Happiness When the Body Hurts Achieving Well-Being in Chronic Health Conditions

摘要

This article provides a framework for understanding the application of positive psychology, in particular, Seligman's PERMA, in the context of chronic childhood illness. In particular, inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic illness that is often associated with social and emotional challenges for youth diagnosed with this lifelong condition. Specific disease factors that seemingly work against happiness are explained, and traditional notions of happiness are discussed and redefined. With PERMA as a guide, adult caregivers (eg, psychiatrists, psychologists, parents, gastroenterologists) can help youth living with chronic illness practice acceptance, adjust expectations, and find meaning, fulfillment, and psychological well-being.