From emotion to health: A narrative review of positive psychology in early childhood using PERMAH model

Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) are increasingly recognized for enhancing children's well-being; however, existing research predominantly focuses on adolescents, with limited attention to early childhood (0–7 years). Addressing this gap, the present study adopts a narrative literature review approach to synthesise evidence from 42 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2024, organized using the PERMAH framework, an extension of Seligman's PERMA model incorporating Health ( Kern, 2020 ). The findings suggest that PPIs have a significant contribution to emotional well-being, engagement, relational development, motivation, and health outcomes in young children. Parental involvement emerges as a central and cross-cutting determinant across all PERMAH domains. However, the review identifies uneven empirical development, with strong evidence for Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, and Health, while Meaning and Accomplishment remain underdeveloped in early childhood contexts. The study highlights the need for developmentally appropriate operationalisation and culturally sensitive adaptation of positive psychology frameworks. The findings support the applicability of the PERMAH model in early childhood while identifying critical gaps that warrant further conceptual and empirical development.