Evidence-Based Approach

Our Science

Every module, exercise, and recommendation in CalmHealthyMind is grounded in peer-reviewed research from leading universities and validated psychological frameworks.

200+

Peer-Reviewed Sources

15+

Key Researchers

8

Validated Instruments

50+

Years of Research

The PERMA Framework

Our program is built on Dr. Martin Seligman's PERMA model of wellbeing, developed at the University of Pennsylvania's Positive Psychology Center. PERMA identifies five measurable pillars that together constitute human flourishing:

P

Positive Emotions

Cultivating joy, gratitude, serenity, and hope through evidence-based practices. Based on Fredrickson's Broaden-and-Build Theory (2001, American Psychologist).

Read Module 2 →
E

Engagement

Achieving flow states and deep absorption in meaningful activities. Based on Csikszentmihalyi's Flow research (1990, Claremont Graduate University).

Read Module 5 →
R

Relationships

Building high-quality connections that predict health and longevity. Based on the Harvard Study of Adult Development (Waldinger & Schulz, 2023, 85+ years of data).

Read Module 3 →
M

Meaning

Discovering purpose and significance through values-aligned living. Based on Frankl's Logotherapy (1946) and Steger's Meaning in Life research.

Read Module 4 →
A

Accomplishment

Pursuing meaningful goals driven by intrinsic motivation. Based on Deci & Ryan's Self-Determination Theory (2000, University of Rochester).

Read Module 6 →

Key Researchers

Our program draws on the work of leading researchers in positive psychology, behavioral science, and wellbeing. Here are the primary scientists whose work informs our approach:

Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D.

University of Pennsylvania · Founder of Positive Psychology

Creator of the PERMA model and learned optimism theory. Former APA president. His work forms the backbone of our entire program structure.

Barbara L. Fredrickson, Ph.D.

UNC Chapel Hill · Broaden-and-Build Theory

Pioneered the understanding of how positive emotions expand cognition and build lasting psychological resources. Cited 50,000+ times.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Ph.D.

Claremont Graduate University · Flow Psychology

Discovered the concept of "flow"—the state of optimal experience. His 1990 book has been translated into 30+ languages.

Robert Waldinger, M.D.

Harvard Medical School · Harvard Study of Adult Development

Directs the world's longest-running study of human happiness (est. 1938, 724+ participants, 85+ years of data).

Viktor E. Frankl, M.D., Ph.D.

University of Vienna · Logotherapy

Founded logotherapy based on his experiences as a Holocaust survivor. Established meaning as a fundamental human need.

Edward Deci, Ph.D. & Richard Ryan, Ph.D.

University of Rochester · Self-Determination Theory

Identified autonomy, competence, and relatedness as basic psychological needs driving intrinsic motivation. Validated in 400+ studies.

Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D.

Stanford University · Growth Mindset

Discovered that beliefs about intelligence and ability fundamentally shape learning, resilience, and achievement outcomes.

BJ Fogg, Ph.D.

Stanford University · Behavior Design Lab

Created the Tiny Habits method showing that lasting behavior change comes from starting small and anchoring to existing routines.

Ed Diener, Ph.D.

University of Illinois · Subjective Well-Being

Known as "Dr. Happiness." Created the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the most widely used measure of life satisfaction globally.

Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D.

UMass Medical School · MBSR Program

Founded Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). His work established mindfulness as a clinically validated intervention for stress and wellbeing.

Validated Assessment Instruments

We use scientifically validated instruments to measure your progress. These tools have been tested across thousands of participants and published in peer-reviewed journals:

Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS)

5-item scale measuring global life satisfaction. Developed by Diener et al. (1985). Used in 1,000+ studies worldwide.

Validated

Wheel of Life Assessment

Multi-domain satisfaction assessment covering 8 life areas. Based on positive psychology life balance research.

Validated

Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ)

10-item scale measuring presence of and search for meaning. Developed by Steger et al. (2006, Journal of Counseling Psychology).

Validated

VIA Character Strengths Survey

Identifies your top character strengths from 24 universally valued traits. Developed by Peterson & Seligman (2004, VIA Institute).

Validated

Mindset Assessment Scale

Measures fixed vs. growth mindset orientation. Based on Dweck's research at Stanford University (2006).

Validated

Our Research Sources

All content in CalmHealthyMind is sourced from:

Peer-Reviewed Journals

  • • American Psychologist
  • • Psychological Bulletin
  • • Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
  • • Psychological Science
  • • Journal of Positive Psychology
  • • Review of General Psychology

Research Databases

  • • PubMed / National Library of Medicine
  • • PubMed Central (PMC)
  • • APA PsycINFO
  • • Google Scholar
  • • Cochrane Library
  • • JSTOR

University Research Centers

  • • UPenn Positive Psychology Center
  • • Harvard Study of Adult Development
  • • Stanford Behavior Design Lab
  • • UNC PEP Lab (Fredrickson)
  • • UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center
  • • University of Rochester SDT Lab

Professional Organizations

  • • American Psychological Association (APA)
  • • International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA)
  • • VIA Institute on Character
  • • The Gottman Institute
  • • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Explore the Research

Each blog post includes a comprehensive References & Sources section with direct links to original research. Explore our science-backed guides:

Module 1

Life Satisfaction Science Foundation

41 peer-reviewed sources

Module 2

Positive Emotions Science

81 peer-reviewed sources

Module 3

High-Quality Relationships

70 peer-reviewed sources

Module 4

Meaning & Purpose Discovery

65 peer-reviewed sources

Module 5

Flow State & Engagement

55 peer-reviewed sources

Module 6

Achievement & Goal Setting

60 peer-reviewed sources

Module 7

Sustainable Wellbeing Blueprint

75 peer-reviewed sources

View All Blog Posts →

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