odds and come out triumphant is admirable and worth studying. Resilience does not ignore the pain people go through, but examines how they emerge stronger than before. Character strengths form the foundation of the study of Positive Psychology. Indeed, a study of positive human traits would not be possible without including personal qualities that reflect virtues and sound values. In asking the question “what constitutes a virtue or character strength?” Seligman & Peterson (2004) identified 24 strengths that were found to be universal across societies and history. Seligman (2004) believes that emphasizing and utilizing these strengths in every domain of life will greatly enhance well-being. Flourishing, the new well-being theory put forth by Seligman (2011) describes the keys to leading a fulfilling life. Over the last 13 years since the field emerged, Seligman found that there are five elements humans pursue independently for increased wellbeing: positive emotions (P), engagement (E), relationships (R), meaning (M) and achievement (A); the acronym PERMA Positive Education Teachers Workshop 6 (Seligman, 2011) was neatly coined to capture these elements. This theory forms the backbone of wellbeing by looking at the positive side of life and is supported by the foundation of character strengths and balanced by the study of resilience.
