Abstract:
Wellbeing Theory, also known as the positive emotions, engagement, relationships,
meaning and achievements (PERMA) model (Seligman, 2011), proposes that there are
five pillars or pathways by which people can pursue wellbeing; all of which are definable
and measurable constructs (Adler & Seligman, 2016). The PERMA model incorporates a
number of wellbeing theories from both subjective and objective points of view which,
according to Kern, Waters, Adler, and White (2014), makes it a multidimensional measure
for wellbeing that looks at both wellbeing feelings as well as functioning well in various
life domains (Huppert & So, 2013).
While there is a fair amount of research within the field of Positive Psychology on
wellbeing conceptualisations and the applicability of the PERMA model within
individualistic societies, the applicability thereof in more collectivistic societies such as the
peri-urban resource-constrained community of Diepsloot South Africa, is yet an area to
be further researched. The present study involved a secondary data analysis of existing
data that were collected during an EAP (Equine-Assisted Psychotherapeutic) positive
parent workshop with a group of parents from the Diepsloot settlement in Johannesburg,
South Africa. The aim of the present study was to determine whether descriptions of
family life and wellbeing in Diepsloot provided by these families align with the PERMA
model pathways. The findings showed that the wellbeing conceptualisations of the
Diepsloot families overlapped with the PERMA pathways in culturally consistent ways and
further showed that the PERMA model holds relevance for the South African context and
that it is a valuable model to be used in the identification of family assets and strengths.
