The Professional Counselor | Volume 14, Issue 3 272 especially for female veterans facing barriers to care-seeking (Kintzle et al., 2015). MST has garnered attention, with the Veterans Health Administration providing counseling services since 1992. However, research indicates that women in the military experience higher rates of sexual assault than men in the military, emphasizing the need for multi-level interventions (Blais, 2019; Brownstone et al., 2018). Brownstone et al. (2018) underscored the factors contributing to MST and advocated for supportive and validating responses to survivors. MST survivors face heightened risks of psychological, social, physical, and employment-related difficulties (Costello, 2022). Female MST survivors commonly experience issues such as declining sexual functioning, social support challenges, maladaptive coping mechanisms, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and reduced relationship satisfaction (Blais, 2020; Georgia et al., 2018). Psychological trauma, triggered by such distressing events, can lead to fear, nightmares, helplessness, and difficulties in relationships (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). PTSD, a challenging diagnosis for trauma survivors, involves exposure to traumatic events and intrusive symptoms impacting intimate relationships (Campbell & Renshaw, 2018). Women who experience trauma are more susceptible to PTSD and may require exploration of the ramifications of PTSD on their relationships (W. J. Brown et al., 2021). Relationship satisfaction is a critical outcome for trauma survivors, with positive psychology interventions addressing disparities in social functioning for survivors of MST as an option (Morris, 2022; Blais, 2020). Positive psychology has foundations rooted in ancient traditions. Concepts of human flourishing, character strengths, virtue, and well-being have shaped spiritual and philosophical thought across cultures (Peterson & Seligman, 2004; Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000). It is built on the idea that, rather than solely focusing on pathology or mental illness, psychology should explore and promote aspects of human life that contribute to happiness, fulfillment, and meaning (Peterson & Seligman, 2004; Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000). The five elements of Seligman’s PERMA model (positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments) and character strengths, including wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence, play a pivotal role in enhancing well-being (Seligman, 2012; VIA Institute on Character, 2019; Wagner et al., 2020). A non-pathological wellness approach, incorporating positive psychology interventions like the VIA Character Strengths (Niemiec, 2013, 2014) and mindfulness practices, have emerged as a promising intervention for trauma survivors (Carrola & Corbin-Burdick, 2015; Cebolla et al., 2017; Niemiec, 2014; Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000; Wingert et al., 2022). Mindfulness, which has proven effective in reducing PTSD symptoms, is integrated with character strengths in the Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) program (Niemiec, 2014; Zhu et al., 2019). The 8-week program combining mindfulness and character strengths practices has shown positive effects on well-being and relationship satisfaction (Ivtzan et al., 2016; Pang & Ruch, 2019). Exploring the potential of MBSP in addressing relationship satisfaction, mindfulness practices, and overall well-being for MST survivors is crucial. Theory of Well-Being—PERMA Model Seligman’s PERMA model and theory of well-being incorporates the hedonic (i.e., connecting with feelings of pleasure) and eudaimonic (i.e., experiences of meaning and purpose) perspectives of wellbeing and poses that these two components are necessary for optimal well-being (Seligman, 2012). Seligman’s PERMA model measures each element, utilizing a subjective and objective approach in the form of positive psychology interventions (Goodman et al., 2018). Furthermore, Thompson et al. (2016) reported that using both subjective and objective well-being constructs with veterans may be
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