What evidence does Martin Seligman give that positive psychology techniques work?

Martin Seligman cites a meta-analysis count of 335 studies of positive psychology techniques on depression, well-being and anxiety, and says the pooled literature shows more than a dozen techniques raise optimism and agency. He adds that about a thousand studies show efficacy and optimism can be taught. During the Iraq War the US Army commissioned him to train drill sergeants to teach these methods across the force.

• Seligman says he worked with 40,000 drill sergeants to reach 1 million soldiers, in response to post-traumatic stress and suicide.
• Seligman says putting things in perspective is one of about 15 exercises for turning pessimism into optimism.

Source: our own transcription of the episode. The full conversation is on Modern Wisdom (2026-10-24). Read the whole episode summary →

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