Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare a group of service users with mental health problems with a community comparison group of gym attenders. Design/methodology/approach Cross-sectional questionnaire surveys were conducted at a large gym (n = 181) and two community mental health facilities (n = 127) in the Greater Manchester area using a convenience sample approach. All participants completed the PERMA Scale, a measure of flourishing. Findings Gym attenders scored significantly higher on the five elements of PERMA. Their physical health ratings were almost double. They also had significantly lower levels of negative emotions and loneliness and higher levels of overall happiness. Research limitations/implications This study only considered levels of flourishing. Previous studies of quality of life have shown similar disparities between people with mental health problems and others. Practical implications Professor Seligman has claimed that improving levels of flourishing is the main aim of positive psychology. The present study suggests this may be especially challenging for people with mental health problems. Social implications The concept of flourishing could provide a more positive non-medical focus for mental health services, in the development of what some have called positive psychiatry. This complements the current recovery model. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to compare flourishing levels between individuals with mental health problems and a community comparison group using the PERMA Scale.

Background: The field of positive psychology is fast growing and ultimately aims to increase flourishing. As yet, these concepts have had very limited impact in the field of alcohol dependence. The aim of this study is to compare flourishing levels in people recovering from alcohol problems with two comparison groups. Methods:An online survey was conducted with people recovering from alcohol problems (n = 107), a community sample of gym attenders (n = 185) and people with mental health problems (n = 130). Theycompleted the PERMA Scale, as well as answering questions about their drinking. Results: People recovering from alcohol problems scored significantly better than the mentally ill sample on every aspect of the PERMA Scale. In contrast, they scored significantly worse on every subscale in comparison with the community gym attenders' group. Responses to open-ended questions highlighted the costs of alcohol problems, especially in terms of losses experienced through drinking, along with an unhealthy tendency to focus on the past. Conclusions: The abstinence model may reinforce a sense of hopelessness and powerlessness in those battling alcohol problems and may inhibit flourishing. There is a need to develop positive psychology interventions that may help individuals recovering from alcohol problems to flourish.